HOLY REDEEMER BY THE SEA CATHOLIC CHURCH

CONTACT INFORMATION HOLY TRINITY BY THE SEA CATHOLIC CHAPEL

(252) 261-4700 office

Emergencies/Emergencias: (252) 261-4700 x 215

Parish Office : 9am - 4pm, Mon - Friday

www.obxcatholicparish.org

OBX Catholic Parish–Holy Redeemer

@catholicparish

Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic ParishHoly Redeemer by the Sea Catholic ParishHoly Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Parish Staffed by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

We are a diverse Catholic Community that welcomes our visitors, serves all God’s Children, and gathers to worship with our Faith Community.

Parish Artist Glenn Eure

HOLY REDEEMER BY THE SEA CATHOLIC CHURCH

CONTACT INFORMATION HOLY TRINITY BY THE SEA CATHOLIC CHAPEL

(252) 261-4700 office

Emergencies/Emergencias: (252) 261-4700 x 215

Parish Office : 9am - 4pm, Mon–Friday

www.obxcatholicparish.org

OBX Catholic Parish–Holy Redeemer @catholicparish

December 27, 2015

W E E K L Y B U L L E T I N Liturgy Schedule

Holy Redeemer by the Sea - Kitty Hawk 301 W. Kitty Hawk Road

Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Confession 4:00 pm

Sunday 9:00 am

Holy Trinity by the Sea Chapel - Nags Head Milepost 16 at the Intersection of 12 & 158

Saturday 7:30 pm (Bilingual) Sunday 11:00 am

YEAR ROUND Holy Redeemer by the Sea – Kitty Hawk

Monday - Friday: Morning Prayer 8:45 am

Mass/Communion Service 9:00 am

Holy Days: 7:30 pm Vigil at HT 9:00 am & 6:00 pm at HR

Healing Mass - 1st Wednesday: 9:00 am Adoration - 1st Friday: 9:30 - 11:00 am

CALENDARIO ANUAL Lunes - Viernes: 8:45 am Oración de la

Mañana, Santísimo Redentor 9:00 am Misa/celebración de la

Palabra, Santísimo Redentor

Días Santos: Misa del dia:

7:30 pm Misa de la Vigilia (Bilingüe) en la Santísimo Trinidad 9:00 am y 6:00 pm en Santísimo Redentor

Primer viernes de mes: 9:30 am—11:00 am Adoración, Santísimo Redentor

Saturday

Mass 5:00 pm

Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Church

301 W. Kitty Hawk Road Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

(Milepost 4.2)

Holy Trinity by the Sea Catholic Chapel

Intersection of 12 & 158 Nags Head, NC 27959

(Milepost 16)

Contact Information Mailing Address: P.O. Box 510 Kitty Hawk, NC 27949-0510

(252) 261-4700 office 252-261-1405 fax Emergencies/Emergencias (252) 261-4700 x 215

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION This New Year’s Eve, at the turning of the year, you may catch a glimpse of the old year, a cartoon figure of a hunched old man with a sickle, Father Time. Where else but in this col-umn could you learn that this is in fact a pope? December 31 was in the old calendar the feast of St. Sylvester. Legend says that Sylvester healed the Emperor Constantine of leprosy, and presided at the liturgy of baptism for the grateful emperor. In 314, he was chosen pope, and it fell to him to organize the peacetime church, free at last from persecution. He founded the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. In northern Europe “Sylvester Night” is a time of great parties with eating, dancing, and singing—recalling perhaps the joy of the church in the fresh air of Sylvester’s papacy. In Poland, there was great fear as the year 1000 approached that an immense dragon would devour the earth and set fire to the heavens. The people prayed earnestly to St. Sylvester, trusting that the saint would not per-mit such suffering on his feast day. They’ve been celebrating ever since! Many New Year’s customs have pagan roots, like the British “First Footer” tradition. The idea is that the first person setting foot into your house in the new year determines the luck for the year ahead. The ideal first footer was not a bit like old Pope Sylvester, but rather a tall, dark-haired man carrying the right gift. A handsome first footer meant the year ahead would be pleasant, and if he carried bread or a shovel of coal there would be food and warmth in the future. Who will be your household’s first footer? —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Pastor/Parroco: Associate Priest: Business Manager: Executive Assistant: Financial Assistant: Admin Assistants: Music: Director, Religious Education: Director, Youth Activities:

Rev. Dr. William F. Walsh, osfs Rev. Dr. Al Russell Tim Gregory Val Cummings Jane Parker Marian Sciacchitano Patti (Colby) Hess John Buford, Kim Kalman Grace Ghirardi Emily DiNoto

Parish Administration & Support

Building Council Chair: Finance Council Chair: Liturgical Council Chair: Pastoral Council Chair: Stewardship Council Chair:

Bill Farrell Jon O’Neil Jane Parker Kris Felthousen Frank & Marian Sciacchitano

Rev. John Dorgan: Donald Wobser:

Pastor Emeritus, Diocese of Richmond Deacon Emeritus, Diocese of Wheeling/Charleston, WV

Sacraments / Sacramentos Sacrament of Reconciliation/Sacramento de la Reconciliación:

Holy Redeemer — Saturday 4:00 pm and by appointment

4:00 los sábados, Santísima Redentor

Ministry to the Sick/Ministerio para los enfermos: We are grateful to know if there is a person you feel should be on our bulletin prayer list, or who would benefit by a visit from a Eucharistic Minister or anointing by a priest. Please ask the individual to call our office (252) 261-4700 with that request, or, if he or she is unable to call, please ask the next of kin or an immediate family member to contact us. In emergencies, when our parish office is closed, please call via (252) 261-4700 x 215. Por favor llama a la oficina para notificar de la enfermedad u hospitalización de un miembro de su familia, amogo o conocido. En caso de que no pueda comunicar-se a la oficina llame al localizador de emergencia.

For All Other Sacraments/Sacramentos Please call the Parish Sacramental Coordinator, Val Cummings, @ 252-261-4700 or hlyrdmrwed@aol.com for information regarding all other sacramental programs. Por favor llama a coordinador del Sacramento de la parroquia, Val Cummings, @ 252-261-4700 para la información con respecto a el resto de los programas sacramentales.

Holy Redeemer by the Sea December 27, 2015 3

Daily Schedule and Mass Intentions Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Church

Faith Development

The Sanctuary Candle burns this week in memory of Gino Oresti and the Gospel Candle burns this week in memory of Lois Risoldi.

Please join us for Divine Mercy Devotions at 3:00 pm every Sunday at Holy Redeemer by the Sea Church. Our group prays for the sick and for special in-tentions.

Monday — December 28 8:45 am Morning Prayer 9:00 am Communion Service 7:00 pm Knights of Columbus Tuesday — December 29 8:45 am Morning Prayer 9:00 am Communion Service at HR Wednesday — December 30 8:45 am Morning Prayer 9:00 am Communion Service at HR Thursday — December 31 7:30 pm Mass for the People of the Parish, Bilingual (Living and Deceased) at HT Celebrant: Fr. Bill Walsh, osfs Friday — January 1 9:00 am Mass for † Christopher Reilly at HR Celebrant: Fr. Bill Walsh, osfs 6:00 pm Mass for † John May at HR Celebrant: Fr. John Dorgan Saturday — January 2 4:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation at HR 5:00 pm Mass for † Peggy Kelly at HR Celebrant: Fr. John Dorgan 7:30 pm Mass for the People of the Parish, Bilingual (Living and Deceased) at HT Celebrant: Fr. Bill Walsh, osfs Sunday — January 3 9:00 am Mass for † Peggy Kelly at HR Celebrant: Fr. Bill Walsh, osfs 11:00 am Mass for † Mary O’Connell at HT Celebrant: Fr. John Dorgan 3:00 pm Divine Mercy at HR

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Monday: The Holy Innocents Tuesday: Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; St. Thomas Becket-Wednesday: Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord Thursday: Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; St. Sylvester I; Friday: The Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; Mary, the Holy Mother of God; World Day of Prayer for Peace First Friday; Saturday: Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen; First Saturday

There are no Faith Formation classes on December 27th and January 3rd**. Faith Formation classes will resume on January 10, 2016. New students are welcome to join our program. Please submit a Faith Formation registration form, which con-tains vital contact information for your child. Also, be sure to register as a parish family first. Registration for our Spring Good Shepherd Program is now taking place. The program is for children in Kinder-garten and rising Kindergarteners. There is a separate reg-istration form for Good Shepherd. If you are interested in being part of our Faith Formation program, we can always use help on many levels. If you have any questions, or need to reach me, please contact Grace Ghirardi at 261-4700, x 207 or email at gsghirardihr@gmail.com. Parents…Stay and enjoy re-freshments and fellowship in the parish hall while your children are in Faith Formation class. **Our Children’s Liturgy of the Word follows the same dates as Faith Formation.

Our condolences and prayers are extended to the Keough Family on the recent loss of

Nancy’s husband, George Keough. May he rest in peace.

Good Shepherd... An Afternoon of Reflection On Sunday, January 31, 2016 we will be offering an afternoon of reflection. This will take place in the Parish Hall, from 2PM until 4PM. This will be for all those who are interested in the method of “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” and an opportunity to experience the process. All adults are welcomed to come. If you have young children this can be a very rewarding time for you to have the opportunity to learn and experi-ence God’s love though the eyes of a child. In addition, this is an opportunity to draw closer to our Lord as we enter the Lenten season of the Church. More information will be coming. Questions: Call or email Grace Ghirardi at 261-4700, x 207 or email @ gsghirardihr@gmail.com.

Healing Mass — The next Healing Mass, where the Sacrament of the Sick is administered, will be celebrated on January 6, 2016 at 9:00 am at Holy Redeemer.

The Liturgical Color to wear next weekend is White.

Holy Redeemer by the Sea 4

Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Parish welcomes new members to our parish family. If you are new to the area and wish to register, forms may be obtained from the bulletin board in the Parish Gather-ing Space or from the parish office. You may register on our website: www.obxcatholicparish.org.

La Parroquia Católica de Santo Redentor les da la bienve-nida a los nuevos miembros de nuestra familia parroquial. Las inscripciones se encuentran en la parte de atrás de la iglesia.

Music Ministry Stewardship - A Way of Life

Reflecting on God’s Word One of the all-time great Christmas movies is It’s a Wonderful Life! The classic scene is the final one. The townspeople are gathering in George Bailey’s living room. They’re pouring money onto a table, all with the intention of rescuing George from financial ruin. It’s not long before George’s brother enters the picture. Having heard of the hard times George had been going through, he secured a leave from the military, hopped a plane, and flew all day and night to make it to Bedford Falls. He wanted to be of help. Seeing the people and the mountain of money, he raises his glass and toasts his brother, “the richest man in the world!” George Bailey was rich, all right, but not because he was suddenly inundated with money. He was rich because he had family and friends who loved him and cared about him. There’s much to be said for the benefits and bless-ings of family. —Rev. Richard Zajac Copyright © 2012, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

Living God’s Word The feast of the Holy Family gives us pause to ponder the phenomenon of family. If we can duplicate the love Mary and Joseph and Jesus had for each other, there’s no telling what the positive and rich effects might be. Copyright © 2012, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph December 27, 2015 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. — 1 John 3:2a

La Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José 27 de diciembre de 2015 Hermanos míos, ahora somos hijos de Dios, pero aún no se ha manifestado cómo seremos al fin. — 1 Juan 3:2a

Due to the publisher’s holiday schedule, the Parish Sacrificial Giving Summary will be posted in a future bulletin.

John 6:35: A Eucharist-Centered Retreat for Teens

In a Marian Spirit of Adoration before the Blessed Sacra-ment, youth will be led in this retreat to a personal en-counter and ever-deepening union of heart and mind with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Christ. The retreat also fosters the creation of parish Eucharistic-centered prayer groups which will enable youth to grow in the Interior Life of the Spirit and help them to provide support and fellowship for young people who have attended retreats. This retreat will be held February 12-14, 2016 at St. Thomas More Academy, Raleigh, NC. For more informa-tion please visit: www.john635retreat.org. Only 175 spaces are available.

The Holy Family Prayer JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth. MARY, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys. JOSEPH, Foster-father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety. HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen. www.msf-america.org/holy-family-prayers/the-holy-family-prayer.html

Kim Kalman, one of our music ministers, has released a New Christian CD! HOSEA is available with Kim's other Christian CDs which can be purchased through her website: www.kimkalman.com or by mail via PO Box 1993, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948. CDs are $15 plus $3 for shipping.

Father Bill, Father Al and the Parish Staff

wish you and your family a blessed

New Year.

Holy Redeemer by the Sea 5

SOCIAL CONCERNS/PEACE AND JUSTICE COORDINATING TEAM

Parish Nurse Tip — Sponges may be a handy way to wipe up messes in the kitchen, but they can also spread germs. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers this advice for safe kitchen sponges. Don’t use a sponge to wipe up spilled juices from meat, instead, opt for a pa-per towel or antibacterial wipe. Don’t clean countertops with a sponge. Clean them with disinfecting wipes or paper towels. If you use a dishcloth, be sure to wash it frequently in very hot water and dry in the dryer’s hot setting. Replace your sponge frequently. If it starts to smell, throw it away.

Beach Food Pantry If you are visiting the Outer Banks, please consider dropping off surplus food on your way home. There are baskets in the Church’s Gather-ing Space at Holy Redeemer for food donations. The Beach Food Pantry is in need of the following items: toothpaste, toothbrushes (singles), laundry soap (30-40 oz.), bar soap (no dispensers), toilet paper (4 roll pack-ages), ketchup, mustard, salad dressings, salt & pepper shakers, healthy snacks, coffee, tea, and canned meats. We NEED paper bags. All food donations are welcome. Please do not donate out-of-date, opened, used or perish-able items, as health laws do not allow us to distribute these items. For more information on the Pantry’s mis-sion and needs at www.beachfoodpantry.org

Looking for Ways to Grow– Join us for Little Rock Scrip-ture? The Gospel readings for the new church year will focus on the “Gospel According to Luke”, and our first Little

Rock Scripture study for 2016 will do the same. Please join us each Wednesday, starting January 6 to March 23, 2016 (12 weeks), from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer by the Sea Church education wing. The “Gospel According to Luke” is the third Gospel to be written, by the physician, Luke, an associate of St. Paul. Luke also wrote The Acts of the Apostles. Luke, along with Matthew and Mark, is one of the synoptic gospel writers. Please sign up in the Gathering Space of both churches or call Ed Beckley at 252-256-1084. Cost for the study guide is $20. The deadline to register is Decem-ber 28, 2015. The format is weekly reading then discus-sion on Wednesdays. Ed, Judy Gach and Cindy Urben will alternate facilitation. If this is not in your budget, but you would like to attend, please let Ed know.

Creative Choices Pregnancy Resource Center — The Creative Choices Pregnancy Resource Center is in desperate need of a volunteer Ultrasound Technician. Appointments are made with clients to ac-commodate the technician's availability. This is a very important part of our ministry and we need help in fulfilling this free service to our clients. The Center also needs NEWBORN items especially newborn size diapers, baby wipes, sizes 4 and 5 diapers, Carnation Good Start formula with an extended expiration date. The Center is located at MP 14 in Nags Head. Please contact our Executive Director, Carmen White, at 252.441.1818 for more information. For information about volunteering at our Thrift Store at MP 13.5 in Nags Head, please contact Gail at 441.1810. Thank you. Joan

Ladies by the Sea Ladies by the Sea will begin the New Year with a Luncheon to be held at the Black Pelican in Kitty Hawk on Wednes-day, January 13, 2016 at Noon. We will enjoy lunch in the downstairs alcove room. The menu will be similar to what we’ve had in the past. Cost is $16 per person, payable in cash or check. NO CREDIT CARDS (This includes lunch, a non-alcoholic beverage, dessert, tax & gratuity). If you plan to attend, please RSVP no later than January 7th to Patty Pelkey 261-5085 or pjpelkey@aol.com Note: This luncheon takes the place of our regular Janu-ary Sunday meeting. Dues for 2016 ($5) can be paid at this luncheon or at any other LBTS/Crafty Ladies Meet-ing

Crafty Ladies The Crafty Ladies will take a holiday break. Our last ses-sion for 2015 was December 15th. We will resume our crafty Tuesday meeting on January 5th, 2016 at 10 am. Bring your own projects to work on. See you then! Patti Pelkey

Say Thanks Please be sure to thank the generous advertisers in our bulletin. Through their participation, our parish receives our weekly bulletin free of charge.

All for the Glory of God Father John Dorgan was ordained a priest on December 18, 1965. For 50 years he has faith-fully served God's people. For the last several years, he has ministered to the community here on the Outer Banks. Please join his friends and family in wishing Fa-ther John a happy Golden Anniversary. Plans are in the works to honor Father John with a reception here, so watch the bulletin for details. In the meantime, say a prayer of thanks for all that Father John is and does!

The parish office is closed and reopens on January 4, 2016.

Holy Redeemer by the Sea 6

Bulletin Notices: Please email your information to Marian Sciacchitano at sciacch@yahoo.com. Deadline for the bulletin is noon Wednesday of the previous week.

Ministries to the Sick—The compassion and caring of the parishioners of Holy Redeemer by the Sea for the sick and homebound are truly a work of mercy. We are grateful to know if there is a person you feel should be on our bulletin prayer list, or who would benefit by a visit from a Eucharistic Minister or anointing by a priest. Please ask the individual to call our office (252) 261-4700 with that request, or, if he or she is unable to call, please ask the next of kin or an immediate family member to contact us. The Sacrament of the Sick is available to all in need of healing. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT until death is imminent to offer your loved one this grace.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Friday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1

Recruiting Service Year Volunteers If you encounter college seniors seeking year-long service opportunities after graduation, suggest they consider De-Sales Service Works. DSW Volunteers live in challenged neighborhoods, serving at schools, homeless shelters, and social agencies. For more information, please visit: http://www.oblates.org/serviceworks/service-year-2/

Rediscover Jesus! From Matthew Kelly, the author of Rediscover Catholi-cism, has written a new book, Rediscover Jesus. We are happy to make this book available to you. The paperback edition is available on Amazon.com for $10. Through special bulk pricing we are able to offer this to you for a suggested donation of $5.00. We distributed about 3,000 copies of Rediscover Catholicism and received great feedback from many who read it. We hope this book will be just as appealing to those who wish to give new energy to their relationship with Jesus, especially as we await His coming.

January 1 is the World Day of Peace!

In his Message for the 49th World Day of Peace, celebrated on Jan. 1, 2016, Pope Francis urges us to overcome such chal-

lenges by replacing isolation with community, and indif-ference with solidarity. "The world must be educated to love Peace, to build it up

and defend it." - Pope Paul VI, 1968

Elimination of Fees for a Declaration of Nullity. As of July 1, 2015, the Diocese of Raleigh eliminated all costs associated with a Declaration of Nul-lity. Bishop Burbidge decided the Diocese will absorb all costs related to the nullity process in order to make it more accessible to those who have been previously mar-ried and divorced. If you are interested in beginning or learning more about the nullity process, please contact Mrs. Susan Stanton (919-821-9754).

All Faithful Invited to Diocesan Respect Life Mass

On Saturday, January 16th, all the faithful are invited to join us at Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh at noon for the Diocesan Respect Life Mass with Bishop Burbidge. This new tradition began last year and allows us to join over 1000 Diocese of Raleigh Youth in a heated tent for Mass. It will be a wonderful event. Following the Mass, the faithful are encouraged to join the NC Rally and March for Life, also in Halifax Mall, to offer witness to the sanctity of human life and for the protection of the unborn. - For more information, please visit http://dioceseofraleigh.org/

LIGHT All the darkness of the world cannot put out the light of one small candle. —Anonymous

Parish Prayer List: Elizabeth Coppedge, Margaret Kerekes, Amy Sullivan, Ellyn Foshay, Michael Naylon, Vince & Lu Elko, Heather Greene, Mary & Nay Sansone, Susan Norrell Betts, John & Kathy Cresong, Tracy Woehr, Baby Jacob Woehr, Ginny Haas, Shirley Kurtz, Gary Anderson, Phyllis & Mike Kalman, Vicky Cam-panale, Deena Haske, Sylvia Garcia, Joyce Cuthrell, Patricia Cherubini, Rudy Metzger, Monica Walker, Mi-chael Walker, Lucille & Kevin McGrath, Bill Wamp, Jo-seph Vorbach, Kenneth Martinez, Jack Thomson, Jim Neis, Chrissie Donnelly, Patrick Ruane, Liam Bane, Vic-toria Hively, Joe Cenneno, Leif Hansen, Colleen Pratt, Susan Pope, Terry Reddy, Father Al Russell, David Hough, Jennifer Risoldi Hedgpeth, Marianne Chessick, Michael Rafferty, Francis Jeffcott, Margie McCombs, Mary Lou & Ray York & Family, Gloria Yarawsky, Daniel Rafferty, Tom DeSocio, Audrey Meekins, Andrew Burdette, Erin Hopkins. Names will be kept on the prayer list for 1 month from the time they are requested.

Holy Redeemer by the Sea 7

In his book Spirituality@Work, Gregory Pierce observes: “Popular culture presents work as, at best, a

tedious distraction and, at worst, a “rat race” in which—in the words of comedian Lily Tomlin— “even if

you win you’re still a rat.” (Chapter 1, page 18)

Work, it seems, has become a four-letter word. Gregory Pierce concludes that “for most people work is alienating, oppressive, exhausting—anything but spiritual.” (Ibid) Is work nothing more than a punishment? Is work nothing more than a burden? If so, how can work possibly play any part in—pardon the expression—the working out of our salvation? “Perhaps one reason for this unfortunate dichotomy is that, when we think of holy men and women throughout the ages, we often recall sculptures, drawings and paintings in which the saints look anything but active. Our most active and energetic saints are sometimes pictured doing nothing more strenuous than holding a lily or gazing piously heavenward. And while these images can be moving and inspiring, and helpful for times of contemplation, if one is searching for models of action and energy, they can hold somewhat less appeal.” (James Martin, SJ in Patrons and Protectors: More Occupations by Michael O’Neill McGrath) Consider the possibility that it is our understanding of work that is the problem, not work itself. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines work as “physical or mental ef-fort or activity directed toward the production or accomplishment of something...something that one is doing, making or performing, especially as an occupation or undertaking; a duty or task.” By this definition, all of us work. Throughout all our lives we are working on tasks, responsibilities, opportunities, hopes, dreams and relationships. On any given day, at any given moment—young or old, active or retired, salaried or volunteer—we are all engaged in some kind of undertaking, be it great or small. It is in this light that James Martin writes that “perhaps the most overlooked fact from Christian his-tory is that Jesus worked. We can easily envision Jesus being instructed by Saint Joseph, the master car-penter. In Joseph’s workshop in Nazareth Jesus would have learned about the raw materials of his craft...Joseph would have taught his apprentice the right way to drive a nail with a hammer, to drill a clean, deep hole in a plank, to level a ledge or a lintel.” (Ibid) Can we not see how the skills of a craftsman—patience, diligence, perseverance, honesty and oth-ers—would later serve Jesus well in his greatest work, that of accomplishing the will of God by proclaim-ing the Kingdom of God? Gregory Pierce suggests that we need to see and experience work as “all the effort (paid or unpaid) we exert to make the world a better place, a little closer to the way God would have things.” (Spirituality@Work, page 18) Our God is the God of Creation. We are called to reflect the image and likeness of this creating God. We accomplish this most clearly when we work to make our world, our offices, our neighborhoods and our homes places that more perfectly mirror the justice and peace of God. Work—God’s work—is indeed our lot in life, our reason for being, our purpose for living. As we see in the life of Jesus himself, this work can be tiring, laborious and frustrating. Still, what could be more rewarding than using all of our energies to make all our little corners of the world more reflective of the Kingdom of God? Come on! There’s work to do! Volume 4 Number 3 Salesian Perspectives, www.oblates.org/spirituality

Work...Our Lot in Life

Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Parish & Holy Trinity by the Sea Catholic Chapel

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FAMILY LIFE Family life is sacred, but it is not with-out trial. Perhaps this is the most impor-tant message we can glean from today’s readings. If Jesus, Mary, and Joseph can trip up sometimes—can disconnect—then

we shouldn’t find it surprising when such things happen to us as well. And parents everywhere (children, too) can probably relate to—and take some solace in—the Gospel’s account of Mary and Joseph after Jesus explained why he stayed behind in the temple. They heard his words, Luke tells us, “But they did not understand what he said to them” (Luke 2:50). Amen! Nevertheless, Jesus does go back home with them, and continues to thrive under their care. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Message Page Bulletin Number: 300250 Church Name: Holy Redeemer by the Sea City & State: Kitty Hawk, NC Contact Person: Marian Sciacchitano Telephone Number: 252-261-4700 E Mail: sciacch@yahoo.com Number of Pages (not including Message Page): 10 Software: Microsoft Publisher 2003 Printer: Comments: 1) Please send 700 copies