Today, we remember an extraordinary moment in the life of Christ. It is an encounter with John the Baptist, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, Jesus and his many followers. While Jesus’ baptism was symbolic in that he was without sin, it was a moment that God’s voice proclaimed Christ as beloved son.

Through our own baptism, we live and die and rise again in Christ, becoming adopted sons and daughters, heirs in hope of eternal life. God our Father says to each of us, “this is my beloved son and daughter, in whom I am well pleased.”

The baptism of Jesus reminds of our identity and mission; who we are and who we belong to. We are reminded that we are indeed a child of God, redeemed by Christ and made a member of His family. And what does this mean for us?

Our mission then is to honour, love and serving those around us, especially those who are forgotten and on the margins. We are sustained through prayer and the sacraments, encouraged to be co-creators with God in building up the King of God on earth, a kingdom of compassion, justice and love.

Jesus Christ, beloved son of the Father, transform, restore and heal our relationships within our families, friends and communities. Renew our trust in you and your plan for our lives. May we continue to recognize moments in our lives where the Holy Spirit acts and encourages us to love God and our neighbour more humbly and deeply. Amen.

Taken from the CCCB Reflection
Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary

The gospel acclamation captures such an important part of the gospel of life today: “We saw his star at its rising and we have come to do him homage.”

We live in a time when we expect good things to come to us. Too often, we feel entitled to receive what we want and long for. The abundance of food, water, shelter, peace, and stuff can make us blind to the miracles.

Do we see when Jesus is pouring out grace for us?

Do we practice wonder and awe, and gratitude?

Do we return at the end of every blessed day to give praise and thanks to the Author of Life?

May we pour out gifts in return for the gifts we have been given, that all might come to know Him.

“God of wonder and awe, point us to your miracles. Help us to see them and never take them for granted. May we return with worship and praise to give you thanks, and return your gifts with giving hearts and lives. Amen”

Taken from CCCB Reflection
Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary

• Family Life. Even the pre-teen Jesus astonishes and worries his parents as they fret over their child! Those of us who are parents know this stress. But all of us, even us aged ones, are still children of God, dearly loved and called to be obedient.
  • How will I obey God this day?
  • What commandment will I keep?

What mercy work will I do? 
(Source: Diocese of Springfield)

• Blessing of family
  Many places have a tradition of blessing families on New Year’s Day or on the feast of the Holy Family. You may light a candle and pray these words…
  “O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practising the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” 
   
• Praying the Holy Family Novena
  Traditionally this novena is prayed during the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Holy Family on the Church calendar, but you can pray the Novena with whenever you are ready. 
   
• Resources for children: Feast of the Holy Family
  • Gospel Reflection: Jesus is God’s Son, but he was still a child. He needed Mary and Joseph to be safe. He needed to obey them. Sometimes we may not want to obey our family’s rules. We can remember that Jesus obeyed his parents. We can ask him to help us. (Loyola Press) 
    • Kid’s Bulletin for this Sunday
    • Colouring page this Sunday – Invite the children to colour in the accompanying illustration of Jesus in the Temple, and on the back to draw their own family. Encourage them to write what they like most about being part of a global family.
      Sunday Connection for the Feast of the Holy Family (Gr. 1-8) 
    • Children’s Liturgy for leaders/parents (with intercessions and activities) – by CAFOD | Illustration

Children’s Liturgy of the Word with Miss Heidi (Catholic TV)

Taken from Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary

This first coming of Jesus is the promise that this Christ will come again. He is with us now – but also coming at some unknown time to complete all things in the perfect Reign and Kingdom of God. Today we marvel over God’s good grace. How will I behave with family and friends because Jesus Christ is with me and us today?  (Source: Diocese of Springfield)

The Christmas Season

The Christmas season celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation and the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world: past, present and future.  The mystery and feast of Christmas (the Nativity of the Lord) is second only to Easter in the liturgical life of the Church. The Christmas season begins after evening prayer on December 25th and continues through the Baptism of the Lord. The first week of the season is the octave of Christmas which closes on the feast of the Mother of God (Jan 1). 

“Jesus, in fact, came to earth in the concreteness of a people to save every man and woman, of all cultures and nationalities. He made Himself small so that we could welcome Him and receive the gift of God’s tenderness.”  ~ Pope Francis, 2021

Find links to blessings and other content to help you celebrate this season of joy and hope for salvation. 

• ​Blessing your nativity scene at home
   
• Christmas giving
  • 7 “Gifts from the heart” to give loved ones this Christmas 
  • Faithful Living: Christmas shopping 
  • Faithful Living: Wrapped for Christmas
  • Giving, not receiving 
     
• Resources for children: Christmas
  • Gospel Reflection: Jesus is the Son of God. We are so blessed that he became human and lived among us. His light overcomes darkness because God’s love for us is greater than sin. Jesus taught us how to love God by loving one another. (Loyola Press) 
  • Sunday Connection for Christmas (Gr. 1-8) 
  • Christmas crafts and activities for kids

Christmas activities that focus on Jesus

Taken from Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary

The 2021 I am Blessed campaign has started and will conclude on Sunday, Jan. 9, at the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  

Action items highlighted this year:

1. Pray now – Supporting others with prayer by praying in solidarity with them; ideas on what prayers to pray and what to do if others ask to pray for them.  
2. Act now – Offering tips on how to be a good friend especially to those who are in need; getting familiar with services available in our midst as we may need to lead others to seek help.
3. Give now – Providing financial assistance online to programs and initiatives that empower others.

Click on this link: I AM BLESSED