Dear Family,
Yesterday, New Year’s Day was also the Octave Day of Christmas. This is the day when we celebrate the beautiful solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Today we celebrate the liturgical observance of the Feast of Epiphany, the traditional date is the 6th of January. In the seminary I learned of the custom of Epiphany house blessings, with a piece of blessed chalk we inscribe “20+C+M+B+21 and then there is prayer that follows. If you wish to do this there are envelopes with blessed chalk in the vestibule.
January 6th is also the conclusion of the 12 Days of Christmas, today January 2nd is the 8th day of Christmas. The Christmas season traditionally extended all the way to the February 2nd and the feast of Candlemas. This feast still remains popular in many Catholic countries as a day to bless candles and end the Christmas season by putting the Infant Jesus away. The 12 days of Christmas were the high point of the season and were observed in different ways.  The 12 days of Christmas are well known to us because of the carol of the same name.  Over the years people have shared with me an interpretation that gives a religious meaning to each day of the carol. Like many things associated with tradition, and even legend, there are those who refute this idea. Historically accurate or not, I think this interpretation gives us a clear connection between the riches of our faith and our Heavenly Father’s Providence. I share with you the “The Hidden Meaning” so that you might reflect on how richly God our Father provides for our spiritual needs, most especially through His Son, our Divine Savior and the riches of the Church.
The Partridge in the Pear Tree is Jesus Christ.
The 2 Turtle Doves are The Old and New Testaments.
The 3 French hens are Faith, Hope and Charity, the theological virtues.
The 4 Calling Birds are the four gospels and/or the four evangelists.
The 5 Golden Rings are the first five books of the Old Testament.
The 6 Geese A-laying are the six days of creation.
The 7 Swans A-swimming are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments.
The 8 Maids A-milking are the eight beatitudes.
The 9 Ladies Dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The 10 Lords A-leaping are the ten commandments.
The 11 Pipers Piping are the eleven faithful apostles.
The 12 Drummers Drumming are the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.
A very Merry Christmas, a joyous Epiphany and a Happy and Blessed New Year! 
 Your Father in Christ,
Father Estrella

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We have kicked off our Stewardship Renewal 2021.  You should have received materials in your mail at home, and they are also included below in digital format for your convenience.  Please prayerfully discern where God is calling you in the coming year.  

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