Jesus is Our Savior

In Sunday's gospel, the magi from the East travel a great distance to find the Christ Child. They notice his star at its rising and set out immediately. They follow the star until it comes to a stop over a house in Bethlehem of Judea. They enter the house, kneel down, and worship him.

In last night's reflection assignment I asked you to think about the gospel as it relates to your own faith journeys. We, too, remain alert for the signs through which Jesus reveals his presence to us. His "stars" are all around us, in the beauty of creation, in the church, in the arts and sciences, and the uniqueness of every person. What kind of "stars" are around you every day?

I see the sun rising and that tells me that I will have a successful day. I see people smiling and that means God will give me happiness. When I see the sun setting it reminds me to pray for God for the good day he gave me. When I feel the warmth of a summer day I know God is keeping me warm.
~Jakob~

Some "stars" I see everyday are my friends laughing and having a good time. This tells me God is watching over them. Another sign I see everyday are the smiles on each of my sister's faces. This tells me that God is loving me, my sisters, and my family. I love seeing these signs because I am very happy to see that God is watching and loving them.
~Kayla~

The water that glistens over the lake at my lake house with the warm sun drying our wet towels is a sign that God is watching over my family.
~Kevin K.~

The signs that I see each day are the faces of excited people, love and helpful people. This makes me know that God is in the air and all around. For example, a girl at lunch got hurt today while I was eating lunch. God was sitting next to me and I knew he stopped the pain. While I was driving to Target there was an accident, but the people in the car were ok and many people were helping. I know He is real.
~Diana~

Loving Jesus, you are the Savior of the whole world, of every person, everywhere. Help us to find ways to share this Good News with others. Amen.

Last night we studied Chapter 8, which begins our lesson on Confirmation. We learned that the laying on of hands is a sign of God's blessing, and that this gesture was the beginning of the sacrament of confirmation. Like the laying on of hands, anointing is an ancient practice and is a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence. Today in the sacrament of Confirmation, the anointing with oil is done as the celebrant lays his hand on the head of the one being confirmed.

*In Confirmation we become more like Christ and are strengthened to be his witnesses.*

More specifically:
~ we are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
~ we become more like Jesus
~ we are strengthened to be His active witnesses.
~ our friendship with God the Father is deepened.
~ our relationship with the church is strengthened.
~ we are sent forth to live our faith in the world.

*Preparation is an important part of Confirmation.*

Michael, our catechist aide, was confirmed at St. Cyril's and answered many of your questions about Confirmation preparation. Remember to ask Michael any additional questions you may have. He is a great resource!

Homework:
1.) Read Chapter 9. On a separate sheet of paper list out the sequence of events that occur during a mass where candidates are celebrating Confirmation.

2.) Bring an empty roll of toilet paper to class for our service project next week.

Have a wonderful week!

Many blessings,
Mrs. D.