Dear Friends of our Pastorate of the Visitation,
On behalf of all of us at our Pastorate, I would like to wish you and your families a very blessed and joyous New Year!
This weekend, we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. Today’s feast day recalls the manifestation of Jesus as the king and savior of the world. There are actually three epiphanies identified in scripture: today’s feast which celebrates the magi coming to pay homage to Jesus, the baptism of the Lord, and the wedding feast at Cana. Our Gospel today tells us the story of the Magi who come from the east by following the star. They arrive in Bethlehem to offer their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts reveal who Jesus is. He is our king (gold). He is our God (frankincense). He will suffer and die for our sins (myrrh). We too are called to participate in a journey, not unlike the Magi, to follow the Lord by the witness of our lives. When we follow the light of Christ, it will always lead us home.
Fr. John and I would like to thank everyone for your generous gis, cards, baked goods, and good wishes during the Christmas season. We are humbled by your outpouring of kindness to us and prayers for us. May the Lord bless you and your families in this New Year. Thank you also for your generous gifts and donations to our parishes. They are very much appreciated.
Our Pastorate is gearing up for Shelter Week this month. We will be hosng our guests the week of January 26 – February 2 at OLC. If it hasn’t already been published, we will be sending out our sign up request for volunteers as well as supplies for the week. When you have the opportunity, please sign up to help us in the corporal work of mercy.
Please pray for our youth who will be celebrating their First Reconciliations this week. We will be hosting two sessions: January 6th at SJF and January 10th at OLC. They are always nervous when going to confession for the first me, so I know your prayers for them would be appreciated.
Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances de Chantal and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers!
God Bless,
Father Steve
