St. Francis de Sales (Feast Day January 24)

August 21, 1567 – December 28, 1622

After earning a doctorate in law, St. Francis wished to enter the priesthood. At age 35, he became the bishop of Geneva. St. Francis became known for his deep faith and his gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the Protestant Reformation. Francis is well-known for his book, Introduction to the Devout Life, which is still available for purchase today. His writings, filled with his gentle spirit, are addressed to lay people. He wanted to make them understand that they too, are called to be saints.

·      Who is John the Baptist?

·      Why does John the Baptist call Jesus the Lamb of God?

·      Why is it necessary for Jesus to take away our sins?

·      St. Francis de Sales wrote a book to remind people that all are called to be holy, not just priests and religious. How can your family become more holy?

Plan an Outing

·      Celebrate MLK Day by attending an event sponsored by your local church or community.

·      Plan an afternoon trip to a local museum. 

·      Go to a local mall and do a family walk. Make your final destination the food court so that everyone can get ice cream!

Easy Noodle Bake

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

1 jar spaghetti sauce (Barilla Tomato Basil)

Garlic salt

Margarine

1 box rotini noodles

Shredded mozzarella cheese

Parmesan Cheese

Brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain. Sprinkle with garlic salt to taste. Pour in spaghetti sauce. Simmer 5 minutes. Cook noodles according to directions. Drain. Mix in 1 Tbsp margarine. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Pour in spaghetti sauce and mix well. Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 F until cheese is bubbly.

Living Our Baptism Prayer

Father in Heaven, when the Spirit came down upon Jesus at His Baptism in the Jordan, you revealed him as your own Beloved Son. Keep us, your children, born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling. May we, who share in your life as your children through baptism, follow in Christ's path of service to people. Let us become one in his sacrifice and hear his word with faith. May we live as your children, following the example of Jesus. Amen.

[Invite each person to share any prayer intentions they may have.]

We ask all these prayers through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

At Mass, we pray or sing a prayer called the Lamb of God. (CCC 523, 536) What does the priest do and say right after this prayer?

Bring a holy water container to church and fill it with holy water from the baptismal font. (Holy water bottles can be purchased online or at a local Catholic bookstore.) Use the holy water at home to bless each other by tracing the sign of the cross on the forehead with a few drops of the water.

Monday, January 16th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a passionate preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and example and a martyr for justice. Archbishop Vigneron wrote a pastoral note on racism that can be accessed at https://www.unleashthegospel.org/pastoral-notes/agents-for-the-new-creation/).