January 23rd: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday we mark the special occasion of the Sunday of the Word of God, on which we recall the importance of the Word of God in our lives, the central role of Sacred Scriptures as we live our lives of discipleship in Our Lord, Jesus Christ. We cannot separate the Word of God from our daily liives. The Word of God must be central to our spiritual lives because it is in God's Word that we can truly learn to live our Christian Faith.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis instituted this Sunday of the Word of God a few years ago to remind us of this importance, so that as Christians we learn to appreciate and understand the Scriptures better. 

Reading, Reflecting, and Renewing

Begin to break open God’s Word in your home by dedicating some family time each week for a brief reading of a Scripture passage, perhaps the Sunday Gospel. Given the hectic and stressed pace of life and our typically overworked schedules, making fam- ily time for the Bible reminds us of the need to put God first. Gathering around the table of God’s Word enriches and strengthens the experience of family as a “domestic Church.”

Choose a comfortable and quiet place in the home, away from the distractions of television and ringing telephones. Read the passage aloud, and then allow some time for the family to reflect on and share its meaning together. Since Sacred Scripture is the “speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit” (CCC, no. 81, quoting Second Vatican Council, Dei Verbum, no. 9), this time dedicated to reading puts your family into living com- munication with God. Remind everyone gathered that this family activity brings them to a living encounter with Christ, who is present as the Word among them.

Adoration Sunday: January 23rd: 

Come spend some time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament thanking and praising God through the Sacred Scriptures.  Adoration will be held at St. Mary's from 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm.  The last twenty mins. the Sisters will pray Evening prayer and Night Prayer.  Copies will be provided.