Solemnity of The Baptism of Our Lord

My dear friends in Christ,

Today The Church celebrates the Solemnity of The Baptism of Our Lord. This brings to an end the Season of Christmas. The Church recalls Our Lord’s second manifestation or epiphany which occurred on the occasion of His Baptism in the Jordan. Jesus descended into the River to sanctify its waters and to give them the power to beget sons of God. The event takes on the importance of a second creation in which the entire Trinity intervenes. The mystery of Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan by Saint John, the Precursor, proposes the contemplation of an already adult Jesus. This mystery is infinitely linked to the Solemnities of the Lord’s birth and the Epiphany that we have just celebrated, as, in some ways, it takes up and represents their significance to us.

I am very pleased at the positive feedback I have received about how beautiful the altar looked and the gorgeous flowers and wreaths in and around the Church. Much thanks to the Art and Environment team for maintaining the flowers and plants. The total cost for the flowers was $3,850. Our Christmas Flower collection was $2,246. The Parish made up the $1,604 deficit.

While speaking of collections, our weekly collections continue to trend in the wrong direction as our postings the last two weeks in the bulletin indicate we are collecting less now than a year ago. I understand money “doesn’t grow on trees” but the survival of the Church depends on generosity. For those who do give more than their means might allow, I am eternally grateful.

May God bless you all,

Father John