JANUARY 29, 2012
IV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The verses from Deuteronomy in today’s first reading
describe the divine authorization of a prophet like Moses.
This future prophet in Israel will teach with the authority
of Moses; he will command the people’s attention and demand
their obedience. Thus says the Lord, “I…will put my words
into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him.
If any man will not listen to my words which he speaks in my
name, I myself will make him answer for it.” The identity of
this prophet like Moses is unspecified in the text. Early
Christians discerned the authority of Moses in the teaching
of Jesus, as Mark does in today’s Gospel. It was Jesus’
authority that set him apart from other teachers of his day.
The authority of his new teaching was manifest in his
miracles. Even the unclean spirits obeyed his word. The
passage from Deuteronomy concludes with a warning to those
who presume to speak without divine authorization. This
caution governs Paul’s advice on marriage. It is advice, not
authoritative teaching; what Paul says, not the Lord (cf. 1
Cor 7:12).
FEAST OF ST. BLAISE
This Friday, February 3rd, is the Feast of St. Blaise.
Blessing of throats will take place at next weekend’s
Masses, February 4-5, 2012.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COLLECT EYEGLASSES
St. Hedwig Knights of Columbus have a collection box in the
vestibule of the Church for new, used or broken eyeglasses
in any condition. The Knights are partnered with New Eyes
for the Needy who will repair and distribute the
reconditioned eyeglasses to countries in need throughout the
world. Please help us provide glasses to those in need by
bringing in your new, used or broken eyeglasses. Thank you.
DIOCESE OF TRENTON BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL
In two weeks we will be showing the Bishop’s Annual Appeal
video for 2012 and asking each of you to make a pledge to
support the work of your local Church. Each gift makes an
enormous impact on our parish communities in Burlington,
Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. It is up to us to say
yes to our faith, and bring our lives to faith and our faith
to life.
BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL
Another example of the ministries made possible by your
generous support to the Bishop’s Appeal is:
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Catholic
Charities in the United States is one of the most
recognized names and largest non-profit organizations in
the country. Our Catholic Charities in the Diocese of
Trenton provides services and care to more than 100,000 of
our most needy citizens. Our Catholic Charities is a leader
in the state in areas such as foster care, housing, job
training, therapy, emergency food, emergency care,
substance abuse, and many other social service programs.
The plain truth is that much of the funding from the state
and Federal government for social services is declining and
need for these services is always increasing. The Bishop’s
Appeal helps to fund Catholic Charities to respond to the
ever growing need.
DIOCESE OF
TRENTON WORLD MARRIAGE DAY LUNCHEON
The
Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life is hosting
their annual World Marriage Day Champagne Luncheon at the
Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant. All married
couples in the Diocese of Trenton are invited to the
luncheon to be held on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 12:00
pm to 3:00 pm. The cost of the event is $75 per couple. The
theme of this year’s celebration is “Catholic Marriage in
High-Def: Keeping it Holy, Healthy and Real,” with special
guest speakers Jennifer and Bill Maher. For more information
please contact Beatriz Cancel at 609-403-7151 or
bcance@dioceseoftrenton.org.
OFFICE OF YOUTH, MARRIAGE, FAMILY LIFE
Engaged
Encounter Weekend
Engaged Encounter is a weekend
retreat experience for engaged couples to prepare for a
lifelong sacramental marriage, in a beautiful, ocean-front
setting. Spiritual reflection and couple dialog are the main
highlights of the weekend. The next available weekend will
be held on February 10-12, 2012 at Stella Maris Retreat
House, Elberon, NJ. For more information call 609-403-7158
or, go to
www.dioceseoftrenton.org/go/cee
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