NKCC

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I – Dt 18:15-20 | Psalm – Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9

Reading II – 1 Cor 7:32-35 | Gospel – Mk 1:21-28

Listen to this week's readings courtesy of the USCCB.

TRUE PROPHETS - In Deuteronomy today we hear that God’s very words will fill the mouth of a true prophet, but a false prophet will, in a manner of speaking, put mere mortal words into God’s mouth. In Mark’s Gospel, we see Jesus teaching and healing as a true prophet, one filled with the authority of God’s own voice, the Holy One of God. There are, no doubt, both false and true prophets around us today. The whole history of our church is filled with both. Some false prophets were extremely popular and quite well-versed in scripture, and even held positions of church authority. But in today’s Gospel we learn that Jesus’ fame spread because he taught with authority; he wasn’t an authority because he was popular or famous. Elsewhere, we also learn from him, in his desert temptation confrontations with Satan, that anyone can quote scripture, even against God’s purposes. Today we hear that his authority was not like that of the scribes, who held the official positions of religious authority in his day. Our work is to do our best to discern the true prophets in our midst, and to be true prophets as well. The psalmist tells us how to do this: by not hardening our hearts when God speaks. If we truly listen to God, it will be God’s very words filling our mouths. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

In less than one month, we will be entering the Season of Lent. Ordinary Time is slipping away quickly. This is the time for us to shore up our foundations in order to be ready for the challenges that Lent presents. Jesus told us, “The right time has come and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe in the Good News.” Repeatedly, in Mark’s Gospel He offers us subtle insights into who He is. He calls us to follow Him. We will not really know who He is or what He wants unless we answer His call.

On February 2nd, the Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord. The Gospel of Luke recounts for us the beautiful story of Mary and Joseph following the Law by taking Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord and taking a gift to offer. In this Gospel story, we find the third canticle, known as the Canticle of Simeon. This prayer is recited every night during the Church’s official Night Prayer. “Now Lord, You have kept Your promise, and You may let Your servant go in peace. With my own eyes, I have seen Your salvation which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples: A light to reveal Your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to Your people Israel.”

February 3rd is the Feast of St. Blaise. St. Blaise blessed throats and has become known as the patron saint of throats. For many Catholics it has been traditional to have their throats blessed on this day. We will honor that tradition at the 7AM and noon Masses on Friday for all who wish.

Congratulations to Dr. Crabbe, son of Mogul Crabbe. Dr. Crabbe has been named head of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. We wish him the best.

Thank you for your gift to the Carmelite Sisters. It is easy to forget these women since they usually live in walled monasteries and do not go out except in rare emergencies. They depend heavily on the goodness of people like you.

Peace in Christ,

Rosa Parks with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

There are many aspects to respecting the dignity of the human person. This week, we will concentrate on how we view the elderly people around us. These are our brothers and sisters who have lived and experienced the good and the not so good aspects of life. On February 4th we celebrate the birthday of Rosa Parks, a woman of courage (and in her words, a tired woman) who chose to take a stand against segregation by refusing to move to the back of the bus. Rosa Parks is a stellar example of wisdom which can only come with age and experience. There is a tradition in the African American community of honoring the oldest person present at prayer or worship by inviting that elder to sit in a place of honor. The presider or lector then asks their permission to lead the community in prayer or to proclaim the Word. Your challenge this week is to honor a senior in your life—a grandparent, a senior citizen who lives next door or a “Rose Parks” type of person in the parish or community. Invite this person to share some wisdom with you through storytelling or simple conversation. Let the person’s 70 or 80 or 90 years of faithful living give you insights into what God calls all of us to do. Then go out and do it!

Baptisms

Congratulations to the parents of the six children who were baptized on January 22nd at St. Michael’s. These parents demonstrated their commitment to preparing for the Baptism by attending three group sessions over a three month period. The sessions are designed to help parents understand the seriousness of what they are promising to do for their children. It also familiarizes them with the actual Rite of Baptism. The newly baptized are the following:

• Jazarah Gary – daughter of Kenya and Stacia Gary
• Gabriel Afan – son of Amor and Maria Afan
• Wesley Justin Wong – son of Kai Wong and Janet Seto
• Austin Keohuloa & Anaiyah Wusstig-Caraballo – children of Shanayd Wusstig & Gerardo Caraballo
• Jetasri Gadot – daughter of Jethro and Florence Gadot

The next Baptism will take place in June 2012. Those wishing to register a child for June Baptism, please call the parish office. Parents must attend 3 preparation sessions. Please note the following dates and times.

• 1st Session – Attend either Wednesday, April 18th at 7PM OR Sunday, April 22nd at 12:30PM
• 2nd Session – Attend either Wednesday, May 16th at 7PM OR Sunday, May 20th at 12:30PM
• 3rd Session – Attend either Wednesday, June 6th at 7PM OR Sunday, June 10th at 12:30PM.

Baptisms will be on Sunday, June 23rd.

First Communion for Older Children

If there are children in the parish who are between the ages of 12 and 17 and have not yet prepared or received their First Communion, please call Cynthia Taylor at 960-0734. I will set up a class that goes from April 2012 to November 2012. Children who are younger than 12, will be prepared by their parents in next September’s regular group.

Knights of Columbus Dinner Dance

Come dance the night away on February 11, 2012, at the annual Knights of Columbus Dinner Dance. Those who attended last year can tell you that it was a smashing success. Roy Galigo’s music provided enough variety to get everyone up on the dance floor. The food was tempting, even to the disciplined weight watcher. Best of all, the atmosphere was one of enjoyment and friendship. The place is the Kamehameha Hotel at 6PM. Buy your tickets after Mass. The cost is $45 per person.

One ‘Ohana

There will be no One ‘Ohana in February. There are, however, scheduled classes or activities for First Eucharist on Sunday, February 5th at 9:30AM, 1st-Year Confirmation on Sunday, Feb. 12th and 2nd-Year Confirmation on February 19th at 10:30AM. All scheduled activities will be held at Immaculate Conception Hall.

Youth preparing outreach care packages.

On January 13, Youth met up at Immaculate Conception Church where they attended Benediction service and Youth Choir practice to rehearse for Youth Mass on February 5th at 9AM.  We had a potluck dinner and discussion about upcoming events and trainings in our parish.  For the evening’s activity, the group discussed Street Outreach as the project begins once again.

Many thanks to Christ Church Episcopal in Captain Cook for supporting the efforts of our Youth in the community.  Christ Church sent items to help our brothers and sisters in Kona who are less fortunate.  The Youth will prepare a backpack of items they may need for the homeless.  The Youth Minister has had work experience with our homeless population and she discussed the difficulties of life on the street and answered questions the Youth posed.

We meet next for Youth Mass rehearsal on Friday, January 20th at 5:30PM at IC.  The next meeting will be January 27th – SM tent at 4:30PM for “Street Outreach”  / February meetings will be announced.