Fr. Mike's Communication for Jan 9, 2022

Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord

January 9, 2022

When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit…
Titus 3:4-5

Brothers and Sisters,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In his letter to Titus, his coworker in the ministry, Paul speaks of God’s motivation for saving his people: kindness and generous love. This chrestotes (kindness) is often the motivation shared by Psalmist to offer worship and thanks to God. Likewise, philanthropia (generous love) is the English root for philanthropy. Ask yourself, who but our God the Father is best invested to build a better way forward for humanity, the one who has already invested everything, including the very life of his only son Jesus?

Early in this letter, Paul speaks to Titus about the importance of appointing good leadership among the burgeoning Church in Crete. While Paul’s comments are mainly to the bishops and priests, Jesus’ message in the Gospel on leadership is clear. Leaders need to bear witness to Jesus by how they live their lives. And as members of the Body of Christ in Baptism, inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, we too are called to give evidence of God’s grace at work in us by caring for one another and sharing the Gospel’s good news.

What an incredible gift to be adopted by God claimed as his beloved daughters and sons! And as heirs, God’s grace becomes our treasure, a gift we must share with a hungry world.

As shared leaders invested in the body of Christ, Pope Francis and Archbishop William Lori invite all Catholics to participate, pray, reflect and share thoughts and ideas during the most significant listening and discussion event the Church has ever undertaken. The Synod 2021-2023 “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Please visit www.archbalt.org/synod to learn more and check out a message from Bishop Bruce Lewandowski regarding the process.

As we embark on the Synod together, let’s be confident knowing the Holy Spirit speaks through all of us and our unique experiences. I encourage all parishioners to set aside time for prayer, notably quiet time to listen to the Lord. With that in mind, please consider committing one hour of prayer with Jesus, present in the Eucharist in OLPH’s Adoration Chapel. Trust me; there is no better use of our time than to gaze upon our Savior, who looks back upon us with “kindness and generous love.”

Some considerations:

COVID Protocol for the month of January:
Reminder, Masks are required while indoors.
Groups and ministries are encouraged to continue in their good works; where possible, please offer the opportunity for participants to gather virtually.
We appreciate it if you test positive and believe you were on campus while positive to notify us at olphparish@archbalt.org.
Support to our Catholic Brothers and Sisters in Kentucky – if you desire to help those devastated by the tornadoes in Kentucky, the Owensboro Catholic Charities/Diocese has been asked to administer the emergency financial aid needed. If you would like to explore options to give, please visit www.owensborodiocese.org/give
Your generosity is very much appreciated.
Thank you from our Sister Parishes – Christmas Greetings from St. Veronica’s – “Thank you for your Christmas gifts and prayers and partnership throughout the year.” – Fr. Steven Ositimehin
Thanks from Our Lady of the Nativity, Haiti – “The trial situation still persists in Haiti, no real life. Gangs spreads everywhere supported by the false leaders from different institutions. The people are starving of everything. It’s really unfortunate to lead in such a situation. All those who work for a better life tomorrow are real targets for the gangs. I’ll continue to do the best l can where l’m but not without big problems. Once more, l thank you a lot for your real support in favor of youth”. – Fr Murat.
With Gratitude – on behalf of the great works of our OLPH St. Vincent Ministry, we would like to thank you for the generous response you offered to help restock our food pantry, which allows us to continue to support our neighbors in the community. If you would like to become a part of this great ministry and support OLPH St. Vincent with your time, Email Lori Merl at: lmerl@comcast.net. Your efforts are needed and appreciated.

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Rev. Michael S. Triplett