Saint CeciliaP A R I S H

Solemnity of The Epiphany of the Lord

7 January 2018The Adoration of the Magi (1304-06)

Giotto di Bondone

Welcome to Saint Cecilia Parish, a Roman Catholic community that gathers day by day, week by week, to know and make known the grace of God. By means of this abundant grace, we enjoy a diverse and close-knit parish family—young, old, rich, poor, of various ethnic origins and differing backgrounds. From our`vextraordinary music program to a growing children’s faith formation program; from the various liturgical ministries to the many opportunities for social outreach that the parish provides, Saint Cecilia is a vibrant community of faith, centered on prayer and worship that tries to keep the Gospel close to heart and to live by Jesus’ teachings.

Saint Cecilia Parish was established in 1888. At that time the Back Bay section of Boston along Com-monwealth Avenue and Beacon Street was the residential section of the Yankee aristocracy. The maids (“Irish working out girls”) and coachmen who served these residents had long requested a church of their own. When Archbishop Williams granted their request and carved the parish from the territory of the Cathedral, they built a magnificent church out of their meager earnings.

The church was dedicated on April 22, 1894. Its architecture is Romanesque, XII Century Norman. The main altar, notable for its massive simplicity, was carved from a single block of white Carrara marble. The painting in the center reredos is a reproduction of da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and the dome above is an array of 24K gold rosettes.

For the sixtieth anniversary celebration in 1954, a massive renovation project was undertaken. During this renovation, a statue of Pope Saint Pius X (canonized that same year) was imported from Italy and placed on the right side of the sanctuary. Above the statue are paintings from Pius’ life. On the left side is a statue of Saint Patrick, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Boston, and above it are three scenes from his life.

Fourteen circular and sixteen square panels adorn the nave and arches of the church. The square pan-els are decorated with the symbols of Our Lady taken from the Litany of Loreto and the circular ones with symbols taken from the lives of the apostles. The great window of the Assumption—framed by the two oak cases of the organ—was installed in 1954 (the Marian Year) in spaces originally designed for windows but not until then used.

The original organ of 24 stops was built in 1902 by the Hutchings-Votey Organ Company, Opus 1465, and was rebuilt in 1954 with 32 stops. In 1998, Timothy Smith and Theodore Gilbert began a massive reconstruction of the organ. The current Smith & Gilbert Organ of 4 manuals, 50 ranks, and 2,926 pipes was dedicated on the Feast of Saint Cecilia, November 22, 1999.

Today we are experiencing something of an awakening within these old walls. We recently completed a major renovation, our numbers are increasing, and we continue to grow in our commitment to is-sues of peace, justice, and service to our neighbors, both near and far.

We’ve been right here on Belvidere Street, in the same building for 125 years, but that does not mean that life here is stale, stagnant, or even predictable. We are proud to be entrusted with the legacy of Saint Cecilia Parish, where everything is the same, yet always changing; where we honor tradition while embracing the future; where God’s love makes all things new.

welcome!

Rev. Msgr. Michael F. Groden

February 16, 1940 — December 25, 2017

Pastor of Saint Cecilia Parish1989 — 2003

God of mercy and love,you chose our brother Michael to serve your

people as a priestand to share the joys and burdens of their lives.

Look with mercy on himand give him the reward of his labors,

the fullness of life promised to those who preach your holy Gospel.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen.

-From the Liturgy of Christian Burial

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today’s readings

Isaiah 60: 1-6

Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

next sunday’s readings

Samuel 3: 3B-10, 19

Corinthians 6: 13C-15A, 17-20 John 1:35 - 42

our community news

Ministers of the Liturgy

Saturday, January 6 | 5:00 p.m.Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrantEve Nagler, lector

Sunday, January 7 | 8:00 a.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantLouvere Walker, lector

Sunday, January 7 | 9:30 a.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantLudovico Rollo, Letitia Howland, andMichele Maniscalco, lectors

Sunday, January 7 | 11:15 a.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantBrian Himes, Lena Denis, and Joe Castellano, lectors

Sunday, January 7 | 6:00 p.m.Rev. Erick Berrelleza, SJ, celebrantNatasha Pierre and Julie Bogdanski, lectors

Special intentions

Sunday, January 7 | 9:30 a.m.Florence Kangos, Memorial

Sunday, January 7 | 9:30 a.m.Helen Kelley, Memorial

Sunday, January 7 | 11:15 a.m.Peter Gill, First Anniversary

Sunday, January 7 | 11:15 a.m.William O' Malley & Susan DeWinter, Memorial

Sunday, January 7 | 6:00 p.m.Mary McHale, Memorial

Thursday, January 11 | 8:00 a.m.Robert Scioli, Memorial

Friday, January 12 | 8:00 a.m.Annette Miola, Memorial

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Prayers & Occasions

Our DeceasedThe former beloved pastor of Saint Cecilia Parish, Msgr. Michael F. Groden, died on Christmas Day. Father Mike was appointed pastor of Saint Cecilia in 1989 and served here until 2003. He was responsible for resuscitating what was at that time a dying parish. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Father Mike knew him to be a faithful and good priest, a tireless advocate for the poor and most vulnerable, and a true gentleman. His funeral liturgy took place last Wednesday at Saint Cecilia. Pray for his eternal repose and for the consolation of his family and friends.

Jack Morse died on December 30. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the consolation of his wife Sonya Driscoll and his children Elizabeth and John. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Our SickPlease pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer, especially Annette Kulas, Rosea Aubrey, Pilar Estrada, Mildred McLaughlin, Brenna Smith, Mark Anderson, Bill Downing, Skyler Stevenson, Silvana Franco, Brian Donnelly, Theresa Wier, Bill Ahern, Lena Bryant, Kenny Borum, George Driscoll, Mary Curley, Bill Pennington, Bryan Thomas, Rachel Fitzgerald, Bob Carroll, John Morris, Mark Edward McHugh, Laura Bellias, Angelo Valente, Eugenia Valente, Betty Sellers, Jack Kacewicz, Daniel Grapski, Nancy Wolterman, Callie Boyce, Mary Chisholm, Brian Burdette, John Pelletier, Stephanie Brown, Bob Butler, Mary Dupont, Francesca Stanizzi, Hilary Dillon, Paul Lakschewitz, Pam Phillips, Tom O’Keefe, Pamela Massey, Mary Sullivan, Mimi Hart, Mei Day, Edris Kelley, Grady Richards, Bill Doran, Claire Smith, Karen Boutin, Cindy O’Meara, Sal Mateus, Kathryn Schuler, Tony Perretta, Irene Faldetta, Peter Webster, John Sullivan, Linda Burke, Cy Kilgore, Nelson Chambers, Kerri D'Arrigo, Gerard Franchi, Timothy Kelliher, Sophia Giorgianni, Vicki Basinger, Mitchell Cheverie, John Edward Doyle, Nancy Donovan, Kerri McDonald, Cecilia Hill, Barbara Simmons, and Sally Boutin.

BaptismsToday we celebrate baptism at the 9:30 liturgy for Shay Virginia, daughter of Charlie and Anita Doar and little sister of McGraw; and Eleanor Mathlynn, daughter of Chris and Maggie Loh. And at the 11:15 liturgy we celebrate baptism for Henry Alden, son of Dan and Colleen Pearce; and Cecily Anya, daughter of Sean and Rachel Robertson. The Christian community welcomes you with great joy, Cecily, Eleanor, Henry, and Shay!

For Those Without the Love of FamilyPray for all who have no families, for those who arealienated from or rejected by their families—that theymay experience love and acceptance through thisChristian community.

For Those Who Are GrievingPray for all who are grieving, particularly children whohave lost parents and parents who have lost childrento violence—that they may know that God is with themand draw strength and hope from the Holy Family whoexperienced great loss and pain.

For Parents Celebrating Christmas with a New ChildPray for our parishioners who are celebrating this Christmas with a new child—that they may recognize the gift of God that they hold and faithfully nurture the gifts and talents that God has given their child.

9:30 Mass — SimulcastEach Sunday, the 9:30 a.m. Mass is simulcast on our large screens in the Parish Hall. Join us for Mass—in the church or in the Parish Hall.

Evening Prayer on MondayThis Monday is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and we will celebrate Evening Prayer at 6:30. After tomorrow's feast, the Christmas season ends and Ordinary Time resumes, continuing through Tuesday, February 13, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season.

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ADULT FAITH

FORMATION EVENTS

CALENDAR

Saint Susanna Parish, DedhamOn many Monday nights at Saint Susanna Parish, it is not unusual for there to be an engaging discussion centering a topic relevant to what it means to be an informed Catholic. Join the Saint Susuanna Adult Faith Formation Ministry for an upcoming event:

• I Am Not Your Negro FilmMonday, January 8, 2018 Joint Presentation with Saint Susanna Pax Christi Committee

• Women in the Diaconate: Prophetic VoicesMonday, January 15, 2018 Susan and Ernest CollamatiAll Saint Susanna Parish events take place from 7-9 p.m. at 262 Needham Street in Dedham.

Boston College

School of Theology

and Ministry

Sacraments in Catholic LifeJanuary 17 - February 20 (5 weeks)*Registration closes Jan. 12 or when filled to capacity* Starting with an exploration of the concept of 'sacramentality', or the evidence of God's presence in the world, this course investigates how the seven individual Sacraments reflect the life of God among us.

The Creed: What We BelieveJanuary 17 - February 20 (5 weeks)*Registration closes Jan. 12 or when filled to capacity* Using the Apostles Creed as its out-line but referring also to the Nicene Creed and to Scripture, we explore

both what it means to believe as well as what is believed so that we may live our faith more richly every day.

Teaching Religion to Children: Cre-ative Strategies, Best Practices January 17 - February 20 (5 weeks)*Registration closes Jan. 12 or when filled to capacity* Focused on the elementary and junior high catechist and religious educator, this course explores teaching as a vo-cation, the various types of learners, different approaches to presenting religious education material, and ways to create sacred space and pray in the classroom.

A Timely Course for the Church and the World A Catholic View of Today's FamiliesJanuary 31 - February 20 (3 weeks) New Course!The Online Book Club: Hallelujah Any-way by Ann Lamott January 31 - February 27 (4 weeks)

FOR YOUR

CONSIDERATION

We appreciate the thoughtfulness of parishioners who have made bequests to the parish. These gifts help us build a solid foundation for future generations. If you have already made provisions in your will for our parish, please advise either Father John or Mark Donohoe at the parish office so that we can insure that your wishes are carried out as you intend.

WELCOMING THE

STRANGER

While visiting a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos last year, Pope Francis decided to bring twelve Syrian Muslims back to the Vatican with him on the papal plane. The Pope addressed the refugees and said, "As

people of faith, we wish to join our voices to speak out on your behalf. We hope that the world will heed these scenes of tragic and indeed desperate need, and respond in a way worthy of our common humanity."

Inspired by the Pope's words and actions, Saint Cecilia parish is working with Catholic Charities to assist refugee families who have relocated to the Greater Boston area. With no friends or relatives in the United States, they have a great many needs. The parish has offered to provide them with supermarket gift cards so that they will have food while their applications for political asylum are processed. If you would like to purchase gift cards to Market Basket specifically—and no more than $25 per card—please feel free to drop them in the offertory basket. If you do not live near a Market Basket and cannot purchase a gift card, you can also help by making a check for $25 or $50 payable to “Saint Cecilia Parish” and putting it in the offertory. Please write “Refugee Families” in the memo line.

Young Families

Ministry - January

Gathering

Our Young Families group will be kicking off 2018 with a gathering after the 9:30 mass on Sunday, 1/14 in the downstairs classrooms. Come reconnect with old friends and meet new ones as we begin a new year together! Childcare will be provided. Can't make it, but interested in being involved in the future? Email Erin (sc.youngfamilies@gmail.com) to get on the listserv.

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Bible Study -

Women in the Bible

Every Wednesday | 6:30-8:00 p.m.Saint Cecilia Classroom 4

Join us Wednesday evenings for lively and prayerful discussions on the many women featured in the Bible. We will read passages about classic favorites such as Eve and Mary the Mother of God, but also lesser known, significant women of the Bible, such as Hagar, mother of Ishmael; Deborah and Judith, female judges of the Old Testament; and Miriam, Moses’s faithful sister. We will touch on various themes and their connection to these Biblical women as well as to our own lives. Feel free to bring your Bibles and journals. No pre-registration required. Simply come as you are. The study is open to all men and women of the parish.

Christmas Cards for

Saint Cecilia Cares

Our parish helps the folks who are visited by members of our Saint Cecilia CARES ministry team. We will package up sets of Christmas/holiday cards for them. Given that many of those the CARES team visits are experiencing poverty or have mobility issues, these cards were greatly appreciated. While many stores are having 50% off sales, you might consider picking up a box (only one box per person, please) of cards for us to use next year. There is a bin in the narthex for this purpose.

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday | February 7, 2018 Serious Illness and Palliative Care Presentation/Discussion

If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, what could palliative care add to the treatment plan? How can you be sure to get the comprehensive care

that you or your loved one need? Join us for this evening discussion. More to come in future bulletins. If you have questions and/or want to participate in planning this evening, please contact Amy Russo at aerusso02115@gmail.com.

OUR HOMELESS

NEIGHBORS

Our friends at Boston Health Care for the Homeless report that they are experiencing an urgent need for boots and coats for the patients they see every day. There will be a bin in the narthex next weekend if you would like to donate new or gently used boots. There is a need for men’s and women’s boots – all sizes – but especially men’s sizes 9 to 13. Men's and women's coats (if used, freshly dry-cleaned) can also be donated in the narthex. If it is your preference to send a check (no more than $50, please) to enable us to purchase boots, please make a check payable to Saint Cecilia Parish, write “Boston Health Care” in the memo line and mail to:

Mark Lippolt Saint Cecilia Parish 18 Belvidere StreetBoston, MA 02115

Laudato Si Study

Group

Ever heard of Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home? Pope Francis' landmark 2015 encyclical provides a faith-based critique of consumer-ism, irresponsible development, en-vironmental degradation, and global warming. In doing so, he calls for all people—not just Catholics— to act ur-gently in improving our collective care for creation. Join the St. C's Social and Racial Jus-tice Ministry in a 7-week study of this unparalleled Church document. After our introductory session on Thursday,

January 25th, at 7pm, we will study and analyze each of the six chapters in detail. In addition to learning more about the faith-based context of the is-sues that the Holy Father presents, we will also brainstorm action items (on the parish, local, national, and global levels) that we can take to address these problems. Weekly meetings will occur on Thursday evenings at 7 pm in Classroom 1 (lower church). All are welcome, although we would appreci-ate sign-ups so that we can be sure to have enough materials for everyone! Please email organizer Caitlin Studdard at caitlinstuddard@gmail.com to sign up or to learn more.

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Dinner Service: New

England Center and

Home for Veterans

Sunday, December 31 | 3:45-5:0017 Court Street, Boston

Help ring in 2018 by serving a meal to those who served you at the New England Center and Home for Veterans. Volunteers will be utilized both behind the line serving a prepared meal to the Veteran residents, assisting mobility-disabled Veterans with their trays, and providing wait-staff support in the dining hall. RSVP at scyoungadults@

SAINTCECILIAYOUNGADULTS

Saint Cecilia Young Adults ministry welcomes parishioners ages 20-40.

Join our e-zine when you type URL: eepurl.com/bBbbLr

The Epiphany of

the Lord

The Epiphany of the Lord is one of the great solemnities of the liturgical year. Traditionally celebrated on January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas, it is so important that in many countries, including the United States, it is transferred to the nearest Sunday when it doesn't happen to fall on a Sunday. On Christmas day we celebrate the Word becoming fesh; on Epiphany we celebrate the news getting out—the revelation of this amazing happening to the world. Epiphany comes to us from the East as its Greek name indicates. The word means "manifestation," "showing forth," or "revelation." In the Eastern Churches, this day is a triple celebration of the revealing of Christ to the Magi; to people gathered at the Jordan when Jesus was baptized by John; and to the wedding guests at Cana. While the Church in the West emphasizes the visit of the Magi to the infant Christ today, with the Baptism of the Lord commemorated next Sunday, a hint of the ancient origins of Epiphany survives in one of today's antiphons for Evening Prayer: "Three mysteries mark this holy day: today the star leads the Magi to the infant Christ; today water is changed into wine for the wedding feast; today Christ wills to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us salvation."

Loving God,

We pray through the intercession of the Magi, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, that you help us create a home of peace and love. Give to those who pass through the doorways of this house, an awareness of your presence within their hearts. Bless our comings and our goings. Watch over us and over all our guests; when we leave, bless our journeys and bring us safely home. We ask this through Jesus, your Son and our Lord.Amen.

Epiphany Door

Blessing

It is an Epiphany custom to inscribe with chalk the initials of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, along with the numerals of the new year, over the main doorway of your house or apartment. Tra-ditionally, the letters and num-bers are inscribed in this format:20 + C + M + B + 18. In addition to the letters being the initials of the traditional names of the three Magi, they also abbreviate the Latin words “Christus mansionem benedicat,” or “May Christ bless the house.”

At Saint Cecilia, we pray that we will be a welcoming presence for all who pass through our doors; we pray that we will welcome ev-eryone without judgment or preju-dice. You are invited to take home a piece of blessed chalk with you today and say a prayer of bless-ing at your door. This is one option:

20 + C + M + B + 18

Newbie Coffee Hour

Sunday, January 21 I After 11:15 a.m. MassParish Hall

New to town? Never been to a young adult event? Come join us for coffee and pastries after Mass where we'll gather to explain what Saint Cecilia Young Adults is all about and give you a chance to meet some other new folks.

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M A K I N G S P A C E F O R Y O U R C R E A T I V E E N E R G Y

PaulistCenter.org 617-742-4460 info@paulistcenter.org

5 Park Street Boston, MA 02108 T -Park St Station

Wheelchair Accessible Discounted Parking Available

January 17th, 7pm

 One of the ways we reflect God’s image is that we have creativity. We paint, we garden, we build, we write, we sew, etc. But normally getting your career established and raising a family doesn’t leave much space for those endeavors. And with the passing of the years, those energies are like water in a kettle, steaming “let me out!”  Are you listening?  It’s important for your mental, psychological, and spiritual health to make the space and time.  The Creator’s gift to us is creativity; our gift in return is to use it.

This will be the 5th session in the 7 month Take Back Your Time series in holistic spirituality offered by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP. Wednesday, January 17th, 7-8:15pm (Suggested donation $10 - $5 students)

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Christmas Flowers

Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead;to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:5-6)

The Abruzzi Family

Annie & Walter Aiken

John F. Aiken

Tony Andrade

Mrs. Mary Anzivino

Sharon Appelman

Cora Arnold

Catherine Aylward

Maria Barbosa

Romania Barclay

Esther Barker

Joanne Bean

Mary & John Bergan

John Bergan

Julius & Eleanore Bienkowski

Pete Blanchfield

Lucy Bolesky

Michael Bolesky

Pat Booth

Chuck & Betty Botosh

Gary J. Bowen

Mary Bradley

John Brait

Gerard & Patricia Brennan

Pat Brooks

Sergio Bru

Ursula Bruer

Warren & Alec Bruno

Louis & Dorina Brutocao

Francisco Bucasus

Dorothy Buckley

Harward Buckley

The Bufalini Family

The Burke Family

Robert Cahill

Daniel F. Callanan Jr.

Samuel C. Callis

Michael & Joan Capitula

Catherine Carroll

James Castellano

Gene Castello

John Alan Cates

Stella Cesare

Frank Cesare

George C. Chinetti

Mee-Na Choo

Jong-Joo Chung

Mary E. Clough

Anna Coleman

Ernest F. Coleman

Joan Coleman

Virginia & Harry Coleman

Albert Conciatori

Michael & Delia Conlon

Eddie Conroy

Joe & Mickey Contilli

Richard Kennedy Corcoran

Frances & Madeline Cotton

Anne M. Coyne

Suzanne E. Coyne

Thomas F. Coyne

Robert Crawford

The Croke Family

Leo Croke

Nona Croke

Tommy Croke

Daniel G. Curley

Daniel T. Curley

Mark Czestochowa

Mr. & Mrs. Saheed W. Dahar Sr.

Richard J. Dalby

Peter Dalton

Sean Dalton

Jean-Marie Dart

Richard Dart

William Dart

Mr. & Mrs. Del Lore

The Demers Family

Jack Demmer

Mr. John Zekas Dennehy

Mr. & Mrs Philip F. Dennehy Sr.

Kathy Devin

Mary & Joseph Devlin

The Diggins & Duggan Families

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Agnes H. Dillon

James T. Dillon

Susan M. Dillon

Vinny Dimauro Jr.

Michael Doherty

Walter Doherty

Betsy Donovan

Lawrence E. Donovan

Mary E. Donovan

George J. Doran Sr.

Roberta Doyle

R. Margaret & Arthur Dunnett

Mary Dupont

Aynsley (Lee) Dupré

Mariola Dupré

Fredericka Durant

Tom Durant

Mary Du’ Ren

Francis Dowd

Doris Elders

Stephen Ellis

Jean Fabian

Frank Fahey

Jack Fahranzo

Alfonsina Faldetta

John P. Faldetta

Anne Farinelli

John Farinelli

Tony Farinelli

Mary Fazio

The Feeley Family

Patricia Ferris

Emma Fischer

James & Sophia Fiske

Col. & Mrs. John I. Fitzgerald Jr.

Joanne Fitzpatrick

Carolin & Philip Fitzpatrick

Annie Flaherty

Joseph & Ann Flaherty

Tom Flood

The Franchi Family

Nora Frank

Donald Frost Jr.

Donald Frost Sr.

Ruth Frost

Carmen Garcia

Luis Francisco Garcia

Rudy Garza

Frank & Winifred Gens

Frank Gibbons

Killian Gibbons

Adrian & Helene Gleason

The Greene Family

John Greene

John Greene Jr.

Mary Greene

The Griffith Family

Margaret Miller Harris

Marguerite Thisse Harris

Sr. Clare Hayes

Faith Helweg

Theodore Helweg

Nancy & Charles Heaslip

Andrew Hill

Bryce Holton

Leah & Thomas Holton

Carol Howland

Richard Howland

Edmond & Agnes Horsley

Christopher & Virginia Iannella

Antoni Igras

Dorothy Igras

Jan Igras

David Jarosiewicz

Theresa Jarosiewicz

Will Jarosiewicz

Zigmund Jarosiewicz

Boyd Jefferies

Jack & Bridget Johnston

Marianne & Bill Kane

Rita & George Kane

Angela Karpowich

Ardine & Leo Kaye

The Keefe Family

Arline Kershaw

Nadia & Joseph Kiley

Brig. Gen. Leo A. Kiley

Cy Kilgore

Dottie & Rene L’Abbe

George & Margaret Lakschewitz

George Lakschewitz Jr.

Anita & Xeno Langos

Peter Lanzetti

The LaPiana Family

Susie Lester

Susan Levinsky

Hugh Lewis

Katherine M. Lewis

Sarah Lewis

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Kenny Liebling

Rocco Linares

Claire & Joseph Lippolt

Alice Littleton

Carmen Lombardo

Lorraine Lyons

Barbara & John MacDonald

Mary MacEvoy

Msgr. Vincent J. Mackay

Rita MacLean

The Macaulay Family

Fred Maglero

Ilda Maguire

Paul Maguire

Peter Maguire

Gerry & Bridie Maloney

The Mancini Family

Joseph & Mary Marino

Efrain & Dolores Marrero

Catherine Marshall

Frederick Marshall

Frederick Marshall Jr.

Eleanor Marshall Jr.

Dennis Mateo

Alexander & Josephine Mathurine

Mary J. McCarthy

William McCue

Patrick & Mary McCloskey

Richard McCloskey

Bill McLaughlin

Jim McLaughlin

John McLaughlin

Teresa McLoughlin

Jim McManus

Mary McNeill

Peter Menansche

Robert Menson

Joseph Michalski

Jeff Monroe

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Mooney Sr.

George Morales

Beverly Morris

Francis X. & Margaret Morse

The Moylen Family

Bill Mullin

Dorothy & Frank Mullin

The Murphy Family

Betty & Ed Murphy

Bob Murphy

Ed Murphy Jr.

Marilyn Murphy

George Nassour Sr

George Nassour Jr.

Robert Nassour

Dorothy Nelson

Marian & Irma Nicolini

Grace Nisbet

Sr. Jeanette Normandin, SSA

Rose O’Callaghan

Jerry O’Connor

Maura & Bob O’Keefe

Margaret O’Neill

Eleanor O’Rourke

Frances & Richard Paczkowski

Cristobal Paéz

Elena Paéz

Mariá Cristina Campo de Paéz

Placido Paéz

Joe & Virginia Pantano

Antonio Pellegrino

Msgr. Francis L. Phelan

Phil Picard

John & Phyllis Pirani

Isabelle Plante

Lisa Potts Polito

Julia Powell

Mary Powell Richardson

Abraham Pressman

James & Sadie Price

Mrs. Barbara Racicot

Alfred Reilly

Donald Reilly

Geoff Reilly

Janet T. Reilly

Marshall Reilly

Richard Reilly

William Reilly

Stephanie & Michael J. Remo

Kathleen A. Ridini

Cecilia Riley

Charlie Riley

Anthony G.B. Rocchio

Marie Malefont Rocchio

Theresa M. Rocchio

Mr. & Mrs. Jose Rodriguez

Grace Romasanta

Angelo D. Roppolo

Margaret M. Roppolo

Florence Rowe

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Edgar & Josephine Roy

Dorothy Ryan

Mario & Maria Santoro

Mary Schmitt

Robert L. Schmitt

Evelyn Scott

Donald P. Schnorr

Werner Schon

Susan Shaughnessy

Kathleen Ann Shepard

The Sheridan Family

Elizabeth Shatswell

John Shatswell

Peter Shatswell

Mary Sice

Paul & Mary Siebert

James J. Skeffington Sr.

Mary & Francis Skinner

Pil-Yum Son

Soon-Ok Bae Son

Kyeung-Seok Son

The Souza Family

Edward Spry

Edward Spry Jr.

Dorothy Starzyk

William Starzyk Jr.

Mary Sullivan

Ruth & Jack Sullivan

John & Ruth Szum

Susan R. Szum

Helen & Rudy Tetrault

Adelaide Henry Thisse

Roman (Ray) Tolubiak

John & Nadine Troppy

Claire Tutien

Frank J. Unni

Robert Van Bomel Sr.

Brian Van Nostrand

Gregg Van Nostrand

Angie & Frank Verderame

Maria & Paul Vervoort

Louis & Margaret Venditti

Maura J. Villard

Anne Volk

Elizabeth Volk

Marie Walley

The Westover Family

Frank Williams

John Wojnas

Ben Woolkalis

Mary Lou Woolkalis

Walter & May-Soon Yee

Robert Yobaccio

Nimette Yousif

Xiaobin-Paul Zhao

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Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord (Mt. 2:1-12)

Today's Gospel passage is one of the most well-known Gospel stories. It calls to mind the Nativity scenes and crèches that

people display in their homes. And it reminds us of popular Christmas carols like “The First Nowell" and We Three Kings.”

So we think: That’s nice. The Three Wise men with their colorful robes have come to give their nice presents to cute, little, usually white, Baby Jesus.

So it’s a sort of warm and cozy story, right?

Well, no. It’s actually a pretty terrifying story that we shouldn’t try to tame. Because remember: As the Gospel of

Matthew tells us in the next passage, upon discovering the birth of Jesus, King Herod will slaughter every male child in the area under the age of two, an act that will forces Mary and Joseph to flee to Egypt. So Mary and Joseph, a poor couple from a small town, will soon be on the run. And at the same time they’re probably still dealing with confusion about who this child, who their child, is going to be.

It’s also a mysterious story historically. For one thing, in Matthew’s Gospel, Mary and Joseph already live in Bethlehem. They haven’t come from Nazareth, as Luke’s Gospel tells it. For another, a few of the events are hard to corroborate historically, like the evidence of a great star. So when we apply the tools of biblical scholarship, a few pieces of the story are hard to line up.

On the other hand, many of the parts of the story line up exactly with what we know from history: for example, the character of King Herod, who the historical record shows slaughtered several members of his family, including his father and mother in law, his first wife, and three of his sons. There was at the time also indeed a decided interest in astrology as a predictor of great events and the coming of great people. And Egypt was in fact a place of refuge for Jews. More basically, Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph in very humble circumstances.

But more than almost any of the other Gospel stories, what are called the “Infancy Narratives” in Luke and Matthew, seem to have added features. That is, it seems that the Gospel writers added more to the stories of Jesus’s birth than to passages about Jesus’s adult life and public ministry.

JealousyBY JAMES MARTIN SJ

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

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So what really happened? Well, in this case, it may have happened exactly as it’s described. Who knows? Nothing is impossible with God. So, if I get to heaven and Jesus says to me, “My birth was exactly like that,” I’ll say fine. But if Jesus tells me, well, the basics are true, but Matthew and Luke added a few things, I’ll say okay. (Frankly, if Jesus says anything to me in heaven, I'll say okay.)

But, at the very least, the essentials of this Gospel are true: the birth of Jesus in humble circumstances in first-century Palestine would, like his later public ministry, provoke intense responses from people—either gratitude and a desire to worship, or fear and a desire to eliminate him. That is true throughout Jesus’s entire earthly life, from his birth to his death.

But there’s another way this story is true. It is true in our own lives. Because sometimes we are like Herod, and we reject the presence of God, especially when it comes in unexpected ways. And sometimes we are like the Magi and we are, indeed, wise, and are able to see that God comes to us in surprising and even baffling ways, and we are willing to go to great lengths, sometimes travel great distances, to fulfill the promise that God offers us.

But let’s look for a moment at Herod, for he can tell us something about the most difficult of all human emotions: jealousy. Because beyond what he falsely judges as the political implications for him—after all, his actual title was “King of the Jews”--Herod is jealous.

Instead of welcoming the news that something wonderful has happened in his region, Herod sees a threat. He’s no longer the center of things. “I’m the King of the Jews!” you can hear him say. And notice what jealousy moves him to do. First, he lies to the Wise Men. He doesn’t want to worship Jesus. He want to kill him! So he tries to get people who want to celebrate Jesus to do his bidding. Jealousy leads to deceit, as we try to get our way, as we try to jockey for the top position. Jealousy says, “That’s mine!”

It’s such a common human emotion. It’s something we have all felt, everyone here, and we see it a great deal in New York. Who has a nicer apartment? Who got a promotion this year? Who got a bigger bonus from their firm this made? Who made partner? Who works at a more prestigious hospital? And, mind you, Jesuits are not immune from this. We’re human beings as well. We can be Herods, too, just like anyone else.

The Wise Men stand in contrast to this: they come to celebrate the Good News. Now, as I said, a few pieces of this story may not be historical. But I have no trouble believing that either immediately after Jesus’s birth, or months, or years, afterwards, there were influential men and women, wise people, who recognized Jesus’s authority and, later on, his divinity. And they celebrated it. That was clearly the case during his public ministry. Look at someone like John the Baptist, who had his own circle followers, and yet is able to say when Jesus appears, “I’m not fit to untie his sandal strap.”

So what do you do when someone’s star seems like it’s going to eclipse your own? Can you celebrate its light, knowing that your star will still shine in its own way? And that all of us give light in our own ways and make the universe bright? Or will you try to extinguish the other person’s light? Of course the great irony in this passage is that Jesus will never try to topple any political leaders from thrones, even when given the opportunity to do so. So Herod could have worshiped Jesus and kept his position and his authority. His jealousy was unnecessary, as it always is.

Now, what helps us to work against being like Herod? As with most things in the spiritual life the answer is easy: gratitude. Jealousy is not only an inflation of what someone else has, but a denigration of what you have and, more importantly, who you are. We tend to compare what we know is our own “mixed-bag” life of pluses and minuses with what we falsely see as another person’s supposedly perfect life.

And in that lopsided comparison, guess which always loses out? We have to remind ourselves that not only is our own life rich and full and beautiful, but that everyone else’s life is, like ours, imperfect, incomplete, and filled with its own suffering, its own crosses.

Do you think Herod would have wanted to be Jesus if he knew that Good Friday was waiting for him?

In the end, then, this story is true. And not just in some metaphorical way. I believe that it more or less happened as the Gospels describe: Jesus is born in humble circumstances to Mary and Joseph. Rumors of his birth, probably confirmed by astrologers and biblical prophecies that Herod and others would have known, probably enraged the murderous king. And at some point wise men, and women, recognized his birth as the dawn of something new, and reverenced Jesus, even as a child, as someone destined for something special. And remember: whenever we ask historical questions about the Infancy Narratives, we have to keep in mind that Mary herself would have been a valued member of the early Christian community, and would have surely passed along her experiences. So even if we can look at the Infancy Narratives with a critical eye and bring in tools of historical criticism, we have to take these stories very seriously.

But today’s Gospel is just as true in a spiritual way too: It speaks to us not only of the divinity and majesty of Jesus, but our own human conditions. So, the question is: Are we going more to be like Herod, and let jealousy consume us, or are we going to be more like the other people in this story and be, in a word, wise?

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

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Please join us for

Evening Prayer during the Christmas Season

Tuesday, December 26 at 6:30 p.m. – St. Stephen

Wednesday, December 27 at 6:30 p.m. – St. John the Evangelist

Thursday, December 28 at 6:30 p.m. – The Holy Innocents

Thursday, January 4 at 6:30 p.m. – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Monday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m. – Baptism of the Lord

Liturgy lasts approximately half an hour. All are welcome!

Tuesday, December 26 at 6:30 p.m. –St. Stephen

Wednesday, December 27 at 6:30 p.m. – St. John the Evangelist

Thursday, December 28 at 6:30 p.m. – The Holy Innocents

Thursday, January 4 at 6:30 p.m. – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Monday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m. – Baptism of the Lord

Liturgy lasts approximately half an hour. All are welcome!

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

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Parish Office & Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115Hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Phone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | info@stceciliaparish.orgWebsite | www.stceciliaboston.org

Parish StaffRev. John J. Unni, PastorMary Kaye, Pastoral Director of Operations,mkaye@stceciliaboston.orgMark Donohoe, Pastoral Associate for Administration,mdonohoe@stceciliaboston.orgScott J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Parish Visibility, smacdonald@stceciliaboston.orgJeanne Bruno, Chaplain, Pastoral Associate, Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach,jbruno@stceciliaboston.orgRichard J. Clark, Director of Music and Organist, rclark@stceciliaboston.orgLisa Pickering, Events and Facilities Manager, lpickering@stceciliaboston.org

Assisting ClergyRev. Erick Berrelleza, SJRev. Peter Grover, OMVRev. Peter Gyves, SJRev. James Shaughnessy, SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday, Thursday, & Friday | 8:00 a.m.Lord’s Day | Sat 5:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.Holy Days | 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

ReconciliationThe sacrament of reconciliation is available by appointment. Please call the Parish Office.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the communal process through which non-baptized men and women become members of the Catholic Church. It is also suitable for those baptized in different faith traditions who are interested in becoming Catholic, or, for those who were baptized Catholic, but have yet to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and confirmation.

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For more information, please contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office.

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program, please contact Scott MacDonald in the Parish Office.

MarriageCouples who wish to prepare for marriage should contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office at least six months in advance.

Care of the SickTo arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion to be brought to those unable to attend the Sunday celebration, or for Viaticum for the Dying (Holy Communion for those in danger of death), please contact the Parish Office. It is always possible to anoint the sick during regularly scheduled liturgies.

Order of Christian FuneralsThe parish is prepared to celebrate the Vigil (wake) in the church. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) TeamThe CAP Team is responsible for training all parish staff and volunteers in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God’s Children program (VIRTUS). They also provide consultation and support to anyone in the parish who has concerns about reporting child abuse and neglect. Please contact Lois Flaherty (loisflaherty@gmail.com), Maria Roche (maria.roche15@gmail.com), Letitia Howland (l_howland@hotmail.com), or Erin Young (erin.t.young@gmail.com) if you have any ques-tions or concerns.

The Archdiocese of Boston has in place a vigorous program to protect children from harm and to educate its ministers and faithful about the nature of abuse, with a goal of increasing knowledge, creating a safe environment for children, and recognizing and reporting potentially dangerous situations. The full text of the policy is also available in the narthex and Parish Office, as well as on our website.

For Those with Celiac DiseaseIf you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a supply of low-gluten altar bread available for those who cannot tolerate gluten.

Hearing Assistance in ChurchThe church is equipped with an FM listening device. Small receivers are available for anyone who may have trouble hearing the sound system. Simply request a receiver from any one of our greeters before Mass.

Access for the DisabledBoth the church and Parish Pastoral Center are accessible by elevator.

ParkingThere is reduced rate parking for $11.00 at the Hynes Auditorium Garage located on Dalton Street on Sundays until 3:00 p.m. and every evening after 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to ask one of our greeters for a parking validation ticket before leaving the church. There is also reduced rate parking on Sundays only at the Prudential Center South Garage (enter at Huntington Avenue or Dalton Street); up to 4 hours: $14.00, up to 5 hours: $20.00.

Joining Our CommunityWe’re happy that you’re with us! Our community offers a warm, spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics. We come from many neighborhoods in and around Boston but also have parishioners from as far afield as Marlborough, Newburyport, and Stow. Please introduce yourself to a staff member, drop in for coffee on Sunday, or fill out a new parishioner form in the narthex.. No matter what your background, please know that you are always welcome at Saint Cecilia.

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