Visit our website at www.stpaulcnj.org January 22nd

, 2017

ST. PAUL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH MANY CULTURES, MANY COUNTRIES, MANY LANGUAGES IN ONE BODY: ST. PAUL’S FAMILY

TODAY’S GOSPEL When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

EL EVANGELIO DE HOY Cuando Jesús se enteró de que Juan había sido arrestado, se retiró a Galilea. Y, dejando Nazaret, se estableció en Cafarnaún, a orillas del lago, en los confines de Zabulón y Neftalí, para que se cumpliera lo que había sido anunciado por el profeta Isaías: ¡Tierra de Zabulón, tierra de Neftalí, camino del mar, país de la Transjordania, Galilea de las naciones! El pueblo que se hallaba en tinieblas vio una gran luz; sobre los que vivían en las oscuras regiones de la muerte, se levantó una luz. A partir de ese momento, Jesús comenzó a proclamar: "Conviértanse, porque el Reino de los Cielos está cerca".

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, and 1:00pm (Spanish) Weekdays: 8:00am Mass is celebrated in the St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Chapel in the Parish House. Holy Days: 8:00am and 7:30pm Confessions: Saturdays from 4:15pm-5:00pm

DEVOTIONS Novena in Honor of the Immaculate Conception: Monday after the 8:00am Mass. Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Wednesdays after the 8:00am Mass. Mass and Novena for Our Mother of Perpetual Help: Wednesday at 7:30pm in the Church and gathering every 3rd Wednesday of the month. (Parish Hall) Prayer for Vocations: Friday after the 8:00am Mass. Eucharistic Adoration: First Friday of the month from 8:30am to 6:00pm.

PARISH OFFICE Pastor: Fr. Leonardo Jaramillo, Ph.D. Address: 231 Second Street Clifton, NJ 07011 Office Hours : 9:00am to 3:00pm. Closed for lunch from 12:00pm to 1:00pm Phone: (973) 340-1300 ***Fax: (973) 340-2083 E-mail: stpaulchurchcnj@verizon.net Web site : www.stpaulcnj.org

RECTORY Address: 124 Union Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011 Phone: (973) 772-0117 E-mail: pastor.stpaul@verizon.net

MOTHER CABRINI CENTER Address: 97 Washington Ave. Clifton, NJ 07011

SERVED BY Pastor…………....Rev. Leonardo Jaramillo Ph.D …………....Ext 13 Deacon ……..………………….……................................Joseph A. Puskas Deacon, D.R.E…………..…...…………….…….................Héctor Casillas D.R.E Assistant…………………..…..….Kathy Militello….….....Ext 11 Youth Ministry…………………..........Camilo and Luisa Betancourt Secretary…….…….......................................Sonia Almonte…….Ext 10 Bookkeeper.……...……….…….............Mildred López.……..…Ext 12 Volunteer Psychologist………………….…………..……....Ingrid Díaz Credentials: MA, MSW, LCSW, Ph.D. Music Minister ……………….......…...............................John Portscher Cantor……………………..………….....……................Valerie Bernhardt Family Choir……………….…………..….….................Tony and Ida Uri Spanish Choir…………….…..….....….......Luis and Esperanza Pérez Saxophonist …………...…..…..………..…...…….....…....……. José Parra Trustee.………………………..…................….....................James Anzaldi Trustee …………………………....................................Raymond Cramer

Members of our staff are fluent in English & Spanish

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 22ND, 2017

Matthew 4:12-23

MT 14:22-33

Visit our website at www.stpaulcnj.org January 22nd, 2017

SACRAMENTAL LIFE AT ST. PAUL

BAPTISM: Baptisms in English are celebrated every 2nd Saturday of the month at 1:00pm and 2nd Sunday during Mass at 9:30 and 11:30am. Baptisms in Spanish are celebrated every 4th Saturday of the month at 1:00pm and 4th Sunday at 1:00pm (Spanish Mass). Parents and Godparents are required to attend one Baptismal Preparation Class, if Godparents are not registered parishioners in St. Paul Church, they must bring a sponsor Letter from their parish. First requirement is that the parents must bring an original birth certificate when meeting with the pastor or deacon to schedule a Baptism. For more information, please look in the website at www.stpaulcnj.org

RECONCILIATION: The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday from 4:15pm to 5:00pm in the Church. Personal appointments may be made by contacting the parish office.

MARRIAGE: The Sacrament of Matrimony is celebrated Wednesday to Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and Sunday from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. We must be contacted one year prior to the date of the wedding. In your initial meeting with the pastor or deacon, couples must bring the following documents: updated Baptismal, First Communion, and Confirmation certificate. For more information, please look in the website at www.stpaulcnj.org

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: The sacrament of the sick is celebrated during the 5:30pm Mass on Saturday. If you wish to be anointed during the 5:30pm Mass, or if you prefer other arrangements, please contact the parish office. In cases of illness, please notify us if you or a family member would like to receive Holy Communion at home. The pastor visits the sick twice a month. Please notify the Parish Office at 973-340-1300.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: The Religious Education Program provides religious formation and sacramental preparation for children of our parish in Grades 1 through 11. For more information contact our Parish Office.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION (RCIA) FOR ADULTS: A process of Liturgical and Spiritual formation for those seeking to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. For more information contact our Parish Office.

BAUTISMO: Los Bautismos en Inglés se celebran el segundo Sábado del mes a la 1:00pm y el segundo Domingo durante las Misas de 9:30am y 11:30am. En Español celebramos los Bautismos el cuarto Sábado del mes a la 1:00pm y el cuarto Domingo a la 1:00pm dentro de la Eucaristía. Es un requísito que Padres y Padrinos asistan a una clase de Preparación Bautismal antes de celebrar este Sacramento, si los Padrinos no están registrados como miembros de la Parroquia de San Pablo, deben traer una carta en la que indique que ellos asisten a Misa o son miembros activos de otra Parroquia. Los padres deben traer el certificado original de nacimiento del niño(a) a la primera cita con el sacerdote o diácono.

CONFESIONES: El Sacramento de la Reconciliación o Confesión es celebrado todos los sábados de 4:15pm hasta las 5:00pm en la Iglesia. Si desea una cita personal con el Sacerdote, por favor llamar a la oficina.

MATRIMONIO: El Sacramento del Matrimonio es celebrado de Miércoles a Viernes de 1:00pm hasta las 4:00pm; Sábados de 1:00pm a las 3:00pm y Domingos de 3:30pm a 5:00pm. Los documentos que deben traer son: Certificado original de Bautismo, Primera Comunión y Confirmación. Las parejas de novios deben empezar a prepararse con un año de anterioridad. Para mayor información, por favor ponerse en contacto con el pastor en la Oficina Parroquial.

UNCIÓN DE LOS ENFERMOS: El Sacramento de la Unción de los enfermos es celebrado durante la Misa de 5:30pm el día Sábado. Si usted desea ser ungido durante esta Misa o en otra ocasión por favor póngase en contacto con la Oficina Parroquial.

En caso de una persona enferma, por favor déjele saber a nuestra Parroquia, si usted o un miembro de su familia desean recibir la Santa Comunión en su casa. El Párroco visita a los enfermos dos veces al mes. Por favor, notifique a la Oficina de la Parroquia al 973-340-1300.

EDUCACIÓN RELIGIOSA: El Programa de Formación Religiosa ofrece la formación tanto religiosa como la preparación a los Sacramentos para niños y niñas de nuestra Parroquia en los grados 1º al 11º. Para mayor información contacte nuestra oficina Parroquial.

RITO DE INICIACIÓN CRISTIANA PARA ADULTOS (RICA): Es un proceso de formación litúrgico y espiritual para aquellos que buscan recibir los Sacramento del Bautismo, Confirmación y Eucaristía. Para mayor información por favor, ponerse en contacto con la Oficina Parroquial.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING YOUR CHILD

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING MARRIED IN OUR CHURCH, PLEASE CONTACT

OUR PARISH OFFICE.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING YOUR CHILD

BAPTIZED, PLEASE CONTACT OUR PARISH OFFICE.

Visit our website at www.stpaulcnj.org January 22nd, 2017

SATURDAY, January 21, 2017 Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr 8:00am: Ruth Worhach 5:30pm: Natalia and Ricardo Caicedo, Jason Castillo

SUNDAY, January 22, 2017 Third Sunday of Ordinary Time 7:30am: George Gerardi 9:30am: Edith E.S. Wieth (1st Ann), Casandra Brincka, Josephine Messineo 11:30am: Baldo Marretta, William A. Kelley, John Portscher, Sr., Rose and John Hungler 1:00pm: Onorina Garcia (1r Aniversario), Jenny Jaramillo (2o Aniversario), Orlando González, Mireya Contin (1r Mes), Gerardo Palacio, Jason Castillo

MONDAY, January 23, 2017 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn Children Saint Vincent, Deacon and Martyr; Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin 8:00am: Antoliana Hernandez (7th Month)

TUESDAY, January 24, 2017 Saint Francis of Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 8:00am: Maria Grazia Moccia

WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2017 The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle 8:00am: Jason Castillo 7:30pm: St. Paul Parishioners

THURSDAY, January 26, 2017 Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops 8:00am: George Gerardi

FRIDAY, January 27, 2017 Saint Angela Merici, Virgin 8:00am: St. Paul Parishioners

SATURDAY, January 28, 2017 Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church 8:00am: Jack Albanese 5:30pm: Florence Fisher (2nd Ann)

SUNDAY, January 29, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time 7:30am: George Gerardi 9:30am: Edith E.S. Wieth (1st Ann), Casandra Brincka, Gloria Kolodziej 11:30am: Eleanor Kane (1st Ann), Victor Wihera 1:00pm: Carmen Ines Torres Hidalgo (6o Mes), Carlos Rodas, Hernan Ortiz, Gerardo Palacio

The Sanctuary Lamp will be lit in Memory of... St. Paul Church Parishioners Host and Wine is offered in Memory of... St. Paul Church Parishioners The Candles on the Main Altar are in Memory of... St. Paul Church Parishioners The Flowers on the Main Altar are in Thanksgiving for ... St. Paul Church Parishioners The Blue Candle on Mary’s Altar will be lit in Memory of … St. Paul Church Parishioners The flowers on Mary’s Altar are in Memory of… St. Paul Church Parishioners

READINGS FOR THIS WEEK Monday: Hebrews 9:15, 24-28; Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6; Mark 3:22-30 Tuesday: Hebrews 10:1-10; Psalm 40:2 and 4ab, 7-8a, 10, 11; Mark 3:31-35 Wednesday: Acts of the Apostles 22:3-16; Psalm 117:1bc, 2; Mark 16:15-18 Thursday: 2 Timothy 1:1-8; Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10; Mark 4:21-25 Friday: Hebrews 10:32-39; Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40; Mark 4:26-34 Saturday: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75; Mark 4:35-41 Sunday: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13; Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12a

JANUARY/FEBRUARY ENVELOPE SCHEDULE

GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING: COLLECTION FOR JANUARY 15th, 2017

Please notify an usher if the Mass you are attending is in memory of a friend of family member, and you will like to bring the Gifts to the Altar in the Offertory Procession.

Memorials This Weekend 21st, 22nd

MT 21:33-43

MT 14:22-33

MT 13:24-43

Regular Collection $ 5,172.00 Second Collection $ 1,655.00 Christmas Collection $ 127.00 Candles $ 173.00 Young Children’s $ 43.00 Novena $ 76.00 Total $ 7,246.00

1/22 Weekly 1/29 Weekly 2/05 Weekly 2/12 Weekly

“In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, “It is more blessed to

give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Thank you for your generosity!

(IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN A MASS

INTENTION FOR A LOVED ONE, PLEASE CALL

OUR PARISH OFFICE)

Visit our website at www.stpaulcnj.org January 22nd, 2017

C A T H O L I C

H U M O R

ST. PAUL CHURCH YOUTH MINISTRY Our next youth ministry meeting will be on Wednesday, January 25th at 6:45pm in the Mother Cabrini Center. We welcome all the youth of our parish to come and join us and bring a friend!

COMMUNITY PRAYERS PRAYERS FOR FIREFIGHTERS, POLICEMEN, AND

THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY may they be strengthened by knowing that Jesus Christ is with them always especially; Douglas Aquino, Kevin Aquino, Christopher McQuade, Matthew Mulick, Jeremy Brubaker, Matthew Valderama, Joseph Puskas II, Samantha Eromenok, Brian Eromenok, Erin Kidd, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Joseph Belfi, Fernando Rodriguez, Juan Perdomo, Anais Calderon, Christopher Calderon, Stephen Prandy, Lorenzo Urbano, Joseph Domicolo, Jake Castro, Marci Mann, Christopher & Matthew Molino, Carlos & Patricio Archila, Steven Green, Jose Carrero, Tom Scangarello Jr., Javier Cruz, William Fernandez, Rudy Ruiz, Wesley Delgado, Michael Genchi, Christopher Ashey, and William Fernandez. May they be comforted by our continual prayers for their safety. Let us pray to the Lord.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK We especially pray for the sick who are suffering in our parish community: Cathy Scyncik, Andrew Sussman, Agnes Espinas, Lucile

Paradiso, Roseanne Rocasanta, Dennis Asti, Margaret Bernhardt, Cathy Telofski, Elizabeth DaCunha, Sofia Hichez, Giovanna Miceli, Frank Messina, Marilyn Mays, Marina Regino, Catherine Murphy, Vinny Wilson, Linda Cotroneo, Angela Kelly, James Blakemore, Katie Mamay, Clare Messina, Carlos Saldarriaga, Vincent Lodato,

Francisca Maldonado, Mathew Rinkerman, Maria Graceus, Gene Iler, Florence Rinkerman, Jackie Pou, Debra David, Felicia La Bozette, Erin Kenney, Robert Clark, Ladonna Ackerman, Richard Murray, Gloria Cruzado, Tom Felipe, Anne Marie Gitin, George Vlases, Rosemary Cinderella, Ryan Halupka, Flor Angela Garzon, Sara Hernandez, Sharon Golembiewski, Marie Marranzino, Wayne Carbona, Isabel Azona, Jorge Vallejo, Marc Gallichio, Ruth Vargas, Ana Ortiz, Margie Schwieghardt, Ruben Diaz, Alma Dickinson, Maria Van Dorn, Evelyn Mack, Ellen DeLosh, Gerry Meola, Lijia Salinas, Celina DeGraaf, Lewis Morgan, James Scangarello, Eugene Jurewicz, Jessica Hernans and Barbarita Griffith. Let us pray to the Lord.

We pray especially for those that recently passed away in our Parish: Patrick Murray, Frank Gatto, Doris Tompkinson, Maria Camelia Romero, George Habedank and Jason Castillo.

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Throughout Jewish history it was traditional for Jews to demonstrate repentance through washing ceremonies. John the Baptist was preaching repentance for the coming of God's reign. His baptism may have been related to the purifying washings of the Essenes at Qumran near the

was God's anointed one. John answered that his baptism was only a preparation for "one mightier" who would aptize with "the Holy Spirit and fire" (v 16). Although

Jesus had no need of repentance, he entered the murky waters where the people had been baptized, thereby uniting himself with sinful humanity. The baptism of Jesus was another "epiphany," or manifestation of the divine presence. While Jesus was praying, the Spirit descended upon him, and God's voice was heard confirming Jesus as the "beloved Son" (v.22). On Calvary, Jesus would undergo a baptism of fire that would bring salvation to the whole world (Lk 12:49-50). This transforming fire would be poured out on the Church at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

PARISH MINISTRY “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10

Jesus’ ministry begins after his temptation, with the news of John’s arrest. Capernaum, where Jesus made his home, was a town of about 1,000 people. Its inhabitants relied on farming and fishing to survive. Though Jesus has already been named “Son of God,” he lives not among the rich and powerful, but among the common people. Capernaum was located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus’ message is identical to John’s: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17; cf. 3:2).

kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17; cf. 3:2). Though the content is the same, the context is very different. John was the forerunner, who prepared the way. Jesus is the embodiment of the message. In his preaching and in his ministry, light has dawned and the reign of God has come. Jesus’ message is identical to John’s: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17; cf. 3:2). Though the content is the same, the context is very different. John was the forerunner, who prepared the way. Jesus is the embodiment of the message. In his preaching and in his ministry, light has dawned and the reign of God has come. Like John, Jesus calls people to repent. Repentance in biblical thought involves not merely apology, but change: change direction, change your behavior, change your life. For Reflection: Do you seek to grow in a new way of life where as to live forever in the Kingdom of God?

CATHOLIC HUMOR

LIFE’S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK 1. Don’t admire people for their wealth but for the

creative and generous ways they put it to use.

2. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

3. Never sign contracts with blank spaces.

4. Never leave the kitchen when something’s boiling on the stove.

5. Never betray a confidence.

6. .

7. .

8. .

9. .

10. .

John: Mom, our pets are clean now.

Mother: Honey, for the last time—stop doing that to the pets!

Visit our website at www.stpaulcnj.org January 22nd, 2017

RELIGIOUS

EDU

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ST. PAUL CHURCH LEISURE CLUB UPCOMING EVENTS: *Next meeting of St Paul Leisure Club is Wednesday, January 25th 1:00pm-3:00pm. An elevator and handicap- accessible bathroom are available. Folks 55 years and over are welcome to join our club. We will have a short business meeting followed by light refreshments and bingo. We have occasional speakers to address us regarding senior relevant topics. Please bring your money for Mario’s luncheon $15 members, $30 non-members.

*Camp Hope on Wednesday, February 1st, Price is $13 per person. Bus leaves at 9 a.m. from the front of St. Paul Church. Trip includes transportation, hot breakfast, hot lunch with dessert, bingo, live music and 50/50 raffle. Call Esther Kenney (973)773-2317 for a seat on the bus.

*Tuesday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day Member Appreciation Luncheon 12:00pm Noon – 4:00pm at Mario’s Restaurant on Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Members pay $15. Non-members pay $30. We will enjoy a delicious hot buffet of Fresh mixed garden salad, Sausage & peppers, Eggplant Parmigiana, Cavatelli & broccoli, Penne Vodka, Chicken Marsala, Broiled Sea Bass with shrimp, Coffee & Tea, Soda and Ice Cream. Call Jane Decker at (973) 684-7340 to book your seat now! *Members or non-members are welcome to sign-up for upcoming trips. If you are interested, please contact Jane Decker 973-684-7340 or Esther Kenney 973-773-2317

MASS AND NOVENA IN HONOR OF OUR MOTHER

OF PERPETUAL HELP 7:30pm (In Chapel)

10 SIGNS OF A SAFE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

1. Screening of staff/ volunteers.

2. Adults trained in safe environment strategies and signs of abuse. 3. Code of conduct enforced.

4. Open Communication between parents and

staff/ staff and children/ children and parents. 5. Parents always Welcome. 6. Children educated in right relationship

& what to do if a relationship isn’t

right.

7. Al l children treated with Dignity and Respect. 8. Clear Rules and Expectations. Consistent

reinforcement / consequences 9. Adequate supervision of youth. Team approach---accountability---no 1:1 isolation

10. All abuse is reported

JANUARY 25TH

JANUARY 29TH

* January 29th, 2017: Religious Education

* February 26th, 2017: Youth Ministry and Leisure Club

* March 26th, 2017: Knights of Columbus

* April 23rd, 2017: Geraci Citizen Group

FAMILY MASS HOSTS

JANUARY 29TH

ST. MOTHER TERESA HER ESSENTIAL WISDOM—A CALL TO SERVE

“To leave Loreto was my greatest sacrifice, the most difficult thing I have ever done. It was much more difficult than to leave my family and country to enter religious life. Loreto meant everything to me. In Loreto I had received my spiritual training. I had become a religious there. I had given myself to Jesus in the institute. I liked the work teaching the girls.”—Mother Teresa’s words.

everything to me. In Loreto I had received my spiritual training. I had become a religious there. I had given myself to Jesus in the institute. I liked the work teaching the girls.”—Mother Teresa’s words.

CONFIRMATION RETREAT For 2nd Year Confirmation

at St. Paul Inside the Walls, Madison, NJ

10:00am to 4:00pm

FAMILY MASS During 11:30am English Mass

and 1:00pm Spanish Mass (In Church)

ROSARY SOCIETY The Rosary Society will

be meeting in the Parish Hall on

Monday, February 6th, 2017 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Non-perishable food items for those in need will be collected

Non-perishable food items for those in need will be collected

Visit our website at www.stpaulcnj.org January 22nd, 2017

REPAIRS TO THE BOILERS

THANK YOU PARISHIONERS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN YOUR “MAINTENANCE AND

REPAIRS” SECOND COLLECTION WHICH WAS A HUGE HELP IN REPAIRING THE BOILERS.

THANK YOU FR. LEONARDO FOR KEEPING OUR CHURCH NICE AND WARM DURING THE WINTER

MONTHS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!

Visit our website at www.stpaulcnj.org January 22nd, 2017

“A Time to Heal, to Help, to

Forgive.”

Please make your donation payable to: St. Paul Roman Catholic Church.

Thank you for your generosity!

January

$155,700.00

DEDICATION AND HONORARY RESURRECTION WALL

Please note that the minimum donation eligible for a plaque is $100.00 and plaque design varies

according to amount of donation made. GOLD DONATION - IN MEMORY OF A LOST LOVED ONE

SILVER DONATION - IN HONOR OF FAMILY/EVENT

$100 - $199 Leaf Plaque $200 - $299 Leaf Plaque w/1 Star

$300 - $399 Leaf Plaque w/2 Stars $399 - $499 Leaf Plaque w/3 Stars

$500 - $749 Leaf Plaque w/4 Stars $750 - $999 Leaf Plaque w/5 Stars

$1,000 - $2,499 Small Rock $ 2,500-$4,999 Medium Rock $5,000- $10,000 Large Rock Over $10,000 X Large Rock

LIFE’S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK 1. Learn to play a musical instrument. 2. Sing in the shower. 3. Use the good silver. 4. Learn to make great chili. 5. Plant flowers every Spring. 6. Own a great stereo system. 7. Be the first to say “Hello.” 8. Live beneath your means. 9. Buy great books, even if

you never read them.

FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25th, 2017 AT 8:00am AND 7:30pm

Paul the Apostle, commonly known as Saint Paul, and also known by his native name Saul of Tarsus was an apostle (though not one of the Twelve Apostles) who taught the gospel of the Christ to the first century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. In the mid-30s to the mid-50s AD, he founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe. Paul took advantage of his status as both a Jew and a Roman citizen to minister to both Jewish and Roman audiences.

According to writings in the New Testament, Paul was dedicated to the persecution of the early disciples of Jesus in the area of Jerusalem. In the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles (often referred to simply as Acts), Paul was traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus on a mission to "bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem" when the resurrected Jesus appeared to him in a great light. He was struck blind but, after three days, his sight was restored by Ananias of Damascus, and Paul began to preach that Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah and the Son of God. Approximately half of the book of Acts deals with Paul's life and works.

Fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul. Seven of the epistles are undisputed by scholars as being authentic, with varying degrees of argument about the remainder.

Today, Paul's epistles continue to be vital roots of the theology, worship, and pastoral life in the Catholic and Protestant traditions of the West, and the Orthodox traditions of the East. Paul's influence on Christian thought and practice has been characterized as being as "profound as it is pervasive", among that of many other apostles and missionaries involved in the spread of the Christian faith.

DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 23rd, 2017 AT 8:00am

The over 56 million abortions since the 1973 decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”: “In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.”

Fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul. Seven of the epistles are undisputed by scholars as being authentic, with varying degrees of argument about the remainder.

Today, Paul's epistles continue to be vital roots of the theology, worship, and pastoral life in the Catholic and Protestant traditions of the West, and the Orthodox traditions of the East. Paul's influence on Christian thought and practice has been characterized as being as "profound as it is pervasive", among that of many other apostles and missionaries involved in the spread of the Christian faith.