ST. CHRISTOPHER’S CHURCH CHESTER, MARYLAND DECEMBER 13, 2020 This week we look not at any of the magi but rather at ourselves with God’s charity and rejoice in the Lord for what He has wrought in us. We give thanks this week for what we can ac- complish in and through Jesus Christ. We also look at the life of the Blessed Mother and can rejoice with her as she prays the Magnificat LK 1:46 -ff. Her soul and likewise our soul can glo- Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, rify the Lord. We can look to last week and note the fact that two of the days we celebrated the Blessed Mother under two Rejoice, again I say, Rejoice! Today we celebrate the Third Sun- titles: The Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United day of Advent and we notice the color rose is used in the envi- States of America, and The Virgin of Guadalupe, Patroness of ronment. Rose is the color signifying charity, the gift of Love the Americas and of the unborn. given by God for all who will receive Him in their heart. Jesus Christ is the perfection of what we will be and as He was incar- Let us Rejoice in what Jesus has made available to us and for all nate, born in time and space in the flesh of man, we humanity. Rejoice in the Him who conquered our faults and acknowledge the wonder of our unity between flesh and soul taught us forgiveness and life in His Father will enable us to live created by our Maker, God Himself. in grace and virtue. Last week our focus was on the magus who delivered the gift of Next week wear something purple again. It is the last week of myrrh which is the symbol that the receiver, Jesus Christ, is a Advent. Prophet, and we being made in His image and likeness and Bap- tized into his death and resurrection are also joined in His minis- Remember we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on try as prophet. Last week we opened the Treasure of Evangeliza- Wednesday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 PM and the Sacrament tion, the ability to proclaim to all that sin and death have no of Reconciliation available from 7:15 until 8:15 PM. stronghold on humanity any longer because Jesus Christ con- quered death once and for all by becoming the Lamb of sacrifice Rejoice! on the Cross. Pax Christi, We proclaim through words and actions the prophetic message Vy. Rev. John B. Gabage, V.F. that our lives can be lived within the dignity as humanity was first created, without sin. Our focus on a life of virtue allows us to develop the habits of behavior and attitudes that will enable us to live in the freedom of Life in Jesus. Through Jesus’ example, we have been made heirs to the behaviors that grant participation and cooperation within the Divine Plan for salvation, an ongoing process that was left to us in and through the Paraclete – the Ho- ly Spirit. Today, we acknowledge the potential of each human being. This potential has been magnified by the intercession of Christ where- by He made Himself victim for us all. Each one of us now lives in the end times, meaning we live in the promise of the resurrec- Attention Audio/Visual Enthusiasts tion, within the proverbial “eighth day,” a promise gifted to us in our baptism and a gift not to be taken for granted, but rather a gift that is to be lived out in all we do. “Gaudete” means St. Christopher will be establishing a new ministry “Rejoice.” We have much to rejoice over because of what Jesus that will support the latest live streaming capabili- has done for us then and now. ties. In the coming weeks, we will be installing new The magus that is donned with the turban of white, blue and gold live streaming equipment in the church and chap- fabric is the one who can also be called the one who points to the el. Live streaming will allow St. Christopher to pro- prophetic message because his head is donned with the colors of kingship, innocence, and divinity. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who vide remote participation of the mass and other is all in all. The prophet’s gift is myrrh which signifies to the church services such as adoration, weddings, funer- Christ child that death has no longer control over the human per- son. The magus’ position in prayer is also one of submission als, and baptisms. and signifies acceptance of the will of God. Last week I wrote that this figure represented priesthood, but with further reflection We are looking for those who are interested in volun- and study I must acknowledge humbly that I was mistaken. When one looks at the figure who is dressed in the Red chasuble teering to be part of the ministry. We know this is and wears a stylized roman collar, it is he who is truly represent- new for everyone, so training on the equipment will ing priesthood of Jesus Christ and would be the bearer of frank- incense. He like Jesus appears to be about the age of thirty-three be provided. and is young and ruddy, and gestures with the Orans position of prayer. If you are interested, please contact Frank Hesson at [email protected]. THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Gospel Weeklies are due on Sunday, De- cember 13th. Please drop off / submit your completed Gospel Weeklies. MONDAY DECEMBER 14 No Daily Mass TUESDAY DECEMBER 15 8 AM Intentions of Bernie Warchal First Reconciliation Reminders: First Reconciliation is scheduled for Saturday, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16 January 16th at 10am in the Church. All 8 AM Intentions of Carole Guerrieri students must have completed and turned THURSDAY DECEMBER 17 th in all assignments by December 20 . If 8 AM Joan Holzman + you have questions, please contact the Re- ligious Ed Office. FRIDAY DECEMBER 18 8 AM Intentions of Daniel and Amanda Kelly SATURDAY DECEMBER 19 Confirmation Reminders: This is a 5:00 Pat McCormick & reminder that Session 5: The Bible was th Mary Beth Dale due on Dec. 6 . Session 6: Relationships SUNDAY DECEMBER 20 is due on Dec. 20th. Please make sure to complete submit all Confirmation assign- 7:00 Parishioners of St. Christophers ments. 9:00 Intentions of Bernie Warchal 11:15 Fr. Paul Campbell + Confirmation Community Service Opportunity: Friday, December 18, 2020- Knights of Columbus Christmas Basket Assembly- Parish Hall 6PM. To participate, please call the Religious Education Office or email Katie Sukley to reserve your spot (limit of 10 students total). All participants must wear a face mask and maintain Did you know…………. your social distancing for this Community Service Project. Knights of Columbus will be selling raffle tickets on a new car and Christmas cards at the Everything Market Sunday Our Backpack program 12/13 from 10-3 at the Kent volunteers would like to Island American Legion in wish all parishioners a Stevensville. Please stop by Merry Christmas. We and see us and Brother Kenton Kilgore selling his hope your families are latest books. blessed with the same kindness and generosity The Knights of Columbus is an organization of that you have shown us Catholic men dedicated to the Church and the all year long. Community. We are dedicated to you St. Chris- We will continue to provide backpacks to all food inse- topher’s Church. Men interested in joining the cure students and at this time are averaging 50-70 bags Knights, 18 years and older should contact Ray weekly. Madonna email [email protected] or 410-490- 2680, Jim Klunk email [email protected] or 410-924-2270, Phil Boos email phil- We would like to thank [email protected] or 410-829-6769. Our next CASCIA VINEYARDS meeting will be on Dec. 22 in the Church Hall at for sponsoring an ad in our weekly bulletin 7pm. ST. CHRISTOPHER’S CHURCH CHESTER, MARYLAND DECEMBER 13, 2020 The image of the Preparation for The Flagellation of Christ now adorns the interior wall over the entrance doors of our Church. The original painting, which this is a copy of, was painted most likely by the artist Alosno Cano (1601 – 1667), and was done in a rectangular format. Cano was a Spanish artist from Granada who was nicknamed the Spanish Michelangelo because he was a master in painting, sculpture, and architecture. The original painting is most likely from the latter part of Cano’s career when he was in Granada as an ordained priest. He was previously a prebandary, an honorary canon who worked for the cathedral community. Later, he was exiled by his brother canons ATTENDANCE AT OUR to Madrid where he was ordained and later returned to the cathe- dral in Granada where he became the cathedral architect. CHRISTMAS EVE AND The painting originally belonged either to a convent, monastery CHRISTMAS DAY MASS- or to a royal collection in Spain. It was taken along with other works of art by the King of Spain, Joseph Bonaparte. The paint- ES WILL BE BY RESER- ing traveled many miles over land and sea, and eventually landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while Joseph Bonaparte was in VATION THRU FLOCK- exile here in the Unites States. The painting was given to Rev. John Hughes in 1832 to adorn his newly constructed church, St. NOTE ONLY! John the Evangelist, for its dedication and consecration. The church was constructed at the request of Bishop Francis Kenrick.