Dear Friends,
This past Friday, January 6th, would have been the
celebration of the Solemnity of the Epiphany.
However, the bishops in this country have transferred the celebration of
Epiphany to Sunday. As we enter
Epiphanytide we should remember that the Epiphany involves more than the visit
from the Wise Men.
Epiphany means “manifestation,” and the Church has always linked three
events as part of the “manifestation,” the “showing forth” of the Divine Incarnate Word:
- the visit of the Magi;
- the Baptism of Our Lord;
- Christ's first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
Together these are the Epiphany: the manifestation of the God-Man to
the world.
Ultimately, of course, we ourselves are supposed to be the on-going
epiphany of Jesus Christ. Our own lives
– our words and our actions – should show the presence of God in the world, and
the power and the mercy of the God-Man.
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Sunday Masses at Our Lady of the Atonement are at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m.,
11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. Mass is
offered each weekday at 7:00 a.m. and at 9:15 a.m. The Mass on Saturday morning
is offered at 10:00 a.m. followed by the rosary and confessions.
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Beginning on Wednesday, January 11th, I will be teaching a course
titled “An Introduction to Holy Scripture.”
This course was offered some years ago, and many found it helpful in
preparing to study the various books of the Bible in a deeper way. The course lasts for a limited number of
weeks (probably three or four) which makes it easier for you to commit to the
whole course.
Join us on Wednesday, January 11th, when we will meet in the St. John
Paul II Library from 6:45 p.m. until 7:45 p.m.
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A new series of CATHOLIC INQUIRY CLASSES will begin on Sunday, January
15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in the Common Room.
Are you considering becoming a Catholic? Are you an adult who wishes to be
confirmed? Are you returning to the
practice of your faith after being away for a while? These classes are for you! Please contact
Alan Becker at 210-273-9426 or at alanmbecker@gmail.com.
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Enrollment for the new academic year at The Atonement Academy has begun
for all students. Whether you are enrolling a student for the first time, or if
you have returning students, go to the Academy website - http://school.atonementonline.com/
- where you will find instructions for
enrollment for the 2017/2018 academic year, or call (210) 695-2240 to arrange
for a tour. There are some classes which will fill up early, so don't wait to
begin the process!
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LOOKING FOR WORK? We have two
janitorial positions open at the church and school, and both would begin
immediately. If you would like to work
in a friendly Catholic environment and be of help to the parish, please email
sphillips@atonementonline.com for information and to arrange an interview.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the Sacred Heart
Chapel from 7:30 a.m. on Friday until 7:15 a.m. on Sunday each week. This is a
wonderful apostolate which takes no special preparation or talent, but only
having a simple love for God and a desire to spend time with Him in the Most
Holy Sacrament. Please consider giving
an hour a week in this beautiful way.
Our Lord Jesus Christ waits for us, and He is more than ready to hear
your prayers, intercessions, and petitions.
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May God bless you throughout this Epiphanytide.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Christopher G. Phillips
