Solemnity of the Epiphany

 

THE PARISH OF ST MARY & ST CATHERINE

Solemnity of the Epiphany. 4th January.

Year C. 

5pm Saturday Vigil Mass at St Catherine's

  Confessions after Mass

Sunday

8.30am Mass at St Mary's

10.30am Mass at St Mary's

As is traditional, chalk will be blest at Masses this weekend—the feast of the Epiphany. The chalk is a sacramental, intended for the blessings of homes. The blest chalk is taken home and you should mark the year and the initials of the three Magi (Caspar, Melchoir and Balthasar) on the lintel of the main door. Though the initials also stand for Christus Mansionem Benedicat - May Christ bless this house. The prayer for blessing a home is recommended at this time, as printed below. 

Write with blessed chalk above / beside the door like so:

20 + C + M + B + 25

O Lord, almighty God, bless this house that it may become a shelter of health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to the Commandments, and thanksgiving to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Upon this house and those who dwell herein may Thy blessing remain forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

It picks up Old Testament traditions of marking the doorposts of the house with biblical texts (Deuteronomy 6:9), the theme of the Holy Family welcoming visitors to their home to visit the Christ-child, and a reminder of the importance of hospitality throughout the Scriptures. Because of the timing of Epiphany at the start of the year, it also offers a chance to pray for God’s blessing at the start of the new year. 

The chalking of the doors of a home encourages Christians to dedicate their life at home to God and to others. Seeing the symbols over our doors can help to remind us, while passing in and out on our daily routines, that our homes and all those who dwell there belong to Christ. It also serves as a reminder of the welcome the Magi gave to Jesus. We should strive to be as welcoming to all who come to our homes to visit us! 

MASSES DURING THE WEEK:

Monday SC 9.30am Mass

Tuesday SC 9.30am Mass

Wednesday SM 9.30am Mass 

Thursday --- No public Mass today

Friday SM Mass at 7pm

           Confessions after Mass

Saturday 11am SC Baptism Isla Elsie Hyde

The Baptism of the Lord. 12th January.

Year C. 

5pm Saturday Vigil Mass at St Catherine's

                          Confessions after Mass

Sunday

8.30am Mass at St Mary's

10.30am Mass at St Mary's