Coffee and Donuts - There will be coffee and donuts after the 10AM Mass today.  Please join us.

Seminary Burse - This Sunday there is the monthly 2nd collection for the FSSP Seminary in Denton, Nebraska.

Catechism Christmas Break - Our next day of catechism classes will be next Sunday, January 15.

St. Tarcisius Meeting - We will not have a St. Tarcisius meeting in January.  Our next meeting will be February 4.

Youth Group Night - Our next Youth Group Night is on Saturday, January 21, 6pm - 9pm in the social hall at St. Lawrence.  It will feature a “Chili and Cookies” competition.  Put your best culinary skills to work and bring for the judging.  Prizes will be awarded!  Remember to RSVP to YouthGroup@MaterDeiPA.com and plan to bring a friend.

Rosary for the Unborn - Following the 9AM Mass on Saturday, January 21, Fr. Eichman will lead the Rosary in front of the Hillcrest abortuary, 2709 N. Front Street.  Please do not let the inconvenience of cold weather prevent you from coming.

Epiphany Water - Please note that the Epiphany Water blessed on the vigil of the Epiphany is currently available in the container in front of the St. Joseph’s altar, and also in the usual Holy Water canister beside the Baptistry entrance gate.

Blessing of Epiphany Chalk - Chalk is traditionally blessed on Epiphany for the faithful to take home and use to bless their homes.  The top of the door frames entering the house are marked with “20 + C + M + B + 17”.  The letters “C” “M” and “B” are the initials of the three kings, Casper, Melchior and Balthazar, who arrived at Bethlehem to worship the baby Jesus on Epiphany.  The crosses are placed between the letters and the numbers to remind us of the suffering that Jesus was to undergo for us.  Finally, the “20” and “17” are for the 2017 years since the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Traditionally, the marking is left on the door frame until the next year when it is replaced by another year’s blessing. Chalk from previous years can be reused.  New chalk blessed on the feast of the Epiphany is also available in the back of the Church.

2016 IRS Tax Letter - If you would like a 2016 tax letter please contact the office and we will mail you one by the end of January.

Adult Convert / Confirmation Class - Classes resume: our next class will be on Tuesday, January 10 at 7pm.  Access via the alley door on Buttonwood St.

 Homeschoolers Class Opportunity - The spring semester of Mater Dei's Friday Academic Program will begin on January 20, 2017. Courses include Church History for ages 12-18 and Lives of the Saints for ages 6-11. Any new family seeking information or wanting to join the co-op may contact Dawn Forbeck at forbecks@comcast.net.

Silence of Mary Food Donations - Silence of Mary has come to depend on the food that we collect every week in the basket in the back of church.  During this time of the year following Christmas their supplies tend to run low, and our donations go a long way to help Silence of Mary take care of the needs of the poor in the Harrisburg area.  They are always very grateful for whatever we bring them each week.

 Sunday Parking Reminder - We have permission to park behind the buildings located across the street from the church during evenings and weekends.  The entrance to these parking spaces is by way of Academy Alley, which is directly behind these houses.  It is the first alley immediately after State Street.  These parking spaces can only be reached by turning left off Front Street.  Please report any incident that might cause the owners concern, as we do not want to jeopardize the parking hospitality given to us from these generous property owners.  Also remember, the parking lot along the side of St. Lawrence is not to be used.

Prayer taken from the Blessing of Epiphany Water

God, source of irresistible might and king of an invincible realm, the ever-glorious conqueror; who restrain the force of the adversary, silencing the uproar of his rage, and valiantly subduing his wickedness; in awe and humility we beg you, Lord, to regard with favor this creature thing of salt and water, to let the light of your kindness shine upon it, and to hallow it with the dew of your mercy; so that wherever it is sprinkled and your holy name is invoked, every assault of the unclean spirit may be baffled, and all dread of the serpent's venom be cast out. To us who entreat your mercy grant that the Holy Spirit may be with us wherever we may be; through Christ our Lord. Amen.