ARE YOU NEW TO OUR PARISH? WELCOME!
Welcome to those who want to make our parish their faith home. You may have come from other places. You may have been “away for a while”. Be assured that we love to have you among us. We would appreciate it very much if you identified yourself at Mass. It would also help if you would take the time to fill out a registration form. The next time you are with us, you may leave it in the collection basket or give it to one of the ushers or to the priest. Thank you and welcome.

THIS IS THE YEAR OF MATTHEW
In case you wonder what this refers to, it has to do with the Scripture readings at Sunday Mass, more specifically the Gospel reading. This year – Year ‘A’ – you will notice that the Gospel reading is taken from Matthew's gospel.

Of all the Scripture readings at Mass, the Gospel is the dominant one. The reading from the Old Testament – the so-called first reading – is chosen in light of the Gospel passage, either by comparison, or as fulfillment, or as contrast. Following the first reading we have the responsorial psalm which in turn is chosen in light of the Old Testament reading.

This linking of Scripture readings does not apply to the second reading (at least not during Ordinary Time when the priest wears the green vestments). There we usually walk through parts of the letters of the Apostle Paul.

THE JESUS OF MATTHEW'S GOSPEL - A DIFFERENT PORTRAIT
Each Gospel writer had his own agenda for writing; and each Gospel has its own unique portrait of Jesus.

Matthew's gospel is very Jewish in character. Matthew makes Jesus into a teacher and interpreter of the Jewish law. Matthew's Jesus brings the Jewish law to its most eloquent and definitive expression. In this case, law is not a burden, but a trusted friend. Jesus himself, as faithful son of God, is obedient to it.

Another characteristic of Matthew's Gospel is that it is made up of:

1. five major speeches by Jesus that gives Matthew the opportunity to present Jesus as teacher, the one who preaches the coming of God's kingdom; and



2. six major narratives about Jesus that give us the image of Jesus as healer for the crowds of people seeking health and liberation from pain and death and experiencing in Jesus the healing power of God.

REGARDING OUR GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING HELD IN OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR
Both Wardens groups and joint PPC have met to discuss this meeting and to start the process regarding what we can do going forward, especially with our ever-shrinking numbers. A letter will be mailed out to all registered parishioners to this effect, along with the minutes of the meeting. If you do not receive a letter, please do not hesitate to contact Alma during office hours. You can view the letter as well as the meeting minutes here. Please address any comments you may have regarding the General Assembly or the letter to one of the chairpersons (listed below) or drop a note in the Sunday collection basket.

Your support for our 2-parish community is both generous as well as appreciated.

THIS PAST WEEK (JANUARY 20-27) WAS THE ANNUAL WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
"Pray without ceasing!" (1 Thess. 1:5;17). Last week’s bulletin contained an insert with some biblical reflections for each day of that week. Were we able to spend some time with it? Was it worthwhile printing and stapling to the Bulletin (Thanks Alma! Great idea!)? That sort of reflection at home is what we are called into: the essential role of prayer within the life of the Christian community as its members grow in their relationship to Christ and to one another.

IN PRAYERFUL PREPARATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
Another example of community prayer was the invitation to St. Al’s this past Friday for an extended Liturgy of the Word, with the larger community. The insert in today’s bulletin also has a reflection on the Christian faith as a “communal faith” and what it might mean, especially today.

COMMUNITY PRAYER GROUP TO START UP JANUARY 31st
Community members who wish to pray for/on behalf of their community (from the very local to the very international) will have the opportunity to do so. Community members who wish to have a special prayer mentioned on their behalf will be able to leave their petitions with this prayer group.

We now have in place at each parish a “Prayer Petition Box” to allow us all to add our personal requests and petitions at any time. These petitions will be prayed for on the week they are brought in, so if you wish to have the same petition week after week, please remember to make the request every week. This will remain the petitioner’s responsibility rather than the prayer group’s responsibility. May we have a volunteer at both parishes to accept the responsibility to faithfully take these petitions and requests to the prayer group? Please let Alma know if you can.

This weekly prayer devotion will begin Thursday, January 31st at OLV.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
On Ash Wednesday, we start our 40-day trek to Easter. We can mark the journey with the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Lent begins early this year, with Ash Wednesday on February 6th. Please note that there will be a service at OLV on Tuesday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. It is a traditional and well founded practice for Catholics to receive the ashes, a sign that we are serious about the upcoming season of renewal and conversion.

The remainder of the mass schedule for the Triduum has not yet been finalized.

WEEKDAY MASS AT OLV
Beginning on Wednesday, February 13th (the week after Ash Wednesday), Fr. Gyan will be providing a weekday mass at OLV at 11:00 a.m. This weekday mass will continue throughout the Lenten season.

THANK YOU
- to the Country Club 2000 for their recent donation of $100.00. Your continued support is appreciated.

O.L.K. SHRINE
The next Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 29th at 7:30 p.m.

PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY
- to the families of Carole Lavell/Wiley & Michel Beaubien. Please remember Carole & Michel in your prayers.

ST. PATRICK’S TEA
Please circle March 15th on your calendars for the St. Patrick’s Tea. If you would like to help, please call Monique at 986-3166.

SUNDAY ENVELOPES
You may still pick up Sunday envelopes. There are some at the entrance of the Church, or call the rectory at 986-3763.

INCOME TAX RECEIPTS
Receipts will be mailed out this week for the requests that have been received. You may still request a receipt if you wish.