THE CHRISTMAS SEASON OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC CHURCH
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CHRISTMAS CELEBRATES THE INCARNATION OF GOD
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,
Fr. Griffith 2
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MASS INTENTIONS
Sat. 12/23 5:00 pm For the Parish
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
Wed. 12/27 12:05 pm For the Sick
Thu. 12/28 12:05 pm For the Unborn
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
Mon. 1/01 10:00 am For the Parish
Tue. 1/02 12:05 pm For the Sick
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
Phone (612)379-2259 Fax (612) 379-0165
Website lourdesmpls.org Facebook Facebook.com/LourdesMpls
Twitter @LourdesMpls Instagram LourdesMpls
Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
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
Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives:
Julie Craven
[email protected] Organist/Choirmaster: Christopher Ganza [email protected]
Administrative Assistant: Sue Osgood
Financial Associate: Jamie Schmidt
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!
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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!
FAITH IN ACTION SERIES
January 14th Presentation on Homelessness in Minnesota
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
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JUSTICE and CHARITY
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!
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WHAT a YEAR!
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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.
