Dear Parishioners,

Next week February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This feast day does not normally fall on a Sunday. But, this year we have the privilege to celebrate it on a Sunday. On this day, we recall that Jesus was presented in the Temple exactly 40 days after his birth. (This is one reason why this feast day is considered the ending of the Christmas season according to pious custom.) This event was a moment of grace in which Christ’s identity as the Messiah was confirmed by the prophet Simeon and prophetess Anna of the tribe of Asher. Both of them longed their whole lives to see Christ who is the light of the nations and glory of Israel. (See Luke 2:25-52)

This feast day is also known as Candlemas because in order to remember Jesus is our light, we enter into the Church with lit and blessed candles. So, next week (February 2nd), anyone can wait in the vestibule as we begin Mass and receive a blessing with candles. You may bring your own candles. But, I will also have a table with candles on them for anyone who would like them. Please light the candles as you receive them from the lit candle on the table and wait in the vestibule for the beginning of Mass and the blessing. It will be like Palm Sunday except with candles.

Because we have a limited supply of candles, please only take one Candle per person.

Once the Candles have been blessed, you may walk to your pews and extinguish the candles there. If you do not want to participate in the blessing and solemn entrance into church, please remain in your pew. You may claim a blessed candle after Mass.

I hope that is all clear. It will be a holy feast day next week.

Christ truly is the light of our lives. He brings truth and purpose. He also leads through the darkness of this world into eternal life.

God Bless!

Fr. Carter