St. James Catholic Church A living cell of the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi

605 S. Alta Vista St. Beeville, Texas 78102

Phone: (361) 358-4825 | email: stjamesbeeville@yahoo.com | www.stjamesbeeville.org

January 5, 2020 – The Epiphany of the Lord

Holy Mass

WEEKENDS Saturday 5:00 PM

Sunday 7:30 AM - Spanish 10:00 AM - English

WEEKDAYS Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri

7:30 AM

Major Feast Days (Holy Days):

As announced

CONFESSION Half hour before every

Mass or by appointment.

OFFICE HO UR S

Mo n, Tues , Thu, Fr i

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Clo sed Wedne sda y

PAROCHIAL TEAM Pastor

Rev. Jacob

Deacon Juan Vasquez

Parish Secretary

Juanita L. Martinez

Director of Religious Education

Anna Castillo

Bookkeeper Cristina Rea

Parish Council Chairman

Luis Hernandez

Finance Council Chairman Joe L. Gomez

Altar Society

Juanita Martinez

Eucharist Ministry Coordinator

Albert Garces

Altar Servers Coordinator Roxanne Salazar

Lector Coordinator Salvador Andrade

Knights of Columbus Grand Knight #14064

Albert Garces

Guadalupanas Pres. Juanita Cruz

Cursillistas Vocal

Elfida Garcia

Faith Ministry Pres. Yolanda Maldonado

Spanish Choir

Tony De La Rosa

English Choir Margaret Smith

Bulletin and Website R. Anthony Hinojosa

MISSION STATEMENT: The Catholic community of St. James Church is made up of loving and sensitive members seeking to meet their spiritual needs, strengthen their faith, and affirm their continued existence as the church of Jesus Christ today and tomorrow. In their quest to evangelize, it is their mission to assist everyone toward a more abundant experience of the riches of their liturgy and sacraments, and to convince all of Christ’s sheep that the Lord’s Day is indeed for all.

A Hearty Welcome

No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church, No matter what your current family or marital situation,

No matter what your past or present religious situation, No matter your personal history, age, background, race, etc., No matter what

your own self-image or esteem, You are INVITED, WELCOMED, ACCEPTED, LOVED and RESPECTED AT St. James.

Contact the Office for any assistance.

MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, January 4

5:00 PM † Trino Cano, Jr. by Mr. and Mrs. David Sanchez

† Londa Trial by Paul Trial

Sunday, January 5

7:30 AM † Eduardo Ruiz Silva by Louis, Conner, Cierra, and Debbie Shover

10:00 AM † Enrique R. Ramirez by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Henry Alaniz

† Henry Garcia by Ester Gonzales

Monday, January 6

7:30 AM † Londa Trial by Paul Trial

Wednesday, January 8

7:30 AM † Londa Trial by Paul Trial

Thursday, January 9

7:30 AM † Londa Trial by Paul Trial

Friday, January 10

7:30 PM † Londa Trial by Paul Trial

ANNOUNCEMENTS SECOND COLLECTION Next weekend we will have a second collection for the Building, Repair, and Maintenance Fund (BRM). CCE CLASSES Have a Blessed New Year. CCE Classes will resume January 8, 2020. High school will be going to the Newman Center from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Middle school will have classes from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the CCE Building. CELEBRATING 25, 50, OR 50+ YEARS MARRIAGE? You are invited to attend the Anniversary Mass at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on January 12, 2020. Bishop Michael Mulvey will be the celebrant for this joyous occasion. For more information and to register visit the Diocese of Corpus Christi website. ( https://diocesecc.org/anniversary-mass/ ) PILGRIMAGE There will be a 12 Day England, Wales & Ireland Pilgrimage from September 9-20, 2021. For more information contact Laly Arteaga at 361-542-9409, or her email at lalyarteaga@yahoo.com SPANISH MISSALS We have new Spanish Missal – Palabra y Eucaristía. If you are interested in sponsoring, they are available at the cost of $20 each. Please write or type the information as you want it to appear on the missal; complete the form available at the back of the church with your telephone number and money in a sealed envelope and hand it to an Usher or put it in the collection basket. Thank you in advance. CONDOLENCES St. James expresses condolences to the family of Luz Garza, Sr.

January 5, 2020 The Epiphany of the Lord

WEEKLY OFFERING

December 29, 2019

Envelope Collection $2,085.85

Loose Collection 1,502.96

Children’s Fund 8.00

Total $3,596.76

May God bless you for your

selfless sacrifice

ONE IN FAITH Page Number: 974

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD - ABC

AUDITORS

Team IV, Sunday, January 5

Teodora Galvan, Virginia Quintanilla Team V, Sunday, January 12

Elfida Garcia, Juanita Cruz,

& Angie Garcia Team I, Sunday, January 19

Janie Maldonado, Alice Sanchez

& Kimberly Cuéllar Team II, Sunday, January 26

Amy Gonzales & Diana Barrera

Team III, Sunday, February 2

Rosalinda Orozco, Maria Servantes,

& Margaret R. Mesquita

MASS SCHEDULE

Date Time LECTORS EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS ALTAR SERVERS

Saturday, January 4 5:00 PM Lisa Blanton Salvador Andrade & Susana Moron Krislynn Cuellar

Sunday, January 5 7:30 AM Angie Garcia Manuel Martinez & Shirley Martinez Ryan Martinez

10:00 AM Gilbert Gonzales Yolanda Maldonado & Joe Gomez Brandon Guerrero & Autumn Rodriguez

& Rico Flores

To All of St. James’ Wonderful Parishioners

BAPTISM CLASS – January 14, 2020

All applications MUST be submitted to the church office before

that date. Items needed are: Copy of the child’s Birth Certificate

and sponsor’s proof of all Sacraments if single and, if married, a

copy of the marriage license by a Catholic Church. Baptisms will

take place 3rd Sunday of month after the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

Baptism classes for parents and sponsors are held second Tuesday

of every Month at 7:00 p.m. in the CCE Building.

PRAY FOR THE SICK With care and compassion, we pray for: Jewelia Beth Gonzalez, Christopher Cardenas, Anthony Angel Cardenas, Guadalupe Benavides, Albert Cardenas, Jr., Jim Nelson, Joe Adrian Moya, Catherine McKeowm, Kristina Elena Garcia, Eva Dominguez, Chris Ulmer, Roxann Gleason, Frank Riojas, Jessie Riojas, Joe Anthony Martinez, Armando B. Perez, Lino Garcia, Katy Rendon, Denice Hadwin, Patty Stone, Ascension Carrizales, Lulu Martinez Watson, Tabitha Rendon, Mary Longoria, Jessie Martinez, Jr., Roman Flores, Santos Lopez, Caroline James Ries, Adrian Sampayo, Aurelio Guajardo, Tonya Sciba, Kenneth Sciba, Nieves Moreno, Jr., Jessica Arrisola, Mary Carrizales, Norma Delgado, Juanita Maldonado, Dora Lopez Bernal, Richard Espinosa, Emo Aleman, Robert Hernandez, Nieves Cardenas, Laurie Lawrence, Anselmo Garcia, Jr., Josefa Aleman, Crystal Arciba, Francisco Trevino, Patricia Servantes, Mary Guerrero, Jose Salazar, Genevieve S. Trevino, Viola Rangel, Oralia Aleman, Ricardo Trevino, Sandy Rios, Nieves Moreno, Dawn Bieber, Lori Baldillez, Cristobal Servantes, Jose Nahum Lugo, Timmy Lopez, Juanita Alvarado, Deacon Juan Vasquez, Viola Maldonado, Madison Pena, Ricardo Trevino, Jr., Daniel Loya, Sandra Urquizo, Jesse Contrerras, Nell Jamison, Charles Cartwright, Stella Riojas, Ben Wilson, Mary Kay, Eloy Garcia, Tony Coronado, Sr., Irma Estela Rodriguez, Owen Rodriguez, Adan Martinez, Timothy Gene Lopez, Aurora V. Gomez, Fr. Paul Kottackal, Joshua Brock, Aaliyah Brock, Brendan Brock, Cruz Guerrero, Sr., Jerry Posada, Deffy Garcia, Elsa Ochoa, Enoe Garcia, Jesus A. Guerrero, Sr., Manuel Ramon, Melissa Keller, Cerise Garcia, Johnny Ramirez, Jr. and to all at Christus Spohn.

PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE TO ADD OR TO

REMOVE NAMES FROM THE PRAYER LIST.

The Epiphany of the Lord January 5, 2020

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Horror gripped the heart of a World War-I soldier, as he saw his lifelong

friend fall in battle. The soldier asked his Lieutenant if he could go out to

bring his fallen comrade back. “You can go,” said the Lieutenant,” but

don’t think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may

throw your life away.” “The Lieutenant’s words didn’t matter, and the

soldier went anyway. Miraculously, he managed to reach his friend,

hoisted him onto his shoulder and brought him back to their company’s

trench. The officer checked the wounded soldier, and then looked kindly

at his friend. “I told you it wouldn’t be worth it,” he said. “Your friend is

dead and you are mortally wounded.” “It was worth it, Sir,” said the soldier.

“What do you mean by worth it?” responded the Lieutenant. “Your friend

is dead.” “Yes Sir,” the soldier answered, “but it was worth it because when

I got to him, he was still alive and I had the satisfaction of hearing him

say….”Jim…I knew you’d come.”

Christ our light has come into the world and shines in the darkness. On this

feast of Epiphany he manifests himself to us in a unique way. The feast of

the Epiphany is the mystery of the Lord’s manifestation to all peoples,

represented by the Magi, who came from the East to adore the King of the

Jews. The word ‘epiphany’ comes from Greek, meaning, a ‘showing’ or

‘manifestation’. Matthew who recounts the event, stresses how the Magi

arrived in Jerusalem following a star, seen at its rising and interpreted as a

sign of the birth of the king proclaimed by the prophets, that is, of the

Messiah. Originally this feast celebrated on the 6th of January, contained

four great manifestations of Jesus, namely, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus

Christ, the coming of the Magi or the three kings, the Baptism of our Lord

and the wedding at Cana. Today we celebrate the feast of the coming of

the Magi in search of the newly born king and God revealing himself to the

universe to a group essentially non-Jewish. The magi were strangers,

foreigners, total outsiders who came to pay royal homage to this tiny child.

In the first reading of today a prophet encourages the people to stand up

and welcome a new day. They have become a light to the nations. They

will see all the good things God has in store for them. In the second reading

Paul refers to the great mystery of God revealed to him, namely that God

desires to save both Jews and gentiles in Christ. Gentiles are joined to Jews

in experiencing God’s promise of salvation. The Gospel of today tells us

about the wise men from the East who followed a star in search of the new

born king of the Jews. When they find him, they worship him and pay him

homage as they offer him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

History of Epiphany: Next to Easter, Epiphany is the oldest season of the

Church year. In Asia Minor and Egypt, Epiphany was observed as early as

the second century. The Festival of the Epiphany fell (and still falls), on

January 6. It was observed as a unitive festival -- both the birth and

Baptism of Jesus were celebrated at this time. January 6 was chosen as

Epiphany Day because it was the winter solstice, a pagan festival

celebrating the birthday of the sun god. In 331 AD the solstice was moved

to December 25, but January 6 continued to be observed. Christians

substituted Epiphany for the solstice. The emphasis was upon the re-birth

of light. In keeping with this time, the First Lesson for Epiphany Day is

appropriate: "Arise, shine; for your light has come." The unitive Festival

of Epiphany was divided when December 25 was chosen as the birthday

of Jesus. The Church in the East continued to celebrate Epiphany in terms

of the Baptism of Jesus while the Western Church associated Epiphany

with the visit of the Magi. For the East, the Baptism of Jesus was more

vital because of the Gnostic heresy claiming that only at his baptism did

Jesus become the Son of God. On the other hand, to associate Epiphany

with the Magi is appropriate, for the Magi might not have gotten to

Bethlehem until a year after Jesus' birth. By this time the Holy Family was

in a house rather than in a stable. If this was the case, then the Magi could

not have been a part of the manger scene popularly portrayed in today's

Christmas scenes and plays. The Vatican II lectionary and calendar

combine the two by placing the visit of the Magi on Epiphany Day and the

Baptism of Jesus on Epiphany 1

Continued next column …

The gifts: Gold, frankincense and myrrh may be thought of as prophesying

Jesus’ future, gold representing his kingship as well as divinity,

frankincense a symbol of his priestly role, and myrrh a prefiguring of his

death and embalming. Gold was a gift for Kings, and the Magi accepted

the baby Jesus as the king of the Jews. Gold is also a symbol of Divinity

and is mentioned throughout the Bible. Pagan idols were often made from

gold and the Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with gold (Ex 25:10-17).

The gift of gold to the Christ Child was symbolic of His Divinity—God in

flesh. Frankincenseis highly fragrant when burned and was therefore used

in worship, where it was burned as a pleasant offering to God (Ex 30:34)

Frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness. The gift of

frankincense to the Christ Child was symbolic of his willingness to become

a sacrifice, wholly giving himself up, analogous to a burnt offering. Myrrh

was used by the High Priest as an anointing oil (Ex 30:23) Myrrh was used

in ancient times for embalming the bodies of the dead before burial. It was

a fitting “gift” for Jesus who was born to die. It was also sometimes

mingled with wine to form an article of drink. (Mt 27:34) refers to it as

“gall.” Such a drink was offered to, and refused by, our Savior when he

was about to be crucified, as a stupefying potion (Mk 15:23). Myrrh

symbolizes bitterness, suffering, and affliction. The baby Jesus would grow

to suffer greatly as a man and would pay the ultimate price when He gave

his life on the cross to redeem all mankind, if they chose to believe in Him

and receive this gift. In addition, myrrh was used an oriental

remedy for intestinal worms in infants, a useful gift for a new baby. These

gifts were not only expensive but portable. “Laden with gold and spices,

the journey of the magi evokes those journeys made to Solomon by the

Queen of Sheba and the ‘kings of the earth’ (see 1 Kgs 10:2,25; 2 Chr

9:24).Interestingly, the only other places where frankincense and myrrh

are mentioned together are in songs about Solomon (see Song of Songs

3:6, 4:6,14)”(Dr. Scott Hahn). Perhaps Joseph sold the gifts to finance the

Holy Family’s trip to Egypt and Mary kept myrrh in her medicine chest.

The gifts might have been God’s way of providing for the journey that lay

ahead. The story the Magi is story of the ways in which God reveals himself and

even more about the different responses which his revelation receives.

There are numerous manifestations or epiphanies of God in our lives and

in the lives of everyone. In fact the Old and the New Testaments are the

expression of such a revelation. We can learn much from the manifestation

of God to the three wise men. They were the pilgrims in search of the divine

and their joy was immense when they made the discovery. Their faith was

childlike and deeply religious. They had a specific purpose in mind and

they went in a particular direction. They followed the star and they

encountered God. It tells us that we too have to search for our God and

cannot rest till we find him.