Well…it was a busy week for special prayer intentions. Monday, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was a day to pray for respect for people who are vulnerable because of their race. Wednesday we had a peaceful Inauguration Day and for that we are thankful and we ask the Lord’s blessings on President Biden and his administration. Friday, the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in our country, was a day to pray for the protection of the unborn, and for a respect for life at all stages from conception to natural death. And of course, we continue to pray for all those affected by the pandemic, and for a quickening of the vaccination process.

Our Youth Group is doing a virtual participation in the Annual March For Life this week. They are hosting a special Pro-Life Mass on Wednesday, January 27th at 6:00 pm in church praying for the sanctity of human life. All are welcome!

Pope Francis is highlighting the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph as the patron saint of the universal church by establishing a “Year of St. Joseph” – from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021. This bulletin has information about our parish’s consecration to St. Joseph.

Pope Francis has also named the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time as Word of God Sunday. Of course God’s Word has always had a special significance in the life of Christian people. In history, however, it was the Protestant traditions that were recognized as giving “The Word” more priority. Catholics have come a long way with bible study groups and an overall appreciation of God’s Word in the Bible. To highlight the treasure of the Bible, we will offer a blessing of your bibles at our Masses this weekend. You are invited to bring your bible along with you to Mass for this blessing. Those joining us through live stream at home will be invited to hold their bible during the blessings.

This bulletin has information for student registration for our Preschool and Kindergarten. Sending your children to our Catholic Elementary School is a valuable gift. Granted, Catholic Schools involve tuition, but there is assistance available. This bulletin has an announcement: SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. (Info also below)

One unified online application is available at TTEF-STL.org for all scholarships funded by the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation (TTEF), the Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri, and the Office of Catholic Education and Formation.

God bless you!

God bless our country with healing and peace!