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Written by • August 9, 2024• 2:37 pm• Pastoral Notes

Finding God in Every Transition: Lessons from the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord

Pastoral Reflection The Epiphany of the Lord, and tomorrow’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord bring to a conclusion our Christmas seasonal celebrations. The gifts brought by the Magi signify a transition in the story of Jesus’ birth by pointing to his future as King, his divine nature, and his death for our freedom. And we know that this story marks a transition for Joseph and Mary who will have to go haste, once again, to exile in Egypt to save the life of this child. Our lives are filled with transitions, aren’t they? Some are joyful, like the birth of a child, and some are full of anxiety, like the flight into Egypt and wondering what the future may hold. Whether our transitions are joyful or anxious, we can turn to the one whose name is Emmanuel -- “God is with us.” Jesus has come to accompany us in all our joys and sorrows, hopes and griefs. Jesus accompanies us especially in his Word, the gospels; his living body, the Church; and most especially in the Holy Eucharist, where, in his body and blood, he continues to enter our humanity so that we might share in his divinity. Emmanuel -- “God is with us.” Call to action: In the United States we are in a special year devoted to a deepening of our understanding of the Holy Eucharist. It is a special time of catechesis and an invitation to encounter Our Lord in the mystery of his Sacramental Presence – body and blood, soul and divinity. Use this year as a time of invitation. Let the beauty of the mystery of the Lord’s Eucharistic presence speak to the hearts of his people – especially those who have been away. The Church has understood that there are three important “portals” that open the door of the soul to an encounter with God. They are sometimes referred to as the transcendentals: goodness, truth, and beauty! Through telling the stories of the Eucharistic saints we may demonstrate the power of goodness. Through clear but gentle catechesis we may demonstrate the truth of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. But most especially through beauty will the hearts of believers and non-believers alike be opened to the love of Christ made known in the Holy Eucharist. Pope Benedict XVI, of blessed memory, said that it was beauty, in the end, that would save the Church. Then let your Eucharistic celebrations be beautiful, and Christ will speak for himself! Pastoral Action Points Use your GC Smart Tools as a means for educating your people about the Holy Eucharist through texts, emails, and direct mails. There are many who, for various reasons, may not be able to receive the Eucharist at this time. Yet, they can still attend mass and adore the Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Take advantage of the opportunities for Holy Hours and Benedictions, and even Eucharistic processions as ways to include the many. GiveCentral has some exciting new tools coming your way later this month! Stay tuned for more information. As always, GiveCentral stands ready to assist you in using the full array of GC Smart Tools to make your ministry more effective and easier. If you need some help or just want to know more, contact us at support@givecentral.org. Stay up-to-date with news & information - follow us on social! Toll-free: 833.716.2612 | Email us at: support@givecentral.org

Pastoral Reflection

Pastoral ReflectionThe Epiphany of the Lord, and tomorrow’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord bring to a conclusion our Christmas seasonal celebrations. The gifts brought by the Magi signify a transition in the story of Jesus’ birth by pointing to his future as King, his divine nature, and his death for our freedom. And we know that this story marks a transition for Joseph and Mary who will have to go haste, once again, to exile in Egypt to save the life of this child. Our lives are filled with transitions, aren’t they? Some are joyful, like the birth of a child, and some are full of anxiety, like the flight into Egypt and wondering what the future may hold. Whether our transitions are joyful or anxious, we can turn to the one whose name is Emmanuel -- “God is with us.” Jesus has come to accompany us in all our joys and sorrows, hopes and griefs. Jesus accompanies us especially in his Word, the gospels; his living body, the Church; and most especially in the Holy Eucharist, where, in his body and blood, he continues to enter our humanity so that we might share in his divinity. Emmanuel -- “God is with us.”Call to action: In the United States we are in a special year devoted to a deepening of our understanding of the Holy Eucharist. It is a special time of catechesis and an invitation to encounter Our Lord in the mystery of his Sacramental Presence – body and blood, soul and divinity. Use this year as a time of invitation. Let the beauty of the mystery of the Lord’s Eucharistic presence speak to the hearts of his people – especially those who have been away. The Church has understood that there are three important “portals” that open the door of the soul to an encounter with God. They are sometimes referred to as the transcendentals: goodness, truth, and beauty! Through telling the stories of the Eucharistic saints we may demonstrate the power of goodness. Through clear but gentle catechesis we may demonstrate the truth of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. But most especially through beauty will the hearts of believers and non-believers alike be opened to the love of Christ made known in the Holy Eucharist. Pope Benedict XVI, of blessed memory, said that it was beauty, in the end, that would save the Church. Then let your Eucharistic celebrations be beautiful, and Christ will speak for himself!Pastoral Action Points Use your GC Smart Tools as a means for educating your people about the Holy Eucharist through texts, emails, and direct mails.There are many who, for various reasons, may not be able to receive the Eucharist at this time. Yet, they can still attend mass and adore the Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Take advantage of the opportunities for Holy Hours and Benedictions, and even Eucharistic processions as ways to include the many. GiveCentral has some exciting new tools coming your way later this month! Stay tuned for more information.As always, GiveCentral stands ready to assist you in using the full array of GC Smart Tools to make your ministry more effective and easier. If you need some help or just want to know more, contact us at support@givecentral.org. Stay up-to-date with news & information - follow us on social! Toll-free: 833.716.2612 | Email us at: support@givecentral.org

As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord today and the Baptism of the Lord tomorrow, we bring our Christmas season to a joyful close. These two feasts are filled with rich symbolism that points to Jesus’ future and reminds us of God’s enduring presence in our lives.

The story of the Magi and their gifts marks a turning point in the life of the Holy Family. Their offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are more than just presents—they hint at Jesus’ future as our King, His divine nature, and His sacrifice for our salvation.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Right after this, Joseph and Mary must flee to Egypt, protecting the Christ Child from danger. This story captures a familiar theme in our own lives: transitions.

Navigating Life’s Transitions with Faith

We all face transitions—some joyful, like the birth of a child, and others filled with uncertainty, like moving to a new place or starting a new chapter. Whether these moments are full of excitement or anxiety, we can always turn to Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

Jesus didn’t just come to walk the earth; He came to walk with us. In all our highs and lows, He accompanies us through His Word, the Church, and especially in the Holy Eucharist. Here, in His Body and Blood, He becomes part of our humanity so that we may share in His divinity. Emmanuel—God is truly with us!

A Year of Eucharistic Renewal

This year, the Church in the United States is focusing on deepening our understanding of the Holy Eucharist. It’s a special time for catechesis and a chance to invite others to encounter Jesus in the Sacrament.

As we take this journey, let’s use the three “portals” that open the soul to God: goodness, truth, and beauty.

  • Goodness: Share stories of Eucharistic saints and their devotion.
  • Truth: Provide clear but gentle teachings on Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.
  • Beauty: Let the beauty of our liturgical celebrations inspire and draw people closer to Christ.

As Pope Benedict XVI wisely said, “Beauty will save the Church.” So, let’s make our Eucharistic celebrations as beautiful as possible and let Christ’s love shine through.

Call to Action: Welcoming Hearts, Welcoming Parishes

At GiveCentral, we emphasize becoming welcoming parishes. Why? Because only about 15-18% of Catholics are actively attending Mass or engaging with their parishes. We must listen to Jesus’ call to “go out to all nations and spread the Good News.”

This Easter, many “sometime” Catholics will join our celebrations. Let’s use this opportunity to make them feel welcome and connected.

  • Use GC Smart Tools like GC Smart Text and QR Codes to gather contact information from visitors. Follow up with them to create a sense of belonging.
  • Form a Welcoming Ministry or ask your youth and senior groups to act as greeters during Mass.
  • Set up a small welcome kiosk in your church’s entryway with information for newcomers.

Pastoral Action Points

  • Keep your pews stocked with pew cards throughout Lent to make engagement and giving easy for your donors.
  • GC Guru is launching soon—your new AI assistant to help you with any questions you may have. Look for it when you log into your admin account.
  • Haven’t signed up for SmartGive Elite for Lent & Easter yet? Now’s the time! Don’t miss out on the chance to boost engagement. Sign up here.

Stay Connected with GiveCentral

We’re here to support you in making your parish ministry more effective. If you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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→ Pastoral Reflection There is an irony in the juxtaposition of the first reading and the gospel. Abraham, who thinks he must “give up” his son (after years of having no heir) is able to keep him, whereas God the Father’s Son will be the one sacrificed for human sin. All these events happen on mountain tops, which are spiritual images for peak experiences. However, what stands out in today’s gospel passage from St. Mark are the words of the Father, “this is my beloved Son, listen to Him.” Listening, by which is meant deep listening, is no easy thing. Our minds are ablaze with our thoughts, our “to do” lists, and, let’s be honest, our own prejudices. We tend to filter everything we hear through the thick haze of our own preoccupations. Yet, if we will settle down, calm down, and turn the inner noise down, we might then be able to “listen to Him.” When we listen to God, we are in the act of being obedient. The word obedient comes from the Latin roots meaning “to listen to.” Someone who is disobedient, therefore, is someone who isn’t listening. They are filtering – as we all tend to do. The disciplines of Lent are meant as a gift to help us de-clutter, to cut the “noise,” and to listen to the Lord deeply. Call to action: At Give Central we keep pressing the point about becoming welcoming parishes. Why? Because if we listen to the numbers only 15 to 18% of Catholics are attending mass or being active in some way in their parishes. We must be obedient to the Lord when he told His disciples to out to all the nations and spread the Good News! Our churches must become sanctuaries of welcome where the brokenhearted can find rest and renewal in Christ. As Easter approaches and many “sometime” Catholics will attend our masses please take advantage of your GC Smart Tools, like GC Smart Text and QR Code to “capture” the contact information from your visitors, then follow up by contacting them and making them feel welcome. Once again, form a welcoming ministry, or ask your youth groups and/or senior citizens group to become welcomers. You can also set up a small kiosk in your entry area with information for visitors and guests. Pastoral Action Points Keep your pews equipped with your parish’s pew cards all through Lent to make engaging and giving easy for your donors! GC Guru is launching soon! This your GC AI assistant! You have questions? GC Guru has the answers! You will soon see the GC Guru upon logging into your admin account. If you have not signed up for SmartGive Elite for Lent & Easter - - now is your chance to signup! Time is running out, click here to sign up! Stay up-to-date with news & information - follow us on social! Toll-free: 833.716.2612 | Email us at: support@givecentral.org Next Story
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