Today is Word of God Sunday and Tomorrow is a Day of Prayer for Life

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time was declared by Pope Francis several years ago “to be devoted the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God. This Sunday of the Word of God will this be a fitting part of that time of year when we are encouraged to strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian unity.” The Second Vatican Council continues to challenge us as Catholics to treat the Word of God with as much reverence and dignity as we do the Sacraments we celebrate (see Dei Verbum 21, 26). This is important because it is the Word of God that was made flesh in the incarnation we just celebrated during Christmastide, and Whom we receive in Communion each week. Please consider a way you can grow closer to God in the Scriptures, such as reading the gospel passage for each day (bible.usccb.org) or a daily scripture reflection booklet or website.

Monday is also a special day of prayer. January 22 is the anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which should encourage us to pray for greater respect for all human life, born and unborn. The dignity of each human life, created in God’s image, means that every person deserves respect from the time of conception until natural death. Especially in times of exceptional hardships surrounding unexpected pregnancies, disabilities, serious illness and the dying process, we are called as a society and especially as members of the Body of Christ to help one another to bear these burdens.

Our U.S. Bishops Conference have more specifically designated January 22, “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children,” protecting children conceived in the future from joining the millions of those killed in the past. Overturning Roe has helped, but we need to continue to pray and work toward a time when we will show equal respect for the dignity of the child, the mother and the father. For this to happen, the parents and all of us need to take responsibility (personally and collectively) for the lives of those who are at risk, that they may know they are loved by God and our faith communities. Pregnancy help centers and many programs in the Church help us to do just that, providing safety nets for parents to help mom and dad be able to fulfill parental responsibilities, or helping to support them until they can entrust their child to those who long to welcome her or him as adoptive parents. These approaches may not help in every situation, but they are ways to move forward in living respect for the majority of lives at risk, both born and unborn.
- Fr. Joe

What is Financial Peace University?

Financial Peace University (FPU) is a 9-week course which will help you focus on what’s important, and set specific goals. It will steer you and your family in the right financial direction to handle money responsibly and give you peace! As Dave Ramsey says, “Live like no one else, so you can live and give like no one else!” 
Money isn’t a math problem—it’s a behavior problem. FPU will change your habits so you can transform your money and your future. Financial Peace University is the #1 personal finance class in America that’s helped nearly 10 million people learn the fastest way to beat debt and build wealth. The cost of the class is $79.99 per family. If you already have attained financial peace, then consider giving this class to a family member as a gift! ALL ARE WELCOME! 
Your FPU coordinator (Tim) will give you the tools and resources to be successful and class members will help you, pray with you, support you, (and kick your butt if needed) and it’s that kind of accountability that will cause you to win!
https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/financial-peace
Sign up by contacting Tim McCarty- 508-296-3059, or [email protected]
Financial Peace begins Saturday, January 27 from 8-10 at St. Mary’s!