St. Michael & St. Francis Xavier - St Michael Church Charlestown, IN
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St. Michael
Charlestown & St. Francis Xavier
Henryville
January 03, 2021
The Epiphany of the Lord
What will the neighbors think?
It must have been quite the sight on the streets of Bethlehem as the magi, those
star-searchers, made their way to the house of Joseph (in Matthew’s Gospel the
Holy Family are residents of Bethlehem until the flight to Egypt). Imagine the
wonder that filled the eyes of the neighborhood children as this caravan made its
way. Matthew doesn’t tell us many specifics about them (he never numbers them
as three or calls them “kings”), but travel was hard in that time, and “safety in
numbers” was the rule for making a long trek. Most likely it was a lengthy cortege
that wound its way under the guidance of that star. If the celestial phenomenon
that guided them there hadn’t already excited the village, the arrival of these
women and men (in the ancient world astrologers and sign-readers were
frequently female) with their dromedaries, unusual clothing, foreign ways—and
gifts!—certainly would have roused the neighbors. News travels fast in small
towns, and imagine the surprise when it learned where these travelers stopped.
We can include the magi on our list of role models in faith for the season. They were not Jews, but were willing to follow a route
that led to an insignificant and troublesome Roman province. When they were led to the Holy Family’s humble abode in
Bethlehem they did not say, “No way! This can’t be the place. It’s too lowly, they’re not affluent enough.” They simply bowed
down and worshiped Jesus the Christ, in a scene that prefigures the disciples bowing to worship him later in Matthew’s Gospel
after his resurrection. These sign-seekers were willing to be led by their wonder, ready to persist in their journey, not knowing
where the quest for their revelation would lead them, but open to its possible presence anywhere. We, like they, must be ready
to seek the epiphania, the manifestation of God, earnestly and honestly, and be prepared to bow in worship when we find it.
¿QuÉ pensarÁn los Vecinos?
Debió ser algo asombroso el espectáculo en las calles de Belén cuando los magos, observadores de estrellas, se dirigían a la
casa de José (en el Evangelio de San Mateo, la sagrada familia reside en Belén hasta la huida a Egipto). Imaginen las miradas
de asombro de los niños del vecindario cuando pasaba esa caravana. Mateo no es muy específico (nunca menciona que eran
tres ni los llama “reyes”), pero viajar era difícil en aquellos tiempos, y “seguridad en números” era la regla cuando se hacían
viajes largos. Es muy posible que un largo cortejo serpenteaba las calles guiado por aquel lucero. Si el celestial fenómeno que
los guiara hasta allí no había llenado ya de asombro el pueblecito, la llegada de mujeres y hombres (antiguamente los
astrólogos e intérpretes de símbolos eran frecuentemente mujeres) con sus dromedarios, extrañas vestiduras, modales
extranjeros—¡y regalos!—ciertamente habría atraído a los vecinos. Las noticias viajan muy rápido en los pueblos en los
pueblos pequeños. Imaginen la sorpresa cuando supieron en dónde se habían detenido estos viajeros.
Podemos incluir a los magos en nuestra lista de modelos de fe en esta temporada. No eran judíos pero estaban dispuestos a
seguir una ruta que los conducía a una insignificante y problemática provincia romana. Cuando fueron guiados hacia la
humilde posada de la Sagrada Familia en Belén no dijeron, “¡Ni modo! Este no puede ser el lugar. Es muy humilde, no son
suficientemente ricos”. Simplemente se inclinaron y adoraron a Jesús el Cristo, en una escena que prefigura a los discípulos
inclinándose a adorarlo más tarde en el Evangelio de Mateo después de su resurrección. Estos buscadores de señales
estaban dispuestos a dejarse guiar por su curiosidad, listos a persistir en su jornada, sin saber a dónde los conduciría la
búsqueda de su revelación, pero abiertos a su posible presencia en cualquier sitio. Nosotros, como ellos, debemos estar listos
para buscar la epifanía, la manifestación de Dios, ansiosamente y honestamente, y preparados para inclinarnos en adoración
cuando la encontremos.
Today’s Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Lecturas de hoy: Isaías 60:1-6; Salmo 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Efesios 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mateo 2:1-12
Copyright © 2005, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.
Fr. Adam Ahern, Pastor
Email: pastor@northclarkcountycatholic.org
Office: (812) 256-3200
Emergency: (812) 307-8796
Cherie Kopp, Secretary - St. Michael
stmichaelsecretary@northclarkcountycatholic.org | (502) 403-9755
Joann Ettel, Secretary - St. Francis Xavier
stfrancissecretary@northclarkcountycatholic.org | (502) 931-1499
Rita Poff, Director - St. Michael School
stmichaelcharlestown@yahoo.com | (812) 256-3503
Jessica Sarver, Youth Religious Education Coordinator
We saw his star at its rising jessicaRsarver@gmail.com | (502) 773-1853
and have come to do him homage. Luz Niño, Hispanic Community Coordinator
lenm95@hotmail.com | (502) 294-5976
Matthew 2:2 Mikayla Koble, Communications Coordinator
communications@northclarkcountycatholic.org | (701) 340-0240
Please Pray for Health and Strength Prayer Ministry
Lord, hear our prayers for: Our Instant Prayer Ministry offers daily instant
Dorothy Smith, Glinda Minnick, Deborah Glawson, Jeff prayers as requested. If you or someone you know
Bridges, Chuck Ledbetter, Allies Rash Gussman, Michelle is in need of special prayers, please contact
Korty, Miriam State, John Williams, Joyce Schafer, Sandy Teresa Helton at (812) 248-0528 or (812) 406-7195.
Baltz, Helen Beiswanger, Garett Chiswell, Billy Collings,
Lorrie Cox, Bernice Donahue, Sammy Eckenfels, Juliann Additionally, our Prayer Chain Ministry offers the
Eichholtz, Mary Garrett, Elmer & Jane Graf, Joe Hoffman, service of prayers by a dedicated group of individuals
Juanita Hoffman, Sam Huff, James Kinder, praying for your requests. Please contact Debbie Lyons
Raymond Kopp, David Korty, Kay Ledbetter, Milo Metz, at (812) 256-2189 or (812) 391-6702.
Connie Mull, Mitch Newland, Beulah Orberson, Allisa
Rash, Mary Ridenour, Carroll Schafer, Alley If you, or if you know of anyone needing
Schoenbachler, Dorothy Smith, Jane Synovec, Richard Homebound Ministry,
Tormoehlen, Keegan Traub, Barbara Tully, Amanda please contact the Rectory at (812) 256-3200
Weber, Tudy Willeford, Valerie Lucas or text Cherie: (502) 403-9755 or email at
stmichaelsecretary@northclarkcountycatholic.org
Names will remain on the list for 6 months unless you tell
us to remove them or request that they be kept longer.
MASS INTENTIONS
This Weekend Mass Intentions may be submitted
Jan 01 St. Michael Friday NOON Ray Kopp to the Rectory – please provide
Jan 02 St. Michael Saturday 4:30 pm Ismael Aguirre name and we will schedule (we do
our best to accommodate specific
Jan 03 St. Francis Sunday 9:00 am Joan Banet dates when requested).
Jan 03 St. Michael Sunday 11:00 am Rev. Robert G. Maher Mass Intentions are $10 per
Jan 03 St. Michael Sunday (Sp) 12:30 pm Rev. Msgr. Richard A. Wolbach requested Mass. However, please
do not let the cost prevent you from
Next Week sending in an Intention, we are
Jan 06 St. Michael Wednesday 4:30 pm Mayfiel James here to serve.
Jan 07 St. Francis Thursday 6:00 pm Benjamin Ahern
Jan 08 St. Michael Friday NOON Frieda James
Jan 09 St. Michael Saturday 4:30 pm Joseph & Mary Wafford Anniversary
Jan 10 St. Francis Sunday 9:00 am Barbara Baird
Jan 10 St. Michael Sunday 11:00 am Diane Goedecker
Jan 10 St. Michael Sunday (Sp) 12:30 pm Souls in Purgatory
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
This Weekend Next Weekend
St. Michael – Saturday, January 02 – 4:30 pm St. Michael – Saturday, January 09 – 4:30 pm
Lector: Steve & Sherry Buit Lector: Steve & Sherry Buit
Eucharistic Minister: N/A at this time Eucharistic Minister: N/A at this time
Ushers: Cherie Kopp Ushers: Cherie Kopp
St. Michael – Sunday, January 03 – 11:00 am St. Michael – Sunday, January 10 – 11:00 am
Lector: Cheryl Dunn Lector: Cheryl Dunn
Eucharistic Minister: N/A at this time Eucharistic Minister: N/A at this time
Ushers Michael Howard, Michael Hooper Ushers Michael Howard, Michael Hooper
St. Francis – Sunday, January 03 – 9:00 am St. Francis – Sunday, January 10 – 9:00 am
Lector: Erick Mays Lector: Joe Banet
Eucharistic Minister: N/A at this time Eucharistic Minister: N/A at this time
Usher: Tom Nolot Usher: Bill Short
Cantor: Taylor Buckner Cantor: Emily Horine
Anyone interested in being an Altar Server, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Cantor, or Usher, please contact Fr. Adam
Ahern after Mass or call the Rectory for more info. We are building God’s Army together!
St. Michael, Charlestown St. Francis Xavier, Henryville
101 St. Michael Drive 101 North Ferguson
Charlestown, IN 47111 Henryville, IN 47126
(812) 256-3200 (812) 294-4682
stmichaelcharlestown.org stfrancisxavierhenryville.org
@stmichaelchurchcharlestown @stfrancisxavierhenryville
Mass Times Mass Times
Wednesday 4:30 pm Thursday 6:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am
Saturday 4:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am Reconciliation
Thursday 4:30-5:30 pm
La Misa en español
Domingo 12:30 pm Office Hours
Thursday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Reconciliation
Wednesday 5:30-6:30 pm
Saturday 3:00-4:00 pm
We are called by the Lord
Rosary to be a Spirit-filled,
30-min prior to Mass Gospel-directed,
on Saturday and Sunday
and Life-giving community.
Office Hours
T, W, TH 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Marriage: Please contact the pastor a year in advance. Advent and Lent are not times for celebrations.
Baptisms of Infants or Adults Joining the Church: Must be a practicing/registered member for three months & must meet with Pastor.
Please contact: St. Michael – Jessica Sarver, St. Francis – Fr. Ahern
Sacraments: Children Gr. 1-12 must be enrolled & attend Faith Formation Classes the year prior and after receiving the Sacrament of First
Reconciliation, First Eucharist, & Confirmation.
New to the Parish: Please call the office to register. Please introduce yourself to Fr. Ahern at Mass.
Parishoners Who Are Ill: Please call Fr. Ahern or the rectory if a relative or friend is sick.
Bulletin Announcements: Announcements must be received in writing by Tuesday evening – inserts must be forwarded ready for print.
Los Enfermos: Es muy importante con el Padre (debido a las leyes privadas, los hospitales no se comunican con las iglesias).
Doctrina Cristiana: Las clases de educación religiosa para niños son cada domingo de 9:30 am-10:50 am en la escuela. Recuerden que
la Arquidiócesis requiere que los que van a recibir los sacramentos estén inscritos en las clases de religión.
Monaguillos: Los niños que quieran ayudar como monaguillos en el altar tienen su ensayo el segundo domingo de cada mes después de
la misa de 11:00 am. Estos niños y niñas tienen que haber hecho la Primera Comunión. Los interesados comunicarse con Pbro.
In response to COVID-19 and guidelines provided by the CDC, the White House, the Governor of Indiana, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and our local health
department, the following procedures are in place until further notice. Please do not come to Church if you are sick or over 65 years of age or suffer any
underlying conditions. If you do attend Mass and discover that you have the virus or are “asymptomatic” – please contact us as soon as possible letting us
know which Mass you attended – we will alert those who may have come into contact with you (without disclosing your identity). Parents with small children
should be cautious in bringing children to Church at this time. Social distancing is observed at all times. Masks are required at all liturgies. Please no gathering,
hand-shaking, or embracing. The Church is sanitized after/or between Masses.
Reminder – the Archbishop has dispensed all members of the Archdiocese from what is called “the Sunday obligation of attending and participating in Mass.
If you cannot come or feel uncomfortable at this time, it is allowed that you not attend. Under this unique circumstance, things may change, please be patient
and flexible, as this is “new” to us all. We will keep you updated.
Link to USCCB – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops purposeful information:
http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/usccb-president-reflection-and-prayer-during-coronavirus.cfm
Collection Report – Week December 27
St. Michael $4,573
St. Francis Xavier $1,199
Thank you for your continued prayers,
service, and contribution.
It is greatly appreciated and
supports each of our parish efforts daily.
Online Giving: http://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=Hg94dq
Announcements
Happy Anniversary to Joseph and Mary Wafford who are
celebrating their 66th Wedding Anniversary on January 9th!
Thank you to Sarah Bottorff, Mary Lyons, and Sara Lyons
for the beautiful manger star - to Kim Gagel for all the
Christmas decorations you donated - and to Beth Haggenjos
for the stunning Nativity mural in our lobby. We are so
blessed by your generosity, time, and talent. Thanks for
being a big asset and part of our Art & Environment team.
Fr. Ahern and Cherie thank you for all of the Christmas cards
and goodies!
Mrs. Dorothy Smith has been moved into an Assisted
Living Facility and would appreciate your prayers, thoughts,
cards, and calls, as this has been a hard adjustment for her.
Mrs. Dorothy Smith
The Bennet House
3928 Horne Avenue
New Albany, IN 47150 (812) 704-7898
THE Epiphany of the Lord – January 03, 2021
First Reading Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Second Reading Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Jerusalem shall be a light to all nations. Gentiles are coheirs in the promise of Christ.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12
Every nation on earth shall worship the Lord. The Magi seek out Jesus and do him homage.
Background on the Gospel Reading
The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Matthew’s Gospel tells a version of
Jesus’ birth that is different than the one in Luke. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us little more than, “When Jesus
was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod . . . ” The story of the census is found only in Luke’s Gospel, but we
hear about the visit of the Magi only in Matthew’s Gospel.
We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe
them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does
not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because
the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.
We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the
gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity
because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in
anticipation of Jesus’ death.
The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Historically several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry
have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first
miracle at Cana.
Reprinted from: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/
MASS READINGS
First Reading Isaiah 60:1-6 Second Reading Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, Brothers and sisters:
the glory of the Lord shines upon you. You have heard of the stewardship of God's grace
See, darkness covers the earth, that was given to me for your benefit,
and thick clouds cover the peoples; namely, that the mystery
but upon you the LORD shines, was made known to me by revelation.
and over you appears his glory. It was not made known to people in other generations
Nations shall walk by your light, as it has now been revealed
and kings by your shining radiance. to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
Raise your eyes and look about; that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
they all gather and come to you: and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus
your sons come from afar, through the gospel.
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow, Gospel Acclamation Matthew 2:2
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; We saw his star at its rising
all from Sheba shall come and have come to do him homage.
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13 Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12
R. (11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
O God, with your judgment endow the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
and with your justice, the king's son; "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
He shall govern your people with justice We saw his star at its rising
and your afflicted ones with judgment. and have come to do him homage."
When King Herod heard this,
R. (11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests
Justice shall flower in his days, and the scribes of the people,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more. He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
May he rule from sea to sea, They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth. for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
R. (11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; who is to shepherd my people Israel."
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. Then Herod called the magi secretly
All kings shall pay him homage, and ascertained from them
all nations shall serve him. the time of the star's appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
R. (11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. "Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, that I too may go and do him homage."
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. After their audience with the king they set out.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; And behold, the star that they had seen
the lives of the poor he shall save. at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place
R. (11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.You can also read
