THE BAPTISM
OF THE LORD
January 10/11, 2009
 
Renew your baptismal promises today.
What does your Baptism mean to you today?
 
Gospel Reflection (Mark 1:7-11): In this reading we have the story of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Even though Jesus was the Messiah and God’s beloved Son, he went to John the Baptist to be baptized. As Jesus came out of the water, a voice from heaven declared, “You are my beloved Son.” God’s approval and blessing was on Jesus.
   A new beginning and new blessings have come to us in Jesus, God’s only Son. When we were baptized, we truly became daughters and sons of God and followers of Jesus. Let us ask Jesus to help us to share his work as God’s friends.

Discussion Points for Gospel: What are some ways we can live out our baptismal promises? As a baptized member of the Church, what do you think is God’s plan for you? How will you follow this plan?
   Very often we get so busy and noisy that God’s voice is completely drowned out. We are not always prepared to recognize Jesus in our daily lives. What will you do to become a better listener?
(--Sadlier “We Believe” www.webelieve.web.com)
 
 
MASSES FOR THE WEEK

SATURDAY
          5:15 pm     Rosemarie T. Rushford - Ann & Steve Hurst
SUNDAY
               8:30 am     Luciano & Margaret Restivo
                                                - the Oswald family
                            10:30 am     Leo Kiener - Pauline Rodgers
                              6:15 pm    People of Our Parish
MONDAY
            12:15 pm    James Rodgers - Pauline Rodgers
TUESDAY             5:15 pm     Katie Hart - Moira O' Dea
WEDNESDAY
      12:15 pm    
Amelia V. & Dave Aiken - the Aiken family
                              2:00 pm    Mass @ Hickory Creek Nursing Home
THURSDAY          5:15 pm     Special Intention - Yolanda Moncayo
FRIDAY
               12:15 pm    Unborn Children
SATURDAY
          5:15 pm     Cliff Wasko - Tom & Ruth Erb
SUNDAY 
              8:30 am     Salvatore & Teresa Davoli
 The Second Sunday                           - the Bray family
 
 of Ordinary Time            10:30 am     Mary & Joseph Cutuli
                                                 - the Milazzo family
                              6:15 pm     People of Our Parish

PARISH CALENDAR: January 11 - 18
SUNDAY              The Baptism of the Lord
                               9:30 am     Rosary
                             11:30 am     Prayers for Peace
                             12:15 pm     Religious Ed classes
                             12:30 pm     RCIA
                               5:15 pm     Reconciliation
                               6:15 pm     Mass
TUESDAY
                               6:30 pm     Religious Ed classes
WEDNESDAY
                              2:00 pm     Mass @ Hickory Creek
                               7:00 pm     Newman Community meeting
THURSDAY
                               1:00 pm     “The Needlers” discussion group
                               7:00 pm     R.C.I.A.
FRIDAY
                               6:00 pm     High School Retreat overnight
SATURDAY
                                                High School Retreat
                               4:15 pm     Reconciliation
SUNDAY              
The Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
                               9:30 am     Rosary
                             11:30 am     Prayers for Peace
                             12:15 pm     Religious Ed classes
                             12:30 pm     Religious Ed parent meeting
                             12:30 pm     R.C.I.A.
                               5:15 pm     Reconciliation
Sunday Scripture Readings
     Reflection on the Scriptures has become more and more a part of basic Christian spirituality. At times we would like to return to the Sunday Scriptures at home, but we do not have the missalette with us. At other times we may be interested in seeing just what came before or immediately after the reading for the day to gain more insights.
     To encourage this encounter with the Scriptures, we will be including in the bulletin the scripture reading references for the current Sunday and the following Sunday. In addition, in our on-line bulletin we will have the actual links to the readings.

New American Bible

The Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10
Acts 10:34-38
Mark 1:7-11

The Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20
John 1:35-42

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK
The Baptism of the Lord
 
   This is a time to reflect on our own baptism. What does it mean to us today and how do we live out that eternal blessing?

Adults: What does it mean to me to be beloved by God?

Children: What can I recall about the story of Jesus’ baptism?

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
   This feast day commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
   Originally the Baptism of Christ was celebrated on Epiphany, which commemorated the coming of the Magi, the Baptism of Christ, and the wedding in Cana. Over time in the West, however, the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord came to be celebrated as a separate feast from the Epiphany. In most parts of the Roman Catholic Church, the feast is now observed on the first Sunday after Epiphany.

MASS AT HICKORY CREEK
   We will be celebrating the Eucharist at Hickory Creek Nursing Home this Wednesday, January 14, at 2:00 p.m. Several residents usually attend, and our parishioners are welcome to join us for this Mass.
CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF ST. PAUL WITH BISHOP CONLON
   This year the Church throughout the world is celebrating the 2000th anniversary of the birth of St. Paul.
   Bishop Conlon would like to invite everyone in our deanery to mark this anniversary with a special celebration of Vespers, the evening prayer of the Church. The celebration will take place at St. Paul Church in Athens, at 4:00 PM, on Sunday, January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. A reception will follow the Vespers Service. Parking is available at the corner of College and Washington Streets in the parking garage, one block away from the church.
YOUTH RETREAT: “United TOGETHER for CHRIST”

   On Friday and Saturday, January 16-17, at the Christ the King Parish Center plan to join in the fun by attending this retreat. Check-in is Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday morning all will participate in the “Walk for Life” to support Good Works Homeless Shelter. Retreat closes at 9:00 pm on Saturday. Bring sleeping bag, snack to share, donations for “Walk for Life.” Questions: Chris Andrew ca1170906@ohio.edu, Mary Catherine Kennedy mk291908@ohio.edu or Nancy Denhart ndenhart@ctkathens.org, 590-3302.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
   Sunday Fourth and Fifth grade parents are invited to attend a meeting today to plan fundraising activities for the class. Please plan to join your student in the classroom.
   On Sunday, January 18, at 12:30 p.m. or on Tuesday, January 20, at 6:30 p.m. there will be a parent meeting, “Understanding Eucharist, what do I teach my child?” for parents of First Communion candidates. It will be held in the Parish Center Chapel.

NEWMAN COMMUNITY
   Members of the Newman Community held the first meeting of Winter Quarter this past Wednesday. Everyone had a good time renewing friendships and catching up on news while being involved in the evening’s activities. Meetings are Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the CTK Parish Center; come, join in the fun!
The Benedictine Monks of St. Andrew Abbey in Cleveland is holding a “Living with Benedict” vocation discernment weekend for men aged 18-45 on January 30-February 1. Contact Fr. Gerard: 216-721-5300, ext. 210, for more information or to book a reservation.
LITURGY BITS AND BYTES
Final Blessing

   After the announcements, there is a final blessing, sometimes a more solemn (longer) one for special feasts and occasions. On occasion there is a longer prayer, called the “prayer over the people.” These prepare us to go out into the world with God’s blessing.
Copyright © 2008 Resource Publications, San Jose, CA
I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
January 12 - 18
Birthdays:
Mary Ann Chase, Joseph DiBenedetto, Michael Frame, Rick Frame, Lon Hamby, Ingrid Keesey, Andrea Littler, Beula Magimairaj, Tina Martin, Terry Smith, Bradley Strunk, Frank Valentour, Deeder Yanity, and Bailey Zorn.
 
Student: Loretta Federico

Anniversaries:
Congratulations to Sue & Larry Payne who are celebrating their 34th anniversary and to Dorothy Bryant & Ernie Bastin who are celebrating their 26th anniversary.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
   Let's be one in hope and prayerful presence to all on our prayer list and continue to pray for Kathi Hahn, Donna Hart, Don Dillinger, and Bill Rader.
(Remembered in the petitions)
RESPECT LIFE
   Those who support a woman’s supposed “right” to end the life of her unborn child might want to reflect on how they will be able to explain their position to the victims of abortion when we meet them face to face in the next life -- which we most certainly will.

ADULT CONFIRMATION
   All Catholic college students and adults who have not celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation are encouraged to come to an informational meeting on Sunday, February 1st at 7:30 PM in the Christ the King Parish Center. Adult Confirmation will be celebrated in May 2009, and the preparation process will require just a few learning sessions, supplemented with individual and small group study, service experiences, interactions with sponsors, and retreats. We invite you to “come and see” if the time is right for you to be Confirmed.

JANUARY 17TH HABITAT BREAKFAST AT APPLEBEES
   On Saturday, January 17, Applebee’s and the Faith Build Coalition, Athens County Habitat for Humanity will have a benefit breakfast for the FBC. The food will be pancakes, sausage and beverage. The cost is $5.00. The time will be 7:30-9:30 a.m. Tickets available at the door or in advance by contacting George Bain (gbain45701@yahoo.com or 592-3828).
PRAYER/MEDITATION BOOKLETS
   The new Living Faith booklets are available at the bulletin boards in church. The months of January, February and March are included in this issue.
   We also have available the January issue of Living with Christ. These particular booklets are very well done. Each issue is $2.00, or you can purchase a yearly subscription for $15.00; contact the office for more information.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
   Tis the season to give the perfect gift to your spouse: a happier marriage that can last a lifetime. Attend the February 13-15 Marriage Encounter Weekend at the Cambria Suites in Green, Ohio. Start the new year on the same page in your relationship. Call 330-305-9963 or email worldwideme@sbcglobal.net for more information or reservations. Visit the website at www.wwme.org
FINANCIAL SEMINAR
   On January 31, there will be a financial seminar held at Christ Community Wesleyan church in Albany. The all-day event will be taught by a Crown Financial Ministries instructor using workshop materials provided to each participant.
   Registration begins at 8:00 am on the 31st; the seminar hours are 8:30 - 4:30. The cost is $25 per person and includes lunch. Childcare is available for a $15 cost per child (age 4 - grade 5). Contact stuart@ohio.edu or 592-2525. Register online at www.crown.org/CrownEvents/