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

1/10/25

Dear friends,

    This Sunday is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord--remembering the beginning of our Lord's public ministry.  Do check the bulletin for Deacon Bill's interesting reflection on the significance of this particular Mystery.  

    This coming Saturday, January 17, will be our January Sisters in the Spirit gathering--9:30 to 11 am. downstairs in the parish office. We look forward to having you join us--St. Clare parish women--all ages, any ages. I always think January is a good time to consider what we have just gone through, the beauties and the challenges of the Holiday Season.

    St. Clare School Annual Open House will be on Sunday January 25th from 12-2 p.m.

    The Saturday after that--January 31--there will be a Healing Service after the 5 p.m. mass--at 6 p.m.  

    The Italian Dinner, hosted by our confirmation candidates and their sponsor will be on Saturday, Feb. 7.  There will be two seatings: 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.  More information online and you can purchase tickets there.

   Save this date: looking ahead to spring time, our School Auction will be on April 18.

  St. Vincent de Paul needs cereals, pancake mix and syrup, rice of various kinds, applesauce and cooking oil.  Do check those use-by dates--I just checked a can of Vienna sausages on my shelf and that container has been expired since November 2024!

A prayer from St. Francis de Sales (our Cullen "family saint"):  "Let us force ourselves to be affectionate, gentle, and humble in our dealings with all, especially with those whom God has given us as our companions, such, for instance, as those of our household.  And never let us consent to be of the number of those who, out of their own house, appear like Angels, but are more like devils at home." Amen.

(There is an old Irish expression, "Street angel/house devil.")

God bless our week ahead and strengthen our affection and gentleness within our own households.

Sheila Cullen