We pray that 2024 will bring your family good health, laughter, and joy and that our world may know the Peace of Jesus Christ!

On January 8, the liturgical calendar celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. This annual feast always gives us pause to reflect on the Sacrament of Baptism. When we enter the church for Mass, we bless ourselves with holy water by dipping our fingers in the water and making the Sign of the Cross, to remind ourselves of the gift of our baptism. Through the holy water of Baptism, we received new life in Christ, and each time we dip our fingers in holy water, we are refreshed in the that new life. We can also keep holy water in our homes to bless ourselves daily! Read more about holy water from the National Eucharistic Revival at the link below:

You can access the daily readings and the Sunday readings for Mass at: https://bible.usccb.org/

FAMILY FAITH CONVERSATION: On Sunday, January 14, the first reading is the call of Samuel. Samuel keeps hearing a voice in the night, and goes to his master Eli, thinking Eli has called him. He discovers that it is God. Have you ever felt drawn to doing something or saying something? Did you feel like there was a force guiding you toward your decision? Did you wonder if it was God? Do you think God speaks to you through other people or in your own thoughts in quiet moments? What do you think God might be calling you toward right now in your life?

In the month of January, the Catholic Church prays for the protection and dignity of all human life. We invite your family to join Bishop Salvatore Matano on January 18 at 7:00 PM, for a Diocesan Eucharistic Holy Hour for Life at Peace of Christ – St. James Church, 130 Brett Rd., Rochester 14609. We celebrate this event in solidarity with the National Prayer Vigil for Life taking place at the same time at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC to pray for all life from conception to natural death. “God created [each] person in his image, and he or she reflects something of God’s glory. Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives.” (Evangelii Gaudium #274)

• Little Sparks of Life by Courney Siebring (rhyming book that celebrates life)
• Before You Were Born by Joan Lowery Nixon (connects the birth of a child to all creation)
• When You Became You by Brooke Stanton & Christiane West (For older elementary children, this science-centered book engages children in understanding the Continuum of Life)
• I Can Hear Music by Brenda Lyons (What types of sounds can babies hear in their mother's womb? This is a great storybook for a big brother or sister!)
• Angel in the Waters by Regina Doman (Helps a child to understand what life is like for a baby in the womb and lays the groundwork for understanding God will always be at their side)

You can renew your baptismal promises on the Baptism of the Lord. Here is a format for this prayer:

As the chill of winter sets in, it is a wonderful time to remember those who may not have appropriate clothing for these cold months. Consider purchasing new winter gear (there are many sales this time of year) or donate gently used winter coats, hats, mittens and warm socks to clothing closets in your area. If you are in Monroe County, St. Monica's hosts a yearly MLK Jr Day Coat giveaway, so get your goods to them before that date!

It's soup season! Here is a kid-friendly soup that will give your kids the nutrition they need and warm them up on a winter's day!

During the long winter nights, it can be fun to turn off the screens and create some core family memories instead! January is a great time to start a new tradition such as family craft or game night, build a fort and share stories in a make-believe tent or try sledding/hiking by the moon! You can even create a breakfast-for-dinner night or try-a-new-food night to change up mealtime! When it comes to faith-sharing, consider choosing a saint of the month, or a Bible figure to focus on. January is the month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. Learn more about the month and how to celebrate it, using the links below!

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

Debtor in Possession

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

See them all here!