December 2024

Happy Advent 2024

Each year as we prepare our hearts for welcoming Jesus at Christmas, we are reminded that at the core of the Christian faith is a family. The story of Christmas is the story of a family doing their best to welcome God into their midst. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are definitely a unique family: Jesus is God, Mary is sinless, and Joseph is the most humble, courageous, and chaste father ever! It is no wonder that they are a holy family. Yes, they all were given a special grace, but God himself was born into poverty, challenges (His family had to flee to Egypt to avoid the sword of Herod), and hardship.

Poverty and hardship also defined the life of the Herdmans in the classic Christmas story and new movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. To learn more about the story of the Herdmans, I encourage you to see the movie. It captures well the spirit of the season and the reason all of us need a Savior. Jesus was like us in all things except sin! This movie is excellent and will become a new Christmas family classic.

May you prepare your hearts for a reflective Advent Season and a meaningful Christmas!

Please take a few minutes to scan through the following list of offerings and resources. You might discover something helpful or that you would like to share.

Blessings,
Jay Wonacott, MTS

Marriage and Family Life

Respect Life

208-350-7535

Email: jwonacott@rcdb.org

Join us for the Annual Mass for Life celebrated by Bishop Peter Christensen at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11 a.m.

As we celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope, we continue to share in a radical solidarity with women and families seeking to protect life.

We will gather to pray for all in this country who are working to build a civilization of life and love. We also pray for the future as we accompany all women and their unborn children whose God-given dignity warrants our help, practical resources, and a community of support to choose life.

Following the Mass will be the March for Life starting at 1 p.m. We will walk from Julia Davis Park up Capitol Boulevard to the Capitol Building and gather for the Life Rally. A reception in the the St. John's Cathedral parish hall will follow the Life Rally.

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Holy Apostles Catholic Church, Meridian & Online

Registration will close at midnight on Jan. 19th. In-person admission will not be available.

Don't miss the number one Catholic men's event in Idaho!

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The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Christensen. Throughout the day, keynotes from Fr. Joshua Waltz, Jason Evert, and Joseph Vogel will bless this year's conference with wisdom and encouragement. Reconciliation will be available.

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The cost includes a light breakfast and BBQ lunch.

The day will run approximately 8 am - 3 pm.

Click the link below to go to the registration page.

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Desert Stream/Living Waters Ministries provides help for Christians struggling with sexual and relational problems. Our help is based on the biblical foundation of compassion, integrity, and dependence on God.

Many people do not know--or have no picture of--what GOD'S BEST looks like for their sexuality and relationships. Because this ministry has been developed by those who have experienced His love and restoration first hand, they know God responds powerfully with healing to those who cry out for mercy.

Nourish for Caregivers is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. Their mission is to support and empower caregivers through the gift of faith. They offer parish-based resources for caregiver support. Check out their membership opportunities and benefits.

Imagine that your family is called to be an image of God and your home a taste of heaven...

Heaven in Your Home Letters and Guide, with 80 plus beautiful, color photos, tables, and charts, has everything you need to lead your loved ones toward happiness and give them the very best things in life.

Did you know that the family is a communion of persons in the image of the Holy Trinity? Starting with this scriptural insight and drawing from the riches of the Catholic faith, learn how your family can become an ever more radiant image of God by deepening your communion throughout the five levels of family life.

In Faith Life, Level One, your family receives your communion from the heart of the Holy Trinity. In Person and Relationships, Level Two, you deepen your family's communion. In Household Economy, you care for your family's communion. In Family Culture, you celebrate your family's communion. In Hospitality and Service, you share your taste of heaven with others! Each of the five levels has a Key Practice, Place, and Principle that helps your family to grow toward peace and joy step by step.

Text Source: Amazon.com

To learn more about Trinity House and their resources check them out at: trinityhousecommunity.org.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR SPRING OF 2025. More information to come about the date.

Heart of a Child Ministries is coming to Holy Apostles to present age-appropriate pro-life education to our youth. Click https://heartofachildministries.org/ to see presentations on the Heart of a Child Ministries website.

This month Pope Francis asks us to pray for pilgrims of hope:

We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthen our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.

Catholic Mental Health Ministry draws from the Church’s rich tradition of healing ministries while collaborating with mental health professionals to provide spiritual healing and hope.

“Marriage for Life” English and Spanish decals are available. The cost of a single decal packet in English or Spanish is $3.00. However, the bulk rate price is $2.50 for the purchase of 25 or more decals. These funds go toward sustaining the Marriage for Life Campaign. Each packet includes a decal, instructions for application and a beautiful Marriage for Life prayer.

“Marriage for Life” lapel pins are also now available. The cost is $2 per pin. Orders can be made through the Marriage and Family Life Office. You can contact us directly at 208-350-7535 or email jwonacott@rcdb.org.

Please continue to support this effort by directing your parishioners to the www.marriageforlifedecal.com webpage.

Tenemos calcomanías disponibles en inglés y español de “Matrimonio para toda la vida”. El costo de un paquete de calcomanías en inglés o español es de $ 3:00. Sin embargo, el precio de mayoreo es de $2.50 por la compra de 25 o más calcomanías. Estos fondos se destinan a sostener la campaña Matrimonio para toda la vida. Cada paquete incluye una calcomanía, instrucciones para la aplicación y una hermosa oración de Vida Matrimonial.

Los pines de solapa “Marriage Life” ahora también están disponibles. El costo es de $2 por pin. Los pedidos se pueden hacer a través de la Oficina de Matrimonio y Vida Familiar. Puede contactarnos directamente al 208.350-7535 o enviar un correo electrónico a jwonacott@rcdb.org

Continúe apoyando este esfuerzo dirigiendo a sus feligreses a la página web http://www.marriageforlifedecal.com/