The Baptism of the Lord
Thoughts From Fr. John
The Sacrament of the Holy Baptism is the first of all other Sacraments. It is a new beginning not only for Jesus’s public ministry but also for us to have a new relationship with God. At the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, that “[H]eaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended” is a brand-new moment in human history, for we are redirected heavenly-toward God and bestowed with His blessings from on high.
Moreover, while Jesus was baptized, he was also praying, which indicated that our prayers may be addressed to God again and be heard by the Heavenly Father.
At the beginning of the New Year, I wish all of you may be filled with God’s blessings and your prayers answered. I also wish all the babies and those who are preparing for the Holy Baptism a blessed year. Welcome to God’s family and St. Anne’s (the Northwest Oakland Lakes Family), because you are “blessed sons and daughters, with you God is well pleased.”
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your prayers, Christmas cards, and gifts. I am well pleased with all of you and honored to serve you in the family of God this year.
Celebrate your Holy Baptisms; you are beloved children of God!
Fr. (John) Yongli Chen
Readings
READINGS FOR January 12, 2025
BAPTISM OF THE LORD
1st Reading: Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11
“Comfort, give comfort to my people.” Isaiah prophesies that “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it.”
Responsorial Psalm:
“ Bless the Lord my soul, who heals the broken-hearted.”
2nd Reading: Titus 2: 11-14, 3: 4-7
Through the grace of God’s appearance, we have been saved “through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Gospel Acclamation:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! “One mightier than I is coming; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22
When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and a voice said, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.”
Prayers of the Faithful
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD - B
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
1) Let us pray for the Church:
God, you anointed Jesus with spirit and power at his baptism. Uphold your servant, the Church, and fill all the baptized with the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
We pray to the Lord…
2) Let us pray for hope in our nation and our cities:
Be a light for all the nations, loving God, and inspire our civil leaders. Establish your justice on the earth and help us respect every person. May our nation find the path to peace. Keep all military personnel in your loving care.
We pray to the Lord…
3) Let us pray for the broken-hearted and the oppressed:
Open the eyes of the blind and bring prisoners to freedom. May all who live in the darkness of grief or failure come to know the saving power of God.
We pray to the Lord…
4) Let us pray for the sick:
Send your healing Spirit upon our ailing members and friends -- and upon all who have asked for our prayers.
Lauren Montgomery
Ashley Shaffer
Ed Nowakowski
Henry Wojciechowski
Garry Bryant
Marge Flanagan
We pray to the Lord…
5) Let us remember the dead:
Welcome our beloved as your sons and daughters. Embrace them with eternal life, especially –
(4:00 Mass) Marcia Pawluk
(8:30 Mass) Mary Huot
(10:30 Mass) Deceased members of the Ziskie Family
We pray to the Lord…
Upcoming Events:
Pancakes, eggs, bacon, oh MY! This Sunday after both masses is the return of the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast at St. Anne’s for 2025. On the menu: Golden grilled pancakes, blueberry pancakes, waffles, Sausage and bacon, and more. Come share a meal with your fellow parishioners. Free-will donations are accepted.
The monthly meeting is on Tuesday, January 14th. Last year we raised over $30,000 in donations to distribute amongst 17 charities (Oh, MY!). Knights and honored guests are welcome to attend our first planning session of the new year. Contact me to become honored.
Speaking of Honors, the K of C council here at St Anne’s has been chosen as the location to host the 2025 Winter Tri-District meeting. Our vibrant Council (see the second paragraph) has caught the eye of the State leadership (and we have the capacity to hold a meeting for 100 attendees). A feather in our cap for sure, I’m looking for many Knights to come on January 30th in support. Setup to begin
5:00 pm, done by 9:00 pm. (Oh, did I mention we are getting food from Italia Gardens?) Contact me with your intent to help and I’ll feed you.
Vivat Jesus
Bryan Born, Grand Knight
Always available: (248) 891-9118
SAVE THE DATE - TEEN CHINESE NEW YEAR PARTY
Teens aged 13-18 are invited to celebrate the Year of the Snake with Fr. John on Saturday, January 25 from 6-8:00 pm. The snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. We will enjoy traditional Chinese foods, play some games, and reflect on how we can use our gifts to help build a culture of life.
Announcements
- The quilting and craft group will meet on Saturday, January 18th from 10-2:00 pm in Solanus Hall.
- (Sunday) Please join us in Hardy Hall where the Knights of Columbus have prepared a delicious breakfast.
"Struggle is the only way to strength"
Stay in Contact
