THE OCTAVE DAY OIF CHRISTMAS - NEW YEAR'S DAY, SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD, AND WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE..........

My roll-out as priest In Residence at Sacred Heart Parish in East Sacramento, is going swimmingly. I concelebrated the 9 am Mass, with Msgr. Walton, the Pastor and then led Benediction and presided at the 12 noon Mass. After lunch, I took my daily nap and then arose and took my second evening's walk around the neighborhood. Following the Noon Mass I spoke with Fr. Oliver and some of the "usual suspects" in Kilkenny, who were polishing off the Christmas-New Year's Goose Fr. Oliver hosted them too in his Cathedral presbytery. (parish house) I also called a number of my other priestly friends to wish them a Happy New Year. Marking the opening of 2010 A.D., would seem to be the central reality of this day. But it is as my title states, only one of several observances today. January 1, is the octave, or eighth day of Christmas. It marks the start of the new civil year, and is numbered from the Birth of Christ, thus 2010, 'Ad Domini', meaning - "In the Year of the Lord". For Catholic-Christians it is the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, and her relationship and response to the divine plan of salvation. Since 1968, by declaration of Pope Paul VI, we also celebrate the Octave Day of Christmas, New Year's Day, and the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, as the, World Day of Prayer for Peace. With war so prevalent in various countries of the world, it is an ideal way to begin a New Year in the spirit of Christmas, by praying for Peace and remembering anew all military men and women fighting in those wars. My Jan. 2 & 3, first weekend Mass schedule here at Sacred Heart Parish is 9 am Saturday morning; 4 pm Confessions Saturday evening; and the 8 am & 11 am Masses Sunday morning. A nice start, to a great place and a parish of warmly welcoming people..........HAPPY 2010 EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!! Fr. Troy David Powers Sacred Heart Parish, 1040 39thy Street, Sacramento, 95816