Greetings to the Saint James Family,

Since the last time I wrote we had a fun St. Nicholas party with the kids, a full church and joyous Masses for Christmas, and newly gifted statues which were blessed just in time for Christmas. 

This coming Wednesday evening I would like to invite you to Candlemas, a beautiful liturgy celebrating the event forty days after Christ’s birth when he was brought to the temple and there proclaimed to be a light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:22-34). Check out all of the details below or use Facebook to easily share the event with others.

CANDLEMAS AND CATERED MEAL

 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 5:30 PM

Blessing of Candles

Experience this beautiful celebration of the entrance of the infant Jesus into the temple forty days after his birth, when he was proclaimed to be a light to the Gentiles. This occasion is traditionally remembered by the blessing of candles at Mass.

You are invited to bring candles from home to be blessed and then later used for devotional purposes such as the family altar, Advent candles, a candle to be lit after dusk on All Saints' Day (1 November), during the Sacrament of Anointing, and during storms and times of trouble.

Mass with Procession and Candle Holding 

The liturgy will begin in the dark with the blessing, distribution, and lighting of candles followed by an indoor procession and Holy Mass complete with Gregorian and Anglican Chant, beautiful traditional hymns, and an encouraging homily about the symbolism of candles and what they teach us about our faith. During Mass all may hold lighted candles during the reading of the Gospel and from the beginning of the Canon of the Mass until Communion.

Blessing of Throats

Following Mass, you will be invited to participate in the traditional blessing of throats in honor of St. Blaise, patron of throat diseases, which is especially needed during this winter season. Everyone is invited to come and receive the throat blessing during the meal that follows Mass, by having two blessed (unlit) candles touched to each persons neck along with a short prayer.

Food - RSVP Requested by 1/28

In honor of this festive occasion you are invited to be our guest and join with us in sitting down after Mass for a catered meal. Please RSVP no later than January 28, so that we can assure that there is the appropriate amount of food: CathymMessina@gmail.com or 418-205-9705

CLASS: REAL STORY BEHIND CATHOLIC CHURCH

SUNDAYS, 9:15-10:00 AM,

FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 20, 2022

I will be teaching a class in which you will learn how the Bible actually came together, the Origins of Creation, Evil, and the Angels, the God/Man and his Mother, founding of the Catholic Church, Relics, Saints, Power to Forgive, the End of the World and Beyond. Get your questions answered in this class beginning next month: Sundays, 9:15 – 10 AM, February 6 through March 20, 2022. Please let me know by January 30 if you are planning to attend: Office@StJamesCC.org

CURIOUS ABOUT GETTING ASHES?

ASH WEDNESDAY MASS & CHURCH TOUR, MARCH 2, 2022, 5:30 PM​

Remember your mortality. Experience sorrow for sin. Learn about and partake of this ancient devotion. Not Catholic? No problem. Anyone is welcome to receive ashes and learn about entering into Lent, the season of repentance and renewal leading up to Easter.

Following the service, you are invited to join Father Mayer for a tour of the church! This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about some of the history and symbolism of the Catholic Church, the oldest Christian faith.

ALL UPCOMING EVENTS AT A GLANCE

• WINETASTING: Friday, January 28, 2022, 7:00 PM. Help chose the next sacramental wine for St. James. Have fun and connect with others. Adults (21+) only. RSVP by January 27 to receive event address at a parishioner's Mandarin home. 
• CANDLEMAS: February 2, 2022 Procession and blessing of candles commemorating Christ’s entrance into the temple. Throat blessing and meal to follow the Mass.
• POTLUCK & CHURCH PLANS: Add your thoughts to the strategic plan for St. James in celebration of the Solemnity of Chair of St. Peter, Sunday, February 20, 2022. Potluck meal and presentation beginning at 11:30 AM
• ASH WEDNESDAY: March 2, 2022, 5:30 PM. Church tour following Mass.
• SOUP & STATIONS: Pray the stations of the cross and eat soup with your St. James Family: Fridays, March 4, 11, 18, April 1, 8, 2022, 5:30 PM
• PENITENTIAL PROCESSION: The first Sunday of Lent begins with a solemn procession, a somber and beautiful tradition which brings focus to the penitential nature of this season and turning back to the Lord with prayers asking for his mercy and healing.
• LADYMAS & POTLUCK: Celebrate the Annunciation, March 25, 5:30 PM

NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK OPPORTUNITIES IN JACKSONVILLE

A DAY FOR COUPLES

National speakers Troy and Kathleen Billings, inspiration for married and pre-married, dinner and dance lesson. Saturday, February 12, 2022 aDayForCouples.com

WEEKEND IMMERSION 

Married Couples experience a getaway with your spouse that will improve your connection and make you feel like newlyweds. February 26-27, 2022 EverMoreInLove.org       

MARRIAGE LIFELINE

Retrouvaille, a weekend to help heal and renew hurting marriages, February 18-20, 2022 HelpOurMarriage.org

WORLDWIDE MARRIGE ENCOUNTER

Obtain the tools to revitalize romance, deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in your marriage. Sign up for an Encounter Weekend: July 15-17, 2022 at Marywood Retreat Center in Jacksonville, FL or November 4-6, 2022 at St. Stephen Christian Retreat Center in Titusville, FL. More information: wwme.org or  Applications@FLCN-wwme.org. 

Text NEWSLETTER to 904-999-1423 if you would prefer to receive a link to the newsletter via text.