Father Paul’s Blog

Celebrating Epiphany Sunday at St. Alexander Church in Pelham

This Sunday, January 4th, we're celebrating one of the most beautiful and meaningful feasts in the Catholic calendar - Epiphany Sunday! Are you ready to witness the manifestation of Christ's light to all nations? We invite you to join our vibrant community at St. Alexander Church in Pelham for this transformative celebration!

What Makes Epiphany Sunday So Special?

Epiphany Sunday marks the moment when the three wise men from the East arrived in Bethlehem to worship the infant Jesus! Can you imagine the awe and wonder they felt as they knelt before the Christ child? This feast celebrates how Jesus revealed himself not just to the Jewish people, but to all nations and peoples - including you and me!

The word "epiphany" means "manifestation" or "revelation," and that's exactly what we're celebrating! God's love breaking into our world in the most beautiful way possible! The Magi's journey represents our own spiritual journey - following the star of faith that leads us directly to Jesus!

Are you searching for meaning in your life? Just like those wise men who followed a star across vast distances, we're all on a journey to find something greater than ourselves! At St. Alexander Church, we believe that every person who walks through our doors is following their own star to encounter the living God!

The Beautiful Story Behind the Celebration

Picture this incredible scene: Three mysterious visitors from distant lands, guided by a brilliant star, arrive with precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh! Each gift tells a powerful story:

• Gold - recognizing Jesus as King of Kings!

• Frankincense - honoring his divinity and priesthood!

• Myrrh - prophetically acknowledging his future sacrifice for humanity!

What gifts are you bringing to Jesus this Epiphany Sunday? Maybe it's your time, your talents, your hopes, or even your struggles! God welcomes them all with open arms!

This beautiful feast reminds us that God's love knows no boundaries! The Magi weren't Jewish, yet they were among the first to worship Jesus! This means there's a place for everyone at the feet of Christ - regardless of your background, your past, or where you are in your spiritual journey!

How We Celebrate at St. Alexander Church

Get ready for an absolutely magnificent celebration! Our Pelham church community comes together with joy, reverence, and incredible enthusiasm to mark this holy feast! We invite you to experience the transformative power of worshipping alongside our welcoming parish family!

During our Epiphany Sunday Masses, you'll experience:

• Beautiful liturgical music that lifts your heart to heaven!

• Inspiring homilies that connect the ancient story to your modern life!

• Warm community fellowship that makes everyone feel at home!

• Special prayers and blessings for the new year ahead!

• Children's participation that brings extra joy to our celebration!

Are you new to our community? Perfect! There's no better time to join us than during this feast of universal welcome! Our ushers and greeters will make sure you feel completely at home from the moment you arrive!

A Special Invitation for Families

Calling all families in Pelham and surrounding areas! Epiphany Sunday is an absolutely perfect opportunity to start building beautiful faith traditions with your children! Can you imagine the wonder in their eyes as they learn about the wise men's journey?

We love having families join us because children bring such pure joy and excitement to our celebrations! Don't worry if little ones get wiggly during Mass - we completely understand, and our community embraces the beautiful chaos that comes with raising the next generation of faithful followers!

This Sunday presents an amazing opportunity to:

• Teach your children about following God's guidance in their lives!

• Start new family traditions around this meaningful feast!

• Connect with other families in our parish community!

• Experience the joy of worshipping together as a family!

Join Our Welcoming Church Community

Are you searching for a church home in Pelham? Look no further! St. Alexander Church is a place where every person is valued, welcomed, and loved exactly as they are! We're not just a Sunday gathering - we're a family that supports each other through all of life's joys and challenges!

Our community includes:

• Long-time parishioners with deep roots and incredible wisdom to share!

• Young families building their faith foundations!

• College students and young professionals navigating life's big questions!

• Empty nesters looking to serve and grow in new ways!

• Newcomers from all walks of life finding their place!

What brings people together at St. Alexander? It's our shared belief that God's love transforms everything it touches! We're committed to creating an environment where spiritual growth, genuine community, and joyful worship come together in powerful ways!

Beyond Sunday: Growing in Faith Together

Epiphany Sunday is just the beginning! Once you experience the warmth and welcome of our parish family, you'll discover countless opportunities to deepen your faith and build meaningful relationships!

We offer amazing ministries and programs:

• Adult faith formation classes for those hungry to learn more!

• Small group Bible studies that dive deep into Scripture!

• Service opportunities to live out Christ's call to love our neighbors!

• Social events that build friendships and strengthen our community!

• Prayer groups for those seeking deeper spiritual connection!

Are you ready to take the next step in your faith journey? We're here to support, encourage, and walk alongside you every step of the way! Visit our next steps page to discover all the exciting possibilities waiting for you!

Planning Your Visit This Sunday

We can't wait to welcome you this Epiphany Sunday! Here's everything you need to know to make your visit smooth and comfortable:

Getting Here: St. Alexander Church is conveniently located in Pelham, making us easily accessible for anyone searching for "mass times near me" or looking for a "catholic church near me!"

What to Expect: Our services blend reverent worship with warm hospitality! You'll find our community to be genuinely welcoming - no pressure, just authentic care for every person who joins us!

Dress Code: Come as you are! We believe God looks at your heart, not your wardrobe! Whether you're in your Sunday best or casual clothes, you belong here!

First-time visitors always tell us they're amazed by how genuinely friendly everyone is! Our greeters will be happy to help you find a seat, answer questions, or simply offer a warm welcome!

The Light That Changes Everything

The star that guided the Magi still shines today! It's the same light that calls to your heart right now, inviting you to discover the incredible love God has for you! Are you ready to follow that light?

At St. Alexander Church, we believe every person who walks through our doors is responding to that same divine call! You're not here by accident - God has been guiding your steps, just like he guided those wise men so many centuries ago!

This Epiphany Sunday, let's celebrate together how God continues to reveal himself in our lives, our community, and our world! Join us as we worship the King of Kings and experience the transformative joy of being part of God's family!

Take Your Next Step Today!

Don't wait another moment! This Sunday, January 4th, is your opportunity to experience the life-changing power of celebrating Epiphany with our incredible church family! Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or simply curious about faith, we have a place for you!

Ready to join us? Contact us today to learn about our Mass times and get any questions answered! Our friendly staff would love to hear from you and help make your first visit absolutely wonderful!

Visit our website at stalexander.on.ca for more information about our welcoming community and all the ways you can get connected! Your spiritual journey is important to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

Come and see what God has in store for you this Epiphany Sunday! We're waiting with open arms to welcome you home!

Fr. Paul MacNeil

Pastor, St. Alexander Church.

www.stalexander.on.ca.

905-892-3090 (o)

905-933-9386 (c)