News - January 2022 RSS Feed

This week is designated as Catholic Schools Week. The theme this year is: “Catholic Schools: Faith, Excellence, and Service”—focuses on the core of Catholic education. For ninetytwo (92) years, St. Peter Catholic School has provided quality Catholic education to students of the River Parish area. We may be small, but our students succeed successfully in high school and beyond.

The Knights of Columbus CYLA Scholarship is open to all Catholic graduating High School Seniors. Local winners will receive a scholarship and compete at the State level for up to a $5,000 1st place prize. Application deadline is January 25th, 2022. The application is located on the Louisiana KC website, http://louisianakc.org/programs/ cyla. Once completed, signatures must be obtained and the completed application turned in to Council #2436 in Reserve. Contact Robert Beadle or Joel Ocmand for additional details.

Today, on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is known as Sunday of the Word of God. This is an annual observance aimed at helping us grow in a deeper appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. The General Instructions of the Roman Missal states, “When the Sacred Scriptures are read in Church, God Himself speaks to His people, and Christ, present in His word, proclaims the Gospel” (GIRM, # 29). The words of Sacred Scripture are unlike any other texts we will ever hear—for they not only give us information, but also, they are the vehicle God uses to reveal Himself to us, the means by which we come to know the depth of God’s love for us, and the responsibilities entailed by being Christ’s followers, members of His Body. I urge you to take time to prayerfully read the Greatest Love Story of all time—the Sacred Word of God as found in the Bible.

As I mentioned last week, we are in the Ordinary Time of the Church year. It will last from now until Mardi Gras day (March 1, 2022). The Mardi Gras season is long this year, giving us more time to eat “King Cake.” Today’s readings from Sacred Scripture reveal the transformative effect God has upon the world. Isaiah prophesies that God will transform the Israelites and their land from “forsaken” to “espoused,” as a suitor rejoices in his bride. Saint Paul extols the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which transforms each person differently, but all to serve the same Lord. In the Gospel, Jesus transforms water into wine at a wedding in Cana, revealing His glory and inspiring His disciples to believe in Him. As we listen to God’s Word, let us reflect on how God will transform us and our world.

The ChristmasEpiphany season officially comes to a close with today the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Ordinary Time resumes tomorrow (Monday, January 10 th ) and goes until Tuesday, March 1st (Mardi Gras). Today’s feast celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan by John the Baptist. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove and a voice from the heavens rang out, “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” No dove was seen, or voice heard when we were baptized, yet the Holy Spirit did descend upon us in baptism and we were welcomed into this holy family, initiated into the body of Christ.