20+C+M+B+13

The annual blessing of homes continues.  Often done following the Feast of the Epiphany, the blessing concludes with an chalk inscription being made above the doorway.  The inscription records the year of the blessing along with the initials "C", "M", and "B". 

 

These initials represent the names of the Three Wise Men, who, according to tradition, were known by the names Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.  The initials can, at the same time, stand for the Latin phrase, "Christus mansionem benedicat," which means "Christ bless this house."  To arrange for a home blessing, call the parish office at your convenience. 

Day of Prayer in Kakabeka...

"Living the Year of Faith" was the theme of a recent day of prayer held at St. Theresa Church in Kakabeka Falls.  The day was marked by moments of teaching, discussion, prayer and, of course, feasting!  A delicious meal was prepared by some of the participants.  The day offered us an opportunity to consider the great gift of faith and to renew our own baptismal promises and commitments.

 

A visit to the Pineglen...

Last week I had the opportunity (kindness of a parishioner) to pay a visit to the Pineglen, one of the cargo ships wintering at the nearby Keefer Terminal.  The Pineglen in said to have the largest cargo capacity of all cargo vessels on the Great Lakes.  A warm welcome by the crew members on board made up for the frigid temperature of the day!

The local Mission to Seafarers (located at Keefer Terminal) offers spiritual and material support to many of the mariners who visit the port. Remember in prayer all who make their living through their work on the waters of our world.

On board with the grain elevators in the background.

A visit to the kitchen with Andre, the crew's cook.

 

"Lord God, redeemer and inspiration of souls,

in the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea,

you have provided a light in the storm.

By her favor and prayer,

grant that we may set a course through these times

to reach our safe haven in heaven with you.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever. Amen."

Papal Life Support...

From Catholic News Agency:

 

Pope Benedict has sent a Twitter message expressing his solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of people marching in America this week for a culture of life and an end to abortion.

“I join all those marching for life from afar, and pray that political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a culture of life,” he tweeted Jan. 25.

From coast to coast, pro-life marches and rallies in America continue to mark the week of Jan. 22 as the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade – the Supreme Court decision that effectively legalized abortion throughout the nation.

 The March for Life in Washington, D.C. is occurring today, Jan. 25, and has drawn hundreds of thousands of participants.

Christmas Past...

With a new year underway and the Christmas season now over, Ordinary Time officially begins!  But before moving on too fast, be sure to take a moment to give thanks for blessings received. 

Our Sanctuary during the Christmas Season

Some of the crew who joined in the New Year's Eve Holy Hour...and...

...the blast of fireworks to close one year and start another!

 

Finding "The Source"

This Saturday, January 26, we welcome members of the Corpus Christi Church Youth Group who will lead in an hour of prayer, adoration and song in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. 

This hour, called "The Source", is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the One who is the Source of our life. 

The Source begins at 8 PM.  All welcome!

New Parish Website - St. Dominic's

Congratulations to St. Dominic's Church on the completion of their new parish website! 

Our shared history will mean that this will likely be of interest to many of our parishioners.  Visit the site at www.stdominic.on.ca .

Be sure to check out the historical video (found under the "History" section) which captures footage from First Communion Day at the old St. Dominic's and the Corpus Christi Procession in the East End.