From Dom Guéranger’s The Liturgical Year:
THE third Mystery of the Epiphany shows us the completion of the merciful designs of God upon the world, at the same time that it manifests to us, for the third time, the glory of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The star has led the soul to faith; the sanctified Waters of the Jordan have conferred purity upon her; the Marriage-Feast unites her to her God. We have been considering, during this Octave, the Bridegroom revealing himself to the Spouse; we have heard him calling her to come to him from the heights of Libanus; and now, after having enlightened and purified her, he invites her to the heavenly feast, where she is to receive the Wine of his divine love.
A Feast is prepared;[1] it is a Marriage-Feast; and the Mother of Jesus is present at it, for it is just that, having co-operated in the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word, she should take part in all that her Son does, and in all the favours he bestows on his elect. But, in the midst of the Feast, the Wine fails. Wine is the symbol of Charity or Love, and Charity had failed on the earth; for the Gentiles had never tasted its sweetness; and as to the Synagogue, what had it produced but wild grapes?[2] The True Vine is our Jesus, and he calls himself by that name.[3] He alone could give that Wine which gladdeneth the heart of man;[4] he alone could give us that Chalice which inebriateth,[5] and of which the Royal Psalmist prophesied.
Mary said to Jesus: They have no Wine. It is the office of the Mother of God to tell him of the wants of men, for she is also their Mother. But Jesus answers her in words which are apparently harsh: Woman! what is it to me and to thee? My hour is not yet come. The meaning of these words is, that, in this great Mystery, he was about to act, not as the Son of Mary, but as the Son of God.
Later on the hour will come when, dying upon the Cross, he will do a work, in the presence of his Mother, and he will do it as Man, that is, according to that human nature which he has received from her. Mary at once understands the words of her Son, and she says to the waiters of the Feast, what she is now ever saying to her children: Do whatsoever he shall say to you.
Inquiry Class Reminder:
If you are not Catholic and are interested in Catholicism, or if you know of anyone who is at all interested, we hold an Inquiry class every Monday at 6pm in the school building behind church. This is a no commitment class and all one needs to do is show up. If you have questions, you are welcome to contact the office at contact@stlawrence.cc.
Message from the FSSP Provincial House:
The priests there are interested in acquiring a treadmill and/or an elliptical machine. If anyone has one that they do not use and are interested in donating, please contact the HQ at (570) 842- 4000. Thank you!
Calling all Altar Boys and those interested:
Next meeting is Saturday, February 12. All boys of the parish who have received their First Holy Communion are invited to become altar boys. To do so, attend one of the monthly meetings, which happen on the second Saturday of each month. The schedule of the monthly meeting is: attend 9 am Mass; make a private thanksgiving at your seat; go to the social hall for a brief breakfast with the other boys; go to one of the classrooms for a meeting with one of the priests and the adult leaders (Mr. Ed Pitman and Mr. Jack Rozman) where attendance will be taken, new boys welcomed, and a spiritual talk from the priest; then various practices of the ceremonies of Mass will be done. At 11:30 am, the boys will stop for recreation, and by noon, they will wash up and return to the social hall, pray the Angelus, and have pizza for lunch, and the parents should pick up the boys at 12:30 pm. The purchase of the food is organized by the mothers of the altar boys, with the task rotating each month, and the parish reimbursing the expenses. Email altarboys@stlawrence.cc with any questions.
Legion of Mary:
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification:..." (First Epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians Chpt 4, vs 3). This is the goal of the Legion of Mary, to sanctify its members by actively bringing souls to Christ through the work of Our Lady. Please consider becoming an active member. Guests are always welcome to attend meetings. Contact Dan Jones at legionofmary@stlawrence.cc for more information. Meetings will be Mondays, at 5:45pm.
Coffee and Doughnut Socials:
We are very happy to once again have our socials in the basement after the 9 am and 11 am Masses. We invite everyone to come and get to know your fellow parishioners. To get to the basement, please go through the courtyard (through the door on the Epistle side of the Church), or by exiting the front of the church and entering through the exterior door on Buttonwood Street.
March for Life:
St. Lawrence Parish will be renting a charter bus to attend the March for Life on Friday, January 21, 2022 in Washington D.C. The bus will leave the Harrisburg East Mall Parking lot at 8:30am and will return at approximately 5:30pm. The cost is $25 for adults, $10 for children, and $50 for a family of four or more. To reserve your seat, contact prolife@stlawrence.cc
Registration at St. Lawrence Church:
The Pastor and Assistant Pastor have the special grace to guide those who are registered parishioners and are hence assigned to their care. The Mass offered for the people every Sunday, Pro Populo, is offered for those who are registered members. Anyone seeking the Sacraments of Baptism, 1st Communion, Confirmation and Matrimony here must be registered and active parishioners for 6 months. Registration forms are available on our website.
Openings in the Choir at St. Lawrence:
The choir has openings for additional dedicated volunteers and three qualified section leaders. Members are expected to be available for Thursday evening rehearsals, Sunday 11 am Masses throughout the year, and for other important Feast Days as notified. Volunteers with previous choral experience are preferred, but those with strong desire may be considered at the discretion of the Music Director. Section Leader positions are available for Soprano, Alto, and Tenor; all applicants must audition and demonstrate strong vocal musicianship. Inquiries can be directed to Paul Thomas May at music@stlawrence.cc
Music Lessons:
Would you like to have your children enrolled in music lessons? The State Street Academy (SSA), which is located in the St. Lawrence lower level, accepts students for a semester-length course of lessons in an instrument of choice with a recital at the end of the semester. There are skilled teachers for lessons in piano, violin, and voice among other instruments. In the coming semester the SSA will be able to offer instruction in harp if there is enough interest. For further inquiries on price and/or to reserve a spot for harp lessons, please send an email to Paul Thomas May at music@stlawrence.cc.
Sunday Socials: Help still needed!
Please consider helping with our Sunday Socials after the 9am and11am Mass. The goal is to have many volunteers so that volunteers only have to do their duty once every month or two.