Our SIS ministry began in 2004, as we led Emmaus Retreats for the women of St. Clare.

12/27/25

ty of the Holy Family.  Doesn't that seem just right, on this Sunday so soon after the Nativity?  

And a reminder for next week: The Solemnity of Mary,  will be on Thursday, Jan. 1, Holy Day of Obligation, Mass at 10am

Soon we will be in the New Year and St. Clare's will be busy with new activities and opportunities. (Before we get to January, a quick note to Youth Group families:  The January youth group activity will be a roller skating outing, but you need to sign up for it by December 31. See the bulletin for the necessary information.)

The men's Exodus--90  "A 90-Day Spiritual Journey for Men" will begin on Monday, January 5. There is contact information in the bulletin--and also by the doors of the church.

The Brothers in Spirit--a men's Faith Formation Group--will have their first monthly meeting on Saturday, January 10--downstairs at the parish office.

ACTS Women's Retreat is coming mid-March, but registration is open now.  See the bulletin.

January Sisters in the Spirit meeting will be on Saturday, January 17th--9:30 to 11, downstairs in the office building.

An All-school Open House for St. Clare School will be on January 25--a fine chance to learn more about our wonderful school.

Retrouvaille, "A Lifeline for Married Couples", will have a working weekend on January 30-February 1, in Canby. More information in bulletin.

Put  it on your calendar: St. Clare's Italian Dinner on February 7. Being organized by our confirmation candidates and their sponsors.

Busy sorting out  your "stuff" after Christmas and new acquisitions?  Don't forget that Junque and Jewels, our rummage sale,  will be coming in mid-June.

St. Vincent De Paul needs:  canned tuna, chicken, fruits, vegetables, and soups. Dried pasta and sauce, hot and cold cereals.

At our family Christmas singalong, we sang three verses of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"  and the first three  verses rang so true, that I'm sharing them as this week's prayer.  You can sing along to Longfellow's timeless words:

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play

And wild and sweet their songs repeat of "Peace on Earth, good will to men",

     And in despair I bowed my head, "There is no peace on earth", I said,

    "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on Earth good will to men."

Then rang the bells more loud and deep, "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on Earth, good will to men."

(You are welcome to substitute "good will to all"--Longfellow's language was very 19th century .)

Blessings on your week ahead as we prepare to enter our New Year: 2026.  God, help us.

Sheila Cullen