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Merry Christmas
Christmas celebrates the arrival of our Savior: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) Throughout Advent we heard from Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary, announcing and foretelling the coming of the King. With Christmas we learn that Christ according to His human nature is born at Bethlehem, and that according to His divine nature He is the Son of God and the Second Person of the Trinity. The King and Lord of heaven and earth humbled himself to become one of us.
But Christmas doesn't end on December 25th. The Twelve Days of Christmas continue our celebration through Epiphany (January 8th this year). Epiphany traditionally celebrates the arrival of the three Wise Men or Magi to present gifts to the young Jesus. In many cultures Epiphany is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the Kings, and is often the day for giving gifts.
And in the Church's calendar, the Christmas Season continues until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (January 9th this year). So don't take down the decorations just yet, keep those Christmas carols playing, we've got more days to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
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Fellowship this Month
St. Joseph Greenwood invites everyone to an Epiphany Brunch on Sun. Jan. 8 after 10:30 AM Mass. Bring a snack or brunch dish and join in fellowship as we celebrate Our Lord's manifestation to the world. Watch for the three wise men bearing gifts.
The St. Mary's Altar Society plans a White Elephant Auction for their meeting on Thurs. Jan. 12, 7:00 PM in Ashland. All ladies are invited to bring any items you want to get rid of (such as unwanted Christmas gifts) and be prepared to bid on other items. Ladies will also be collecting food and care items for a Care Package for those in the military.
The St. Mary and St. Joseph will be having our annual Men's Social on Sat. Jan. 14, 6:00 PM at St. Mary Ashland (after the 5:00 PM Mass). This is a evening for all the men of both parishes. Chili is provided but bring a snack and beverages. Join in cards or bring your favorite game.
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CCD Activities
CCD and Youth Group resume on Wed. Jan. 11 and our students are invited to participate in several projects.
- Throughout Advent students collected for the Missions through the Holy Childhood Association (HCA), a program of "children helping children". Please turn in any money collected.
- The Knights of Columbus will be holding a Pro-Life Art contest for K-6 students, who will then enter the best drawings in a nationwide contest. Children are invited to draw on 8.5"x11" white paper on pro-life subjects such as babies, families, hands, flowers, etc. Read more at Nebraska Knights Website: www.nebraskakofc.org
- Students in grades 7-12 are invited to participate in the Pro-Life Essay Contest, on the topic of why assisted suicide and euthanasia are immoral. Details at the same website.
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The week of Prayer for Christian Unity has been a tradition for over 100 years, in response to Jesus prayer "that they all may be one" (John 17:21). The theme for this year is "We Will All Be Changed by the Victory of Our Lord Jesus Christ." (cf. I Corinthian 15:51-58) - We are reminded of the transformative power of faith in Christ, particularly when we praying for the visible unity of the Church, the Body of Christ.
Here in Ashland, the day will be observed by having a Covered Dish Potluck Dinner and speaker sponsored by the Ashland Ministerial Association on Sunday, January 22, 12:15 PM at First United Methodist Church in Ashland. Our speaker will be Steve Frazee, Heartland Circle Coordinator at Open Door Mission in Omaha. Join this afternoon potluck and please pray to build unity among all Christians.
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Catholicism Project
Fr. Robert Barron (WordOnFire.org) has created a dynamic video series, filmed in 50 locations throughout 15 counties, teaching the Catholic faith through art, architecture, literature, beliefs, practices and Catholic tradition. Discover the Catholic faith as you have never seen it before!
These Catholicism videos are Coming to Lincoln for FREE on Sundays, Jan. 8 - Mar. 18 at The Falls Reception Center (5925 Adams St in north-east Lincoln). Each Sunday includes a one-hour video, time for questions, refreshments. Watch previews, get details, RSVP, get directions, and more: Diocese of Lincoln Evangelization Committee, or call 488-2040 or email evangelization@cdolinc.net
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Pro-Life Weekend
The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring One-Rose One-Life on Jan. 21-22, an opportunity to give donations to Pro-Life causes. January 22 is the unfortunate anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Decision that legalized abortion in 1973. Because it falls on a Sunday this year, the U.S. Bishops ask all Catholics to do some act of penance or prayer on Mon. Jan. 23.
The Nebraska Walk for Life will be Saturday, January 28 this year, beginning at 10:00 AM on the West Side of the State Capitol in Lincoln. Sponsored by Nebraska Right to Life www.nerighttolife.org since 1974, the walk is opportunity to stand in opposition to Roe v. Wade and in support of women and girls facing unplanned pregnancies. Contact Fr. Coulter for information on car pooling.
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Winter Symposium: Women's Conference
The Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (LDCCW) will host its second annual Winter Symposium at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly January 20th and 21st. This year’s conference will help women 1) know they are loved and cherished by the Church, 2) understand their feminine genius and discover ways to use it to fulfill their own vocations, and 3) help them more effectively participate in the New Evangelization.
More info: Winter Symposium Flyer and Winter Symposium Article. Call or email Janice Goracke, 402-423-3001 or vgoracke@aol.com. Walk-in’s and last minute reservations are welcome.
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| Events Calendar |
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January
8 Epiphany Brunch
12 Altar Society Meeting
14 Men's Social
22 Christian Unity Potluck
27 Mobile Food Pantry
28 March for Life
For more detailed information, visit the Online Calendar
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| Take Note |
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The January 1, Mary Mother of God, Holy Day falls on a Sunday this year.
First Friday Adoration on Fri. Jan. 6 at St. Mary begins with 9 AM Mass and a potluck breakfast.
Coffee and Donuts will be moved to the second Sunday, Jan. 8, 9:30 AM at St. Mary this month.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study resumes on Jan. 10, each Tuesday at 9:30 AM.
Knights of Columbus will not meet in lieu of the Men's Social on Sat. Jan. 14.
K4J on the third Wednesday, Jan. 18, 7:00 PM
Mass at Oxbow Living Center on the third Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:15 AM
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| Catholic Websites |
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