Recent News
- 02.08.11Please join the Saturday morning Men’s Bible Study in a journey through the history of the Catholic Church. Learn about the major people, places and events of two thousand years of church history. A DVD by Professor Steve Weidenkopf will be used, followed by a discussion of the material presented. Join us every Saturday morning at 7:30am in Meeting Room #1. ...Read more...
- 15.05.09Our new web site, www.saintjames-church.com, has the ability to create and store photo galleries. With our parish's 150th anniversary coming soon wouldn't it be nice to begin to create a historical picture gallery of our parish church and school for all to see from how we started to where we are today. If you have any old pictures that show the church or school - The Photo Depot has offered to sca...Read more...
- 30.04.09If you are currently in 4th grade or older and are interested in becoming an altar server, or are a current altar server in need of a refresher, we will be holding an altar server training class on Thursday, May 14 at 4:00pm in Church. If you are planning on attending the practice, please call Karin at (412)741-6650, extension 310 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected fr...Read more...
- 20.04.09Every year, St. James Church hosts a Farmers' Market as an outreach to support local farmers and early merchants. Now in its sixth year, the St. James Church Farmers' Market hosts merchants selling meat like beef and pork, locally grown fresh vegetables, local honey, and even freshly made pierogies. Join us every Saturday from April through November to help support local farmers and merchants!...Read more...
- 09.03.09Thank you to all who have participated in the Giant Eagle Apples for Students program. This program provides the opportunity for schools to get FREE computer and educational related equipment. To date, we have 339 registered supporters and 846 points! If you haven’t registered yet, it’s not too late.Register at www.gianteagle.com (click on “Educational Support” to find link to “Apples for the St...Read more...
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Home From the Pastor's Desk The Baptism of the Lord
Home From the Pastor's Desk The Baptism of the Lord| The Baptism of the Lord |
| The Christmas Season ends today with the Baptism of the Lord. Following the Masses this Sunday, all the Christmas decorations will be removed, and we will enter into the Ordinary Season. The Christmas Season basically consists of three feasts: The Nativity, The Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord. There is a movement within the season which begins with God’s arrival celebrating the Incarnation. The Nativity is celebrated as an octave because of its importance. These are eight days to revel in God’s new way of being present—in the flesh. This is not enough however. We must come to realize the significance of the birth. God has come here to do something. The Epiphany, meaning manifestation, leads us to a deeper realization that the “wood of the crib” is the “wood of the cross.” This child is born to die, that is, give his life for us. The gifts of the magi represent the hidden purpose. Once we come to this deeper awareness, we want to rush to his baptism where he begins his “public ministry.” At the Jordan River, Jesus begins his “work” of salvation. The years prior to his public ministry are referred to as the “hidden years.” The Baptism is also an “epiphany” or manifestation where we discover more about more about the child who is now a grown man. We hear from Luke’s Gospel how the baptism takes place. There are three things that happen after the baptism. First the heavens are opened; secondly, the Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove; and finally the Father speaks, “You are my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” The significance of this epiphany is the revelation of the Trinity intimately involved in the work of the incarnation and redemption. The profound effect is the opening of heaven. Heaven has come to earth. In Christ, heaven and earth intersect. The Father is pleased because the Son is doing his father’s will. It is Father’s will that heaven come here to earth, and this is accomplished in Christ through the Holy Spirit who is directing this “re-creation” of the world. As in the book of Genesis the Sprit of God hovers over the waters stirring them and bringing forth life to a motionless world. This is the beginning of a new age, the reigning of God on earth. What we see happening becomes the template which is repeated in each of our baptisms. Jesus work culminates in the giving of his life for us. “I lay down my life in order that you may take it up again.” This is his mission which he embraces at the Jordan River, and will be accomplished through his death and resurrection. |