Recent News
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29.01.10
The Teen Chorale of the TriCounty Choir Institute will be presenting the Musical Passion Play “Why Must He Die?”. It will be presented in 13 performances in churches of all denominations during this Lenten season. The twenty-four cast members include college to junior high students from 18 schools including: Aliquippa HS, Ambridge HS, Avonworth Jr. & HS, Beaver Falls HS, ...Read more...
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18.11.09
Essay Contest for 8th -12th grade!Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Veritas Youth!Topic: Role (responsibility) of a Catholic in our free Society.When: Starting now with a DEC. 20th deadline.Pick up a “Essay Contest Packet” at the rectory, on the Youth bulletin board or next to the Parish bulletins outside the sanctuary.CASH ,Certificates, quotes in our bulletin and other priz...Read more...
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18.11.09
OC Christmas Caroling and PartyDecember 12, 2009Gathering Space - 6-8:30PM Attachments: FileDescription OC Christmas Caroling and Party.docDownload for complete information ...Read more...
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14.11.09
Two years ago we began what is becoming a St. James tradition. Our parish family will once again host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. This will be our third Thanksgiving dinner for all those who might not have family joining them this year or might be eating alone. Come and join Fr. Dan and other parishioners as we give thanks for all God has given us. We will have sign up sheets on the bulleti...Read more...
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03.11.09
Saturday Nov. 7th, 7:30-10pm All are welcome! (6:45 pm meet in St. James Gathering space to carpool) Hang out with friends and enjoy our POOL TABLE, FOOSBALL, AIR HOCKEY, OPEN GYM, CARD AND BOARD GAMES, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD, and other kids from neighboring parishes, all in our newly renovated space at Gilmary! All that’s missing is YOU! Bring a friend! Permission Slip Requi...Read more...
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03.11.09
This isn’t your parent’s bible study! Come join other teens from around the area to have food, hang out and learn about our gifts and what Jesus tells us about life, love and everything else! Bring a friend! All are welcome! We already met a couple times this year and had fun, laughed and learned things we never knew about being a Christian. Ask any question in a chilled out atmosphere!...Read more...
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03.11.09
Over 75 kids had a blast, snacks, danced and won some best costume prizes at our biggest OC dance to date! Much thanks to our organizers and all who helped! All 6th, 7th and 8th graders and friends from all schools are welcome at all OC events! Check out the pictures of dancing and being with friends! We raised $310 for a family in need and charity from this event!...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
From the Pastor's Desk
| The Baptism of the Lord |
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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. |