The Parish Office and Fatima School will be closed on Monday, February 18, 2019, in observance of the President’s Day holiday. Daily Mass will still be held at 6:30 AM and 8:15 AM, but there will not be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
Beginning the week of February 3rd , there will be a change in the weekday Mass schedule, as the 8:15 AM Mass will be discontinued on Tuesdays. The new schedule for Weekday Masses will be: 6:30 AM daily Monday through Friday, and 8:15 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Every January we seem to be flooded with advertisements for weight loss programs, exercise machines, or “miracle” pills that all claim to help us achieve our ideal body shape with little or no effort. Right! But as persons made in the image and likeness of God, we have a fundamental dignity that goes beyond anything we might ever achieve in outward appearance. It is a dignity that is inherent in us by virtue of our relationship with the One who has created us and sustains us in life.
Fr. Christopher Hallada (pronounced “holiday”), who is our new Parochial Vicar (Assistant Pastor), will begin his assignment at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on Saturday, February 2nd . Welcome, Fr. Chris!
There will be an Open House at Our Lady of Fatima School on Wednesday, January 30th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Any parents interested in learning more about Our Lady of Fatima School are invited to attend the Open House and meet our principal, Ms. Melinda Mader, and our teaching staff.
The image of a wedding is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe God’s relationship with his Chosen People, Israel, such as in our First Reading today (Isaiah 62:1-5). Though Israel was often unfaithful, God always took her back, forgave her, and turned her sadness into joy. As she awaited the coming of the Messiah, Israel’s hopes were expressed in terms of a wedding – a time of great rejoicing and celebration. Like abundant wine, God’s blessings would be poured out on his people in full measure.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, and the official end to the Church’s observance of the Christmas season. After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, he was praying when Heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove; and a voice came from the heavens declaring, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22). God the Father favored his Son, Jesus. Rightfully so, since Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God. He is God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, as our Nicene Creed boldly proclaims. If we have any doubt regarding how God felt about his Son or the importance of his mission, the Gospels make it clear for us. The descending of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus in the form of a dove after his baptism was significant for two reasons: (1) it was a clear sign that Jesus was the promised Messiah anointed with the Holy Spirit, and (2) the Holy Spirit gave Jesus strength to fulfill his saving mission.
Fr. Daniel’s last day with us is January 16. Until the new priest, Fr. Chris Hallada, arrives in February we will adjust our weekday Mass schedule as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 6:30 AM Communion Service and 8:15 AM Mass. Wednesday: 6:30 AM & 8:15 AM Mass.
Fr. John and I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the many acts of kindness that we have received in the past few weeks. I am humbled by the thoughtfulness of so many people who sent cards, or brought over homemade cookies and other gifts. A special “thank-you” also to all those who donated baby diapers and baby clothing to our “Giving Tree” to support Birthright in their mission to provide for mothers who are in need of assistance. May the Lord’s blessing be upon you throughout the new year.