THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Theme: A Call to the World
          Today's feast adds a new and central feature to the Christmas message. Epiphany means manifestation to the nations. Jesus is not solely
          the Jewish Messiah; he comes for the entire world. In Christ all barriers will fall. In the reading from Third Isaiah, Jerusalem looks out           upon her own people returning from the diaspora, but, on the far distant horizon, appear caravans from all parts of the world. The letter
          to the Ephesians sees this as the great mystery now revealed in the final times: the total equality of Jew and Gentile in God's plan. The           account of the astrologers, taken from Matthew's infancy narrative, summarizes it all in story form. While the Jews, with the scriptural           prophecies in hand, remain apart, the foreigners move in faith to Bethlehem.


                          OFFICE OF


LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN
On most Sundays at the 10:30am we invite the children to participate in their own Liturgy of the Word in the Chapel. The presentation of the Scripture readings, homily, and prayers use age appropriate vocabulary for better comprehension.

RCIA-Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This is a process, which provides preparation for adults who seek full initiation into the Catholic Church through the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
    This process is also adapted for older children who seek full initiation into the Church and is sometimes referred to as The Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).
    The RCIA process also provides for:
A)    The preparation of baptized Catholics who wish to complete
         their initiation into the Church through the reception of the
         Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
B)    The preparation of validly baptized Christians from other
         traditions, who wish to be brought into Full Communion in
         the Catholic Church.
NOW is the time to contact Brother Lawrence Larmann for registration at (718)461-9840 - Office or (718)886-0201 - Rectory. Sessions are in process, but it is never too late to participate.

St. Vincent de Paul
     During the past year, you have brought comfort and peace to many of our parishioners by your support of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. May the peace and joy of this Holy Season be yours.
The next Bundle Saturday is Saturday, January 24, 2009.


FAITH FORMATION


ADULT FAITH FORMATION
All adults are invited to join Brother Lawrence and the Faith Formation Team for an "armchair" pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, the home of Saints Francis and Clare. Our video will take us to the significant places in and around Assisi where Francis and Clare ministered, lived and prayed. Francis and Clare revitalized the Medieval Church by simply and joyously living out the Gospel Message. This closer look at the influence of Francis and Clare, hopefully will provide for discussion about our personal spiritual revitalization and that of today's Church.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, and MONDAY, JANUARY 19th
9:45 AM and 7:30 PM
FAITH FORMATION OFFICE


RITE OF CREED
Confirmation candidates will participate next Sunday, January 11, 2009, in the Right of the Creed at the noon Mass. Candidates will be seated together in the center section of the church.

SCHOOL OF RELIGION
Classes resume on Wednesday, January 7, 2009.



Welcome to our family
If you would like to register as a parishioner of St. Mel Parish you may do so by coming to the Rectory Office and obtaining a form which can be returned in the Sunday Collection. After you register you will then receive Sunday Envelopes.

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