You have to hand it to the Three Wise Men; they were very insistent in finding the one true God. And they found him in Jesus, the new born Savior. While we admire their zeal, we know that there are a lot of people in this world who do not even know they need God or need a community that worships the Light of the World. Half way through the media initiative CATHOLICS COME HOME, let’s ask ourselves this question, “What have we done in the past few weeks to reach into the heart of the non-practicing or fallen away Catholics that we know and help them realize how much they need Jesus Christ?”

Remember, those who have left us will tell you they love God, they just don’t need the Church. Remind them that Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered, there am I in the midst of them.” Jesus also said, when he celebrated the Last Supper with his apostles, that he wanted his friends to celebrate that Eucharist in memory of him. So, our own God and Savior, Jesus Christ, says that a personal relationship with him is not enough. We need to be in community, and that community is the Catholic Church. But, say our when you remind them that the Wise Men traveled half way across the world and found God hidden in a dusty, dirty town called Bethlehem in Roman occupied Israel.

The point is, sometimes you have to look beneath the grime and dirt and see the treasure that is buried there. The Church has done so much more good than bad and we are less because our absent brothers and sisters are not with us. In the end, there is always an excuse to not search for Christ. As much as we want those who once practiced the faith to come back to us, perhaps the first step is to imitate the Wise Men in search for the Face of Christ that resides in our family, friends and neighbors who are away from the Catholic Church. Seeing Christ in them and bringing our gifts of welcome, compassion and love may be just the thing necessary to help them see that Jesus is most present to the world as he shines through our wonderful Catholic Church.

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Through the waters of Baptism, we welcome to the Body of Christ and our Parish Community:

This past weekend a combined collection was taken up. Please continue to be generous to this National Appeal for the programs of the Universal Catholic Church that operate within the borders of the United States.

If you have accepted a tithing way of giving, this contribution comes from the 4% portion of your income that is directed toward worthy charities. You should have received an envelope through the mail. If you did not receive it, please return it as soon as possible so these monies may be sent to Rockford for distribution.

Due to the National Appeal, the slips were attached to the bulletin. Please return your donation of food next weekend as the food will be taken to the Food Pantry on Monday morning.

Students in our 2012 First Communion class will be making their First Confession on Saturday, January 21st at 9:30 am.

Parents are invited to attend this special ceremony, however, one parent is required to accompany their child. We ask the parish community to remember these students and their families in your prayers.

Still looking for that New Year’s resolution? Join the Knights of Columbus.

The Monsignor Edward S. Wright Council of the Knights of Columbus is now over a year old, and we are growing in membership and activities. We support a local seminarian and programs for those with intellectual disabilities. We’ve had fun and have gotten to know fellow parishioners. We sponsor activities for the youth of the parish, such as the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest. We will be having a membership drive in two weeks and look forward to introducing the Knights of Columbus to all who are interested.

Mark your calendars. The Knights of Columbus "Free Throw Contest" will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Holy Cross Gym in Batavia.

Doors will open at 1:00 pm and competition will begin at 1:30 pm. Boys and Girls ageses 10 - 14 are eligible to participate. Age is determined as of January 1st. A copy of the child’s birth certificate needs to be presented upon registration.

Registration forms can be downloaded by clicking here (641K PDF file).

For further information, contact Bill Middleton at (630) 859-0001.

You are cordially invited to attend a "Wine and Cheese" party on
January 24th at 7:00 pm in Holy Family Hall.

Bring your ideas, meet new friends, and have some fun. Hope to see you there.

There will be a Pre-baptismal class on Monday, February 6th at 6:30 pm in the Education Center, please use the north entrance.

This class is for parents expecting a child or who have a child to be baptized but have not attended a class here at Blessed Sacrament. RSVP is required. The next class will not be until May.

Plan to attend the dinner on Sunday, January 29th from 4:00 - 6:30 pm in Holy Family Hall, sponsored by our youth. Tickets will be available at the door. Adult help is needed in the kitchen. If you would like to help contact Bridget Kelly at (630) 859-9564.

We are working on individuals tax reports and will be available in the parish hall by the end of January.

"When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. her husband entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize." Do we value the prize we have in our spouse enough to take time to enjoy it?

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is:


Early registration is highly recommended. For more information visit our website at http://www.alifetimeoflove.org or call (888) 574-5653.

For a weekend in Espanol en Espanol, Contact Hugo and Gaby at: (630) 690-2094.

Our homebound and nursing home parishioners and the unemployed. May the healing hand of God rest on these people and comfort them in their time of need.

Mass Times is a free nationwide ministry to traveling Catholics. Travelers can call (410) 676-6000 or access the web site at www.masstimes.org for free information on the location of the nearest Church and times of Masses on weekends and Holy Days.