ST. HYACINTH BASILICA BAZYLIKA p.w. ŚW. JACKA

December 28, 2008 NEWS The Holy Family Sunday
LITURGICALLY SPEAKING
TODAY - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph Gen. 15:1 - 6 and 21; Heb. 11: 8 - 19; Lk. 2:22 - 40
12/29 - Lk. 2:22-35; Heb. 9:23 - 28
12/30 - Lk. 2:36 - 40; Heb. 10:1 - 10
12/31 - Jn.l:l - 18; Heb. 10:19 - 38
1/1 - Feast of Bi. Virgin Mary, Mother of God Nm 6:22 - 27;
Gal. 4:4 - 7; Lk. 2:16 - 21
1/2 - Mt. 23 - 8 - 12; Heb. 11: 1 - 29
1/3 - Jn. 1:29 - 34; Heb. 13:1 - 24
Sunday: The Epiphany of the Lord
Is.60:1 - 6; Eph.3:2 - 6; Mt. 2:1 - 12
FEASTDAYS: 1/2 - St. Basil the Great and
Gregory Nazianzen - Basil died Jan. 1, 379;
Bishop of Caesarea; noted
for his learning; foe of
Arianism; wrote a rule on
monasticism.
Gregory died on 1/25, 389;
Patriarch of Constantinople;
Noted for knowledge of
Sacred Scripture;
outstanding for his teaching
abilities and eloquence.
1/3 - Commemoration of Holy Name of
Jesus - you may have seen the monogram IHS
(Yahweh is salvation), an abbreviation of the
Greek name of Jesus.
When the wise man was asked: “What time is midnight Mass?”
he received the response: “The more important question is
‘What is the right time to come and adore him, Christ the
Lord?”’
Holy Family Sunday sanctifies a period of
intense attention to family, both spiritually
and socially!
The feast of the Holy Innocents (12/28)
commemorates the suffering of families
whose boy babies died in Herod’s search
for Jesus.
Up to and through New Year’s Day,
families traditionally visit and
expect visits from one another.
Many families gather at home to
scare away last year’s demons
with noisemakers and pot banging,
and to toast the New Year with
kisses and hugs all around. They
place quarters on windowsills to
ensure propserity, eat herring and
rye bread to ensure a full pantry
and fling sepentines and confetti in
sheer celebration of God’s lavish
gift of time.
1/1 - As a parish family on 1st Thursdays of the month, we
pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Also for
sanctity of all in their vocations of life: married, single, priest,
deacon, brother or sister.
1/2 - On 1st Fridays, we pray in reparation to the Sacred Heart
of Jesus.
1/3 - On the 1st Saturdays, we honor the Blessed Mother -
rosary is prayed after the 8 a.m. Mass.
1/2 - On First Fridays, we celebrate a Holy Hour of prayer with
Mass included.
Have you ever thought of the
word: FAMILY. Think, if you
will:
The old-out-of-fashion big family
with lots of kids. Sometimes with
lack of the “extra” things that
others have.
The smaller familes - whose love is
endless but maybe with less noise.
The couples who have not been
blessed with children. May these
individuals spread their love to
other families.
The one-parent families - of which there is a growing number.
What sacrifices must be made! Struggle does not necessarily
mean unhappiness. Perhaps where there is plenty, there seems
to be “not-enough!”
The well-off families - though perhaps few - may they share
their giftedness with others.
The families who have felt the loss of a loved one this year.
The holidays - the first time around - are usually “tough” and
perhaps with lots of tears as one remembers. May our good
cheer, hospitality, warm presence make sorrow easier.
The senior families,whose children are gone. Sometimes the
children return for an overnight or have the folks over for
dinner...or at least a call of love might be needed.
The elderly living alone, the widowed or separated or divorced,
our parish “thanksgiving luncheon” brought over a hundred
people together. Are we too busy at this Christmas feastday?
The single people of our community, who are frequently
overlooked.
The families where disharmony and infighting is frequent. We
need to pray and help the healing...a visit, a call, a letter!
THe families struggling with sickness, who need our support.
The families of other cultures, other religions, and other colors.
Our parish-family - turn to one another as we come to celebrate
“God is with us”. Make it more than “just” a handshake .. let
your smile and words be inviting!
We miss so many young-adults, as well as those who need our
concern.., what can we do? How can we address the “reality”
that we need one another.
CHICAGO BIULETYN BAZYLIKI ŚW. JACKA