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JESUS CHRIST, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
When we think of Christmas there are many images and symbols that
flood to mind, but no symbol is more prominent to the meaning of
Christmas than light. Light has been equated with God from the
beginning of the creation accounts in the Book of Genesis and
light, as a symbol, is seen throughout the Hebrew Scripture and the
New Testament. Jesus Christ, the incarnate son of God, is known by
many titles, but no title is more important at Christmas than Jesus
Christ – the Light of the World. In our ancient Nicene Creed we
profess our belief in Christ who is described as begotten of the
Father – God from God, light from light.
In our celebration of Christmas, the symbol of light predominates -
from our celebration of the Mass to our cultural celebration of
Christmas with family and friends. In the first reading from
Christmas Mass we hear the prophet Isaiah speak these words: “the
people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those
who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” In the prologue
of John’s Gospel heard on Christmas day the evangelist writes:
“what came to be through him was life and this life was the light
of the human race and the darkness has not overcome it.” Here, in
this moving passage from St. John, we see why the virtue of hope is
connected with the Christmas story. In Jesus Christ, God manifests
his light to the world and we are emboldened by the promise that
the darkness will not overcome the light. In Christ, God’s eternal
light is manifest and triumphant and this truth is indeed a source
of hope for Christians.
There are three particular ways that the Incarnation of God in
Christ is a source of light. First, as we hear in the Nicene Creed,
the light of God is revealed in life itself and its attendant
dignity. God’s light is seen in the gift of human life because we
are created in the image and likeness of God. What is more, God
restores and redeems human life through the Incarnation which we
celebrate at Christmas and through the passion, death and
Resurrection which we celebrate during Holy Week and Easter.
Second, the light of God is seen as overcoming the darkness of
ignorance and untruth. The Christmas story is extraordinary because
it is true! In the Incarnation we witness the truth of God’s
redeeming love and the truth of his way, the way of discipleship,
which we are called to follow. God’s truth – manifested in both
Scripture and Tradition - lights our path as we seek to live as
faithful disciples in the world. Finally, in the Incarnation, God’s
light triumphs over the darkness of sin as God unfolds in Christ
his plan of reconciling love.
As stated above, light is also seen throughout our religious and
cultural celebration of Christmas. Whether it is the lighting of
the Advent wreath that symbolizes the coming of the light or the
lighting of Christmas trees throughout the world, light is
synonymous with Christmas. Think too of the comfort and warmth of a
fire during the holiday season as friends and family gather around
to share love and fellowship. I remember the joy and wonder a few
years ago when we lighted the steeple and façade of our historic
church at Lourdes. There were audible sounds of excitement and
spontaneous clapping. Such is the power of light and it is no
surprise that this symbol is so closely associated with the
presence of God. One of the things that I am most proud of
when
speaking about our community of faith at Lourdes is that this
parish is a place of light! If you are a visitor or friend, I
invite you to come and experience the light of Lourdes.
Given the importance of light in our story of faith, it is critical
that Christian disciples commit to becoming and
living as people of light. The darkness of ignorance and sin
continue to be experienced throughout the world. Thus, it is
essential that people of faith respond with the light of faith, the
light of truth, the light of hope, and the light of love. This only
happens when we respond to God’s invitation to enter deeply into
the mystery of the incarnate son of God – Jesus Christ. When we
enter into deep fellowship and friendship with Christ, God’s light
begins to shine brightly through us and once again the ancient
promise of Christmas is fulfilled: “the light shines in the
darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” This is the great
mystery we celebrate at Christmas: the Incarnation of God – Jesus
Christ, the Light of the World!
Merry Christmas,
Sun. 12/24 10:00 am † Joanne Wos 4:00 pm † Greg Iacarella
10:00 pm For the Parish
Mon. 12/25 9:00 am † Dion Family
11:00 am † Phil Tierney
Tue. 12/26 NO MASS
Fri. 12/29 12:05 pm † Zervas Family
Sat. 12/30 5:00 pm † Sharon Schmumacher Sun. 12/31 8:30 am For the
Parish
11:00 am † Gene Croteau
Wed. 1/03 12:05 pm † Dorothy Landry
Thu. 1/04 12:05 pm For the Unborn
Fri. 1/05 12:05 pm † Walter & Deloris
PARISH OFFICE
Website lourdesmpls.org Facebook Facebook.com/LourdesMpls
Twitter @LourdesMpls Instagram LourdesMpls
Pastor: Father Daniel Griffith
[email protected]
Deacon: Deacon Thomas Winninger
[email protected]
Weekend Assistant: Father Harry Bury Parish Administrator/Chief of
Operations: Mary Asp
[email protected] Director of Sacraments/Formation:
Patrice Stegbauer
[email protected] Director of
Facilities: Jared Ash
[email protected]
Director of Fellowship: Nancy Casey
[email protected]
Julie Craven
MUSIC AT LOURDES—THE CHRISTMAS PRELUDE
The Lourdes Choir, under the direction of Organist and Choir
Director Christopher Ganza, will perform before each of the
Christmas Masses. This prelude will begin one half-hour before
each
Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The repertoire includes:
Unto Us is Born a Son, David
Willcocks Gabriel's Message, Edgar Pettman Ave Maria, Josquin Once
in Royal David's City, David Will-
cocks Il est né, Traditional What Child is This, GREENSLEEVES
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day,
Gardner What Sweeter Music, Rutter
THIS CHRISTMAS BULLETIN COVER
The icon of the Nativity, that graces our Christmas bul- letin, was
shared by iconographer Nick Markell. He
also created our Three Saints mural, the Holy Spirit mural and the
St. Joan of Arc icon here at Lourdes!
JUBILEE FUND APPEAL
Included in this remarkable Jubilee Year was our Jubi- lee Fund
Appeal. We met our initial goal and are now at $903,607, less than
$100,000 from our stretch goal of $1 million, the amount that will
allow us to com- plete key projects. Thanks to all who have
contributed!
2017 FINANCIAL GIVING
Financial gifts must be received or postmarked by De- cember 31st
for 2017 calendar year‘s tax purposes. Your support is most
appreciated!
4
In 2018, Ash Wednesday is February 14th and Easter Sunday is April
1st.
LENTEN BOOK CLUB “The Passion and the Cross” by Ron Rolheiser.
Facilitat-
ed by Deacon Thomas Winninger.
PARISH LENTEN RETREAT
Saturday, February 17th from 8:30 am till noon in Hofstede
Hall.
SUNDAY LENTEN SERIES
Bishop Robert Barron produces and hosts this series featuring the
key figures who shaped the Church and changed the world. Some of
the Catholic Church’s most influ- ential people.
CATHOLICISM: PIVOTAL PLAYERS
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM IN HOFSTEDE HALL
February 18th St. Thomas Aquinas, the Theologian
February 25th Bl. John Henry Newman, the Convert March 4th St.
Catherine of Sienna, the Mystic
March 11th Michelangelo, the Artist, Part I March 18th
Michelangelo, the Artist, Part II
CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION
CLASSES The second Sunday of the month. Contact Valerie Broughton
for more information!
INTERGENERATIONAL EVENTS
“Getting to the Heart of Lent” on February 24th with Marie Pillai
“Mary, the Yes that Changed the World” on May 5th with Victoria
Johnson
CULTURE of ENCOUNTER
Our formation theme this year is “Creating a Culture of
Encounter” and the opportunities to grow in our faith
and love of Christ abound here at
the French Church!
April 15th Human Trafficking, by Attorney Matthew Forsgren
SPRING BOOK CLUB “Tattoos on the Heart” is a series of parables
about kinship and re-
demption from pastor, activist, and renowned speaker, Father
Gregory Boyle. Facilitated by Profes- sor Susan J. Stabile.
ADULT FORMATION
January 21st Women in the Bible and Encounter, by Patrice Stegbauer
January 28th The Missionary Encounters of St. Paul, by Prof.
Charles Reid
February 4th Catholicism: Pivotal Players St. Francis the Reformer
February 11th More Lessons from the Archives: History of Lourdes,
by Julie Craven
5
Our charitable outreach at Lourdes is led by our Justice
and Charity team and supported by our
Matthew 25 Fund.
HUNGER MINISTRIES AT LOURDES
Two of our key hunger ministries at Lourdes, both led by the
Justice and Charity team, have scheduled events early in 2018. We
will be at Sharing and Caring hands for meal prep and service on
Tuesday, January 9th beginning at 10:15 am. That service will wrap
up around 1:00 that day. Mark your calendars for the next Dinner
for the
Hungry for the weekend of February 17th and 18th. Volunteers are
welcome to join us for meal prep and for delivery the
following
Monday morning.
THE OBLATE MISSION IN TIJUANA
Check out the picture gallery from recent trips to Ti- juana on the
parish website. This page is a great refer- ence for information
about upcoming mission trips and other news about the work that
Father Jesse Esqueda and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate are do- ing
in the La Morita community.
HOMELESSNESS
Faith in Action talk on January 14th, a presentation on
Homelessness in Minnesota, 9:45 – 10:45 am in Hofstede Hall A HAND
“UP” HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Our Lady of Lourdes is partnering with Habitat for Humanity on
Saturday, January 13th, 2018. We are looking for 5-8 parishioners
who are interested in raising a hammer or paint brush to help give
a “hand UP” to people and families in need of shelter! If you are
able to lend a hand contact Heidi Gibson at
[email protected]
PREGNANCY RESOURCES—HEALING AND SUPPORT
An upcoming retreat is set for Rachel’s Vineyard, March 2nd — 4th,
2018.
In January, we will collect baby and mother items as part of our
Celebrate Life
month for Abria. Items can be brought to Hofstede Hall; financial
support is also welcome. In the spring, Team Lourdes will
participate in the Abria “Life is Wonder- ful” Family Fun Run/Walk.
Details on all of these events are on the parish website.
ST JOHN PAUL II PREP SCHOOL
Our Lady of Lourdes is a supporting parish for St. John Paul II
Prep School in Northeast Minneapolis. Parish- ioner Suzie Colianni
and Father Griffith serve on the board of directors for Ascension
Catholic Academy, of which this school is affiliated. Stay tuned
for information on ways to volunteer and get involved!
6
2018 LOURDES GALA!
Planning has begun for next year’s Lourdes Gala event! We are
delighted to see new folks stepping up to help plan the event! Are
you interested in helping with one of the Gala committees? Contact
Nancy Casey, Bonnie Erickson or Julie Craven. The date is April
27th, 2018, and the The Machine Shop, another histor- ic riverfront
location, is the venue. Tickets will be available on the parish
website. This evening of fun and fellowship will support our
Mattthew 25 Fund; Lourdes family and friends in charitable
outreach.
LOURDES VOLUNTEERS—WE LOVE YOU!
What is Nancy Casey cooking up?! How about a way to say a big
merci
to our fabulous Lourdes volunteers?! Save the afternoon of January
14th and stay tuned for more details. Heartfelt appreciation for
our liturgical ministers, event volunteers, meat pie makers, hunger
minis- tries, and all the volunteers who are the heart of our
parish family!
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Our patronal feast day is February 11th and we will celebrate once
again in true French Canadian-style. We will rededicate our newly
renovated church. Julie Craven will present “More Treasures from
the Archives at Lourdes”, and the 2018 Fleur de lis Awards will
also be announced.
LOURDES LENTEN FISH FRYS
February 16th March 2nd March 16th
Following Stations of the Cross/take out available /kid’s portions
too!
YOUNG ADULTS
VESPERS AT LOURDES Lourdes hosts Vespers, an evening of prayer
and
intellectual formation for young adults in the Twin Cities, the
second Thursday of each month. There will not be a program in
January of 2018. The next Vespers at Lourdes is set for February
8th; speaker to be announced. SPOSI NOVELLI Our newlywed program,
Sposi Novelli, launched earlier this
month. The program for 2018 will include a champagne brunch, two
speaker-only nights, and a brewery tour. More information will be
available on the Sposi Novelli page of the parish website and
Facebook page. This group’s mission is to support and engage newly
married couples through formation, hospitality and
discipleship!
SAVE the DATE
LOURDESMPLS—ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Our parish website, Facebook page, Twitter account and Instagram
page all have the same name: LourdesMpls. One stop shopping for
updates and news about the events and happenings here at our vi-
brant urban parish!
Fleur de lis Awards 2014
Albert Hofstede, Patrice Stegbauer 2015
Dale Herron, Michael Rainville, Eugene & Teresa Haak
2016 Deb Hamilton, Ralph Strangis, Paul Piazza
2016 Pope Francis Award Grace Strangis 2017
Timothy Neeb, Victoria Newcome Johnson
Mark your calendars! Here are some of the events set for
2018 here at Our Lady of Lourdes.
