The SPA Weekly
Your Latest News From St. Paul the Apostle Parish
The Epiphany of the Lord - January 2, 2022
Links to: YouTube Channel / Bulletin / Previous newsletters
This week:
Is science opposed to faith? By Bishop Barron
From a Sermon on the Epiphany of the Lord, by St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153)
Ordination of Michael Hollern to the Permanent Diaconate
- January Ideas for Your Family's Domestic Church
- Prayer for the New Year
- Christmas Lessons and Carols
- Sign up for Youth Group
- Switch to Online Giving
Knights of Columbus Blood Drive - January 23
Monday Morning Bible Study: Lectio Evangelization
Spauction - February 4, 2022
A Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration Every Friday at 9am
In the Fullness of Time, the Fullness of Divinity Appeared
Dear parish family,
We may all wonder, especially after two years of pandemic, how will 2022 look like. The future is in God’s hands and at the beginning of a new year we are reminded that something changed the course of history forever. God’s coming in the flesh, his appearance in human form, draws everyone to the manger of Bethlehem. Just like the three wise men from the East, so are we from all of history drawn to the one who lies in that manger, to behold “the kindness and love of God”.
At the beginning of the new civil year and this Solemnity of the Epiphany, may we all see the goodness and humanity of God our Savior! In wishing you and your families a Happy New Year, Fr. Michael and I invoke upon you God’s abundant blessing.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Peter Damian
From a Sermon on the Epiphany of the Lord, by St. Bernard, abbot (1090-1153)
The kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed. Thanks be to God, through whom we receive such abundant consolation in this pilgrimage, this exile, this distress.
Before his humanity appeared, his kindness lay concealed. Of course it was already in existence, because the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, but how could men know it was so great? It was promised but not yet experienced: hence many did not believe in it. At various times and in various different ways, God spoke through the prophets, saying I know the plans I have in mind for you: plans for peace, not disaster.
What reply did man make, man who felt the affliction, and knew nothing of peace? ‘How long will you keep saying “Peace, peace” when there is no peace?’ And so the angels of peace weep bitterly saying Lord, who has believed our report?
But now at last let men believe their own eyes, because all God’s promises are to be trusted. So that it cannot escape the notice of even troubled eyes, He has set up his tabernacle in the sun. Behold, peace is no longer promised, but conferred; no longer delayed, but given; no longer predicted, but bestowed. Behold, God has sent down to earth a bag bulging with his mercy, a bag that, at the passion, is torn open so that our ransom pours out of it onto us. A small bag, perhaps, but a full one: for it was a small child that was given to us, but in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead.
After the fullness of time had come, there came too the fullness of the Godhead. He came in the flesh, so that at least he might make himself manifest to our earthly minds, so that when this humanity of his appeared, his kindness might also be acknowledged. Where the humanity of God appears, his kindness can no longer be hidden. In what way, indeed, could he have better commended his kindness than by assuming my flesh? My flesh, that is, not Adam’s, as it was before the fall.
What greater proof could he have given of his mercy than by taking upon himself that very thing which needed mercy? Where is there such perfect loving-kindness as in the fact that for our sake the Word of God became perishable like the grass? Lord, what is man, that you make much of him or pay him any heed?
Let man infer from this how much God cares for him. Let him know from this what God thinks of him, what he feels about him. Man, do not ask about your own sufferings; but about what God suffered. Learn from what he was made for you, how much he makes of you, so that his kindness may show itself to you from his humanity.
The lesser he has made himself in his humanity, the greater has he shown himself in kindness. The more he humbles himself on my account, the more powerfully he engages my love. The kindness and humanity of God our Saviour appeared says St Paul. The humanity of God shows the greatness of his kindness, and he who added humanity to the name of God gave great proof of this kindness.
Ordination of Permanent Deacons
Saturday, January 8 at 10 am
On Saturday, January 8, 10 o'clock, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew Bishop David Walkiowiak will ordain seven permanent deacons to serve in parishes of our diocese.
Please keep them in your prayers this week, especially Michael Hollern who will be our permanent deacon at St. Paul the Apostle. We will officially welcome him at our Sunday Masses on January 15/16 as newly ordained deacon.
Let us accompany Michael and the new deacons with our prayers as we give thanks to God who blesses the Church in Grand Rapids with abundance of grace!
January Ideas for Your Family's Domestic Church
- Make a beautiful, decorative sign or piece of artwork with Jesus' name on it to honor the Most Holy Name of Jesus (January 3).
- Go star gazing to celebrate the Epiphany. Have the children find the brightest star in the sky. Discuss how the wisemen must have felt while traveling to meet the newborn king.
- Make or buy a king cake to mark Epiphany. Serve it as a special treat on January 6.
- To celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord (the Sunday after Epiphany January 9) share pictures and keepsakes of your children's baptisms.
- Many January saints taught others, such as St. John Bosco, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Angela Merci and St. Thomas Aquinas. Learn a Bible verse, prayer or plan an activity to teach others about your faith.
- In many places it is custom to celebrate the blessing of the home by writing the numerals of the new year in chalk over the front door, as well as the initials C, M, and B, representing the traditional names of the Magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.
The Blessing of the Family Home
Traditionally celebrated on Epiphany; also known as Three Kings Day. This year the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Epiphany on Sunday January 2, 2022.
The blessing that is done on the front door of the house and uses symbols drawn with blessed chalk. This is called the chalking the door, and is practiced by many Christians including Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and more!
Gather the family outside the front door or main entrance of your home.
Begin by singing “We Three Kings” and by praying together The Sign of the Cross.
(Write the year with the initials C, M, and B in chalk over the front door or main entrance of your home; 20+C+M+B+22)
Then offer the following prayer of blessing:
Loving God, the doors of our hearts and the doors of our home are open to you and to all who need warmth and welcome.
We give you thanks for our home, for the gift of family, and for the blessing of friends.
Keep us safe as we come in and as we go out each and every day.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
For more faith ideas check out RCL Benziger at
Prayer for the New Year
Begin by inviting family members to bring their personal calendars or your family calendar and to gather around the Christmas tree.
Sing together a favorite Christmas carol, and pray together the Sign of the Cross.
Have family members hold their calendars/your family calendar up for all to see, and offer the following prayer. (The response to each petition is LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.)
God of all time, on this New Year’s Day we place the days and months of the new year into
your hands, and we pray-
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Fill our days with the blessings
of family, friendship, laughter,
and love, we pray –
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Show us ways to spend our
time serving your children
in need, we pray –
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Help us appreciate the time
we have to listen to your
Word and to talk with you
in prayer, we pray –
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Conclude this prayer by praying together the Hail Mary or by singing together the verse of a familiar Marian hymn.
Christmas Lessons & Carols
January 5, 2022 • 6:30 pm
Readings, read by various members of our parish community, take us on a journey from the Garden of Eden to the Nativity of Jesus Christ. To each reading we respond with a carol, led by our parish orchestra and members of the choirs. The service culminates with the arrival of the Three Kings, who usher in the day of the Epiphany.
Save the date for this joyous occasion, and invite a friend! It is a great way to introduce someone to our church and to the story of God's love that lies at the heart of our Catholic faith.
Monday Morning Bible Study: Lectio Evangelization
Study dates begin on January 17 and continue through March 28
FIND HELP AND INSPIRATION FROM THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO TRANSFORMED THE WORLD There is no better place to look for guidance in the New Evangelization than the Acts of the Apostles. This chronicle of the Church in action gives us the blueprint for the life and mission of the Church today.
In Evangelization and the Acts of the Apostles, Dr. Mary Healy combines Bible study with Church teaching and practical wisdom to show you how modern Catholics can effectively lead people to Jesus Christ.
Weekly study themes:
1. Why Study Acts?
2. Clothed with Power
3. Proclaiming the Kerygma
4. Signs and Wonders
5. How Jesus Makes an Evangelist
6. Sacraments and the Spirit
7. Leadership in the Church
8. Charisms of the Spirit
9. Joy in Persecution
10. The Belly of the Beast
Cost of the study workbook is $15.00. The study videos are available on Formed.org.
If registering after January 10, 2022, there will be an additional Shipping and Handling fee.2
Children's Nativity
This past weekend 2nd and 3rd graders from Faith Formation and SPA School performed in the Nativity play. They did so great and had a lot of fun doing it! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to put it together and to everyone who came to watch!
Rites of Christian Initiation
Thursday Evenings at 6:30 PM
If you've been coming to Mass for a while, but are not Catholic, we invite you to look deeper into the Catholic faith. Come meet some faithful Catholics who would consider it a privilege to get to know you. During our Thursday evening sessions we share with others the truths of the Catholic faith and the fellowship of our church family. We invite you to join us to learn more in an open and welcoming environment. These sessions are also opportunities for you to ask those perplexing and difficult questions you may have about the Church.
Join us on Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM in the Pastoral Center of the Parish Office. Please reach out if you have questions or would like further information. Call Jeanne in the parish office at 949-4170 ext. 243 or email jwinkelmann@spagr.org.
Youth Group
Register for Youth Group Today!
Don’t miss out on on upcoming events. Register today to be a member of the Middle School or High School Youth Group. The cost is $25 for the year.
Community Bulletin Board
Our Community Boards are located in the Narthex. We invite you to take a look at what is going on in the community or to place your own ad. If you’d like to place an ad, take a blank sheet and write your need or service and hang it up or email mkreuger@spagr.org for the template.
Join the Knights of Columbus
All men of the Parish are invited to join the Knights Of Columbus here at St Paul's.
Please contact Charlie Jilek 616-299-6364 for more information.
Register Today to Become a St. Paul Parishioner!
To become a registered member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, fill out the form on our website.
Please contact us if you have questions.
Mass Intentions: January 3 - 9, 2022
Ted Kroon by Charline Rice
Jim Fitzgerald by Arlene Lillis
Natasha Pacic by Linda & Tom Pacic
Roberta Elliott & Arda Tole by the Donatelli Family
Nancy Jacobs by Jim & Katie Hudson
Charles Jaye, Spodnik Family, and Jurpiewicz Family by Mary Jaye
Intentions of Mike & Denise Sabo, John Joyce, and Dennis & Mary Jaye by Mary Jaye
Please Pray For
Erin, Ryan, and Brooks Abel, Donna Antzack, Marie Ault, Gerry Arthur, Jenine Bourdon, Arthur Brodie, Ed Budnick, Barbara Camenga, Don and Bobbie, Cericola, Paul Ceton, Fred and Mary Cheslek, Nancy Church, George Conrade, Joanne Connors, Mary Ann Datema, Martha Dunning, Jean and Jerry Elson, Frank Geluso, Elaine Grace, Gerry Halland, Barbara Hedrick, Jim Heyden, David Hoffer, Colleen Hollern, Dario Juric, Joan Kopka , Steve Kracik, Sandy Leach, Douglas Leete, Arlene Lillis, Davor Lucic, Mary McMahon , Mitzie Murphy, Pat Murphy, Thomas Pacic, Julia Panciera, Lee Perrin, Tom Perrin, Steve Perrin, Scotty Peterman, Tony Pham, Margaret Pisciotta, Amelia Price, Page Rector , Kathryn Rice, Emma Saccomani, Larry and Maryann Schafer, Stephanie Schafer, Val Schafer, Karen Shively, Joe Spielmaker, Carol Stewart, Nancy Stone, Quentin Taylor, Dan Thill, Barb and Rich Van Antwerp, Tony Vicari, Annette Weston
And all those we know and love who are ill.
This week, Keith & Karen Cook will pray for the needs of our Parish. Call with your intentions at 616-558-5537.
Next: JoAnn Donnelly
Bulletin Deadlines & Contact
If your group has information or an event for the bulletin, please submit Friday by
5:00 PM to Merribeth at mkreuger@spagr.org. The article will go in the following
week’s bulletin. Submissions may be edited for content or space considerations.
Parish office hours
Please note that the Parish Office will be open Monday - Friday, 8am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm.
The church will be available for private prayer by way of the Parish Office from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 10:30 am - 4:00 pm on Thursday.
Schedule for January 1 - 9
- Saturday, January 1 • Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
10:00 am Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (with incense)
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Reconciliation
5:00 pm Mass - Epiphany of the Lord - Sunday, January 2 • The Epiphany of the Lord
9:00 am Mass
11:00 am Mass (with incense)
6:00 pm Mass - Monday, January 3
8:30 am Mass - Tuesday, January 4
6:30 pm Children's Faith @ Home Virtual Gathering - Wednesday, January 5
12:00 pm Mass
6:30 pm Christmas Lessons and Carols - Thursday, January 6
9:00 am School Mass (Closed to the public)
6:30 pm RCIA - Friday, January 7
8:30 am Mass
9:00 am Holy Hour of Adoration
10:00 am Fellowship Friday - Saturday, January 8 • The Baptism of the Lord
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Reconciliation
5:00 pm Mass - Sunday, January 9 • The Baptism of the Lord
Coffee and Donuts after 9 & 11 am Masses
9:00 am Mass
11:00 am Mass (with incense)
6:00 pm Mass
7:00 pm Youth Confirmation Prep
7:00 pm Missionaries to the Family Date Night
Thank You Premier Event Sponsors
Contact Us!
Email: ebertacchi@spagr.org
Website: spagr.org/church
Location: 2750 Burton Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: 616-949-4170
Facebook: facebook.com/stpaulapostlecatholic