A favorite tradition we started a few years ago continues today on the Feast of the Epiphany. We take home chalk that has been blessed and mark our doors with this inscription: 20+C+M+B+20. The number of the New Year is split at the beginning and end. The initials C, M, and B represent Casper, Melchior and Balthasar and the three crosses stand for "saint." The letters also abbreviate the prayer: "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" which means May Christ Bless this House. So today after dinner, gather around the inside of your front door, and use the chalk to inscribe the numbers and letters on the frame or on the door while saying: "May Christ bless this house". Throughout the year those who come and go through that door will enjoy the blessing of Christ. Chalk is available by the Christmas manger at the front of the church. Be Bold!
I hope your New Year’s celebrations were fantastic, that you were able to take some time to relax and visit with family. I take this opportunity to thank all of you for the many kindnesses shown to me over this Christmas season. Your many cards, gifts, and verbal best wishes are most appreciated and gratefully accepted. The Parish Staff wishes to extend their thanks for your kindnesses.
My Dear St. Clare Family, as we come together on this Holy Day, the day of our Savior’s birth I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt wish to each and every one of you for a very Merry Christmas.
On December 3, 2019, St. Clare received a $3,000 grant from the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s Social Outreach fund. St Clare helped rebuild a house in our parish boundaries that was devastated by a fire. The family is now able to move back into their home. This project was part of St Clare’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative, which is an actionable and measurable effort of Unleashing the Gospel and fortifies the mission of our parish.
Lighting the last candle on the Advent wreath today indicates the fulfillment of the season. We have heard the meaning of Advent and we have heard many prophecies that proclaim the coming of the Messiah, not only at Bethlehem but also at the end of time. Today for the first time the Sunday Advent Gospel tells of events that led to the birth of Christ. As many parish groups and ministries take Christmas time off from their usual activities there will be just one page of our bulletin this...