January 1st, 2023

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

by Fr. Boniface Endorf, O.P.

Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God! We celebrate Mary because she had the unique mission of being the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. It was through her that God became man. She is also the mother of all those joined to Christ in baptism, so she is our spiritual mother.

It is also New Year’s, when many people make resolutions. You could copy the crowd and merely get a gym membership, but I would suggest making a spiritual resolution too. Try increasing your daily prayer or taking on a new devotion, such as the rosary. If you stick to it for the year, the spiritual fruits will be great.

Next Sunday is the Epiphany of the Lord. We’ll again have the special blessing of Epiphany water on the Vigil of Epiphany, that Saturday night, at 5pm, before the 5:30pm Saturday Vigil Mass. We’ll give out the blessed Epiphany chalk at all the masses so that you can bless your homes with it. I encourage you to use the blessed chalk to bless your homes (we’ll provide instructions) because it provides real spiritual protection to your home, and is enjoyable, especially for families.

God Bless,

Fr. Boniface