The Feast of the Epiphany – Encounter with God

Mary Weekly message

Who were the magi from the east who came to Jerusalem and asked: “Where is the new-born King of the Jews?” Confusion, fear and the nervousness were evident in the reply they received. King Herod and the whole of Jerusalem were troubled, according to the Gospel. But so far as the Magi are concerned the fact remains: “We have seen his star in its rising and we have come to worship him.”

 Men on the Search

The Magi not only observed the signs of the time but also drew conclusions from them. Whoever they may be, God touched these “wise men from the east.” They readily responded to God’s call and set out without fear though the way was unknown and dangerous. A glimpse of the Lord, and presenting of gifts to Him – that was their aim, and no hazards, however great, could stop them.

Today’s feast reminds us that Christmas is something which happened long, long ago but is not all over: its message is still alive and perennial. The light that shone that day still shines, it is never extinguished. The message of ‘great joy’ proclaimed by the angel is still a reality. It says: God has appeared (theophany) and remains with us forever as Moses foresaw: “the whole world will be full of God’s glory.” (Num 14:21).

On the Road to Life

The Gospel speaks of human problems. These can be compared to those which Abraham had to encounter (Gen 12). We will not find our happiness in our homes, in our ghettos, in our own narrow circles of family and friends. We have to go out of ourselves. Man must always be engaged in his quest till he realizes the ultimate goal: eternal life.

On the road to life we have to face many troubles and many trials. Contrary to their expectations, the Magi had to meet with problems and difficulties on their journey. They naturally looked for the ‘new-born king’ in palaces, and their disappointments began there. But far from giving up, they continued their search. Finally, they arrived at their destination: in an insignificant place, in conditions unthinkable for a king. But their faith gave them assurance and they affirmed: “Yes, here is the King, the Savior of Mankind.” Their courage and wisdom led them to the Lord.

Adoration

The Gospels narrates “They bowed to the ground and adored him.” And they offered their gifts: Gold (the most noble and precious metal), frankincense (symbol of adoration, sacrifice) and myrrh (symbol of Christ’s redeeming death on the cross).

Faith is God’s gift which reveals to us His salvific plan. The Magi labored hard and persisted in their search to find the new born babe, the King of the Universe in Jerusalem, though no one else bothered about Him. They remained steadfast to the end, faithful to the light and inspiration which had awakened them. And God fulfilled their dream, and they returned with great joy, having seen God Himself.

Epiphany (God’s manifestation) took place especially for us. We must be touched by this saving act. On our part we too must respond to God’s sign like the Magi and give ourselves as gifts to God as He gave Himself to us. As God’s self-giving is a sign of our love for God.

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

Kathy Weekly message

We seek the same faith and courage that Mary possessed as she accepted the tremendous responsibility of being the Mother of God. Life often requires great and heroic things of us and we often wonder how and if we are able to meet those challenges. Mary did not doubt that God was with her, giving her everything needed to complete the task before her. Because of her Son’s special relationship with his Father, we too can cry out “Abba, Father” and draw strength from the infinite and generous love God bestows upon us.

 

Happy New Year

 

 As we step into the New Year 2017 let us give thanks to God for the many blessings and graces we have received throughout the past year. Let us thank God for the good times that have refreshed and nourished us and also for the personal challenges that have helped us grow and become stronger people of faith. As we move along to 2017, let us ask our loving Lord for the same help and protection throughout this New Year.

 Our Church looks beautiful this Christmas! I want to express a word of gratitude to all those who helped change the environment and made it look beautiful for the season. I sincerely appreciate the time that was given to help create such  a beautiful worship space. I would also like to recognize all those who worked so hard to make our Christmas liturgies so beautiful. To all of the liturgical ministers, to our choir members and musicians and to all who lent a hand in any way to make our celebrations of Christmas so beautiful, I offer a sincere word of gratitude.

Let me also take this opportunity to thank so many parishioners who give generously of their time and talents in making this parish such an energetic, faith-filled community that it is. We have many parish members who take an active part in some form of ministry, organization or parish activity like  Worship, Christian Service, Stewardship, Parish Council, Finance Council, St. Vincent de Paul, CSA coordinators, Youth Ministry, Faith Formation teachers, aides, hall monitors and traffic safety, Word for Little Ones, Men’s Club, Women’s Club, Choir – both adult and children’s, hospitality, the group that helps in changing the environment according to liturgical seasons, Christmas decorations – outside, maintenance staff, gardening, money counters, updating bulletin boards, bulletin stuffers, we have parish members serving as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Altar Servers, Sacristans, Communion for the home bound, taking care of altar linen,  those who take care of the plants inside the Church, Rummage Sale and Blood Drive coordinators and helpers, Casino trip and Tiger game coordinators, A special thanks to Mrs. Damuth the Principal, the Staff of St. Valentine School and all the members that are involved in various school related activities. Thank you to our parish office staff and I would also like to thank Deacon Lawrence for his ministry. This is what makes our parish vibrant. 

Finally, I along with Fr. Henry, want to offer a sincere word of thanks for the many cards, gifts and your kind words that you shared with us this Christmas holiday.  We sincerely appreciate your generosity and your kindness! This is my prayer for you:

“The Lord bless you and keep you!

 The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!

 The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Num.6:24-26)

   A healthy and happy New Year 2017 to all of you!

 Fr. Socorro

Welcome to St. Valentine

Kathy Weekly message

We are pleased that you chose St. Valentine to be the church where you worship this Christmas Day. If you are a visitor from another state, a guest of a parish member, or a longstanding parishioner—we welcome you to our faith community.  On this special day we want to thank you for joining us.

Christmas Message

Kathy Weekly message

 For four weeks of Advent, our hopeful voices sang, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, and at last, at the glorious birth of our Lord and Savior, we joyfully proclaim, “Emmanuel, God is With Us! Luke’s Gospel says it beautifully “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. For today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord.”(Lk.2:11) We have all been surrounded with the joy and light which the birth of Jesus brings into the world!

 At this great time of joy and thanksgiving, I along with Fr. Henry would like to send our personal gratitude to each of you and your families for being a part of our faith-filled community here at St. Valentine. We would also like to Thank You for your loyal and generous cooperation during the year and for giving so freely of your time, talent and treasure. May the beauty, peace and joy of this most blessed season envelop you all with the infinite love of God, and the wonder of the birth of His only Son, our Savior and brother, Jesus.

 May our loving God bless you and your loved ones with a joyful grace-filled Christmas, and May the gift of God’s love come alive in your heart this Christmas, and throughout the New Year 2017.  

God Bless You All,

 Fr. Socorro Fernandes, SAC

Fr. Henry Rebello, SAC & St. Valentine Staff

 

Dear St. Valentine Parishioners,

 While preparing our hearts for the miracle of Christmas the St. Valentine School students have been learning that Jesus brings us Joy. We have learned together that being disciples of Jesus means:

 J– Jesus first

O– others next

Y– Yourself last

 For children remembering to think of others before yourself is a very hard task indeed! We are proud of the way our children treat each other daily, of the kind words they use with each other, and with the way they apologize for doing wrong to others, and forgive others when they have been wronged. We have focused together on Jesus as the reason for the season. Teachers have been able to use the JOY of Jesus to remind our students daily how important it is to love and care for others first. It is our prayer that each student holds dear the simple message of JOY. We are truly blessed to have a Catholic School where we can teach such faith filled lessons.

Thank you for your continued support of St. Valentine School. On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, I wish you a blessed Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Many Blessings,

Mrs. Rachel Damuth
Principal

 

Synod 16 Update

Kathy From Pastoral Council

 I had the esteemed honor of attending the now famous Synod 16 as a member of St. Valentine’s Parish. The three days were packed with so much it is hard to give you an adequate summary without taking multiple pages. I encourage you to go to the Michigan Catholic on line, November 25th edition, or the Archdiocesan website: www.aod.org  for well written and  captivating video portrayals of this historical event.

 Throughout the preparation period and at the Synod itself, many themes surfaced. We were to find ways that would “change the DNA of the Archdiocese,” to “Unleash the Gospel “ and to encourage all of us to  “become joyful missionary disciples,” professing the saving Love of Christ to all in southeastern Michigan.

  At our first gathering of the Synod, we soon felt in our souls that these were not mere slogans. More than 400 Catholics processed outside singing Come Holy Ghost, in public streets along Washington Boulevard. During the ensuing mass at the magnificent St Aloysius Church, the fervor, and the intensity of the congregation was impressive and palpable. Something very different was happening here. Certainly the Holy Spirit was upon us and remained with us as we spent three days praying, discerning, discussing, evaluating, and prioritizing goals that will allow us to actualize the message in those themes. It was equally inspiring to witness members in all 6 of the AOD counties share similar deliberations and conclusions despite our diversity.

A pastoral letter from Archbishop Vigneron will likely be given during Pentecost 2017.  What do we do until then? Well, one thing for sure that we should not do, is be a passive observer in our pew. It is time to change our own DNA, NOW!!  As one synod members aptly said, “The challenge for the individual is to be a faithful Catholic, a committed Catholic, to be something worth sharing.“ To paraphrase a famous quote: ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for GOD.

  Thank you to all who prayed for us during the Synod. We are asked to continue praying for the success of Synod 16 and, if I may add, pray for the rebirth of us, the individual, as the Holy Spirit continues to guide us.

 There are personal pictures from the event on our church bulletin board in the main vestibule.

 Warmest Regards, and wishing you all a Blessed Christmas,

Eileen MacDonell

 Synod 16 Prayer:

God our Father, you have called us to be witnesses to Jesus and have sent us on a mission to lead all people to encounter him. Send you Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds and enkindle our hearts, so that we may grow daily as your disciples. Empower us to face bravely the challenges of our time. Keep us close to you, together with Jesus your Son, Mary our Mother, and St. Anne our patroness as we engage in Synod 16 to Unleash the Gospel. Transform us into a band of joyful missionary disciples, who will bring the message of Jesus’ power and mercy to every person in Southeast Michigan. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

                                                                                                Archdiocese of Detroit ( AOD)