Bulletin Announcement for February 4-5, Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (A)

Visit to St. John Vianney College Seminary
Take a spiritual journey to St. Paul Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul with Father Ben Rexroat. 

If you are currently in high school or college (16-22 years old) and have ever considered the priesthood, this is your opportunity to experience a trip of spiritual discovery. Visit the St. John Vianney College Seminary to discover the next steps in a consecrated vocation.
WHEN: February 16 - 18, 2023
WHERE: St. John Vianney College Seminary 2115 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota
Hear testimonies from current seminarians, attend spiritual conferences with SJV priests, pray with the community, and tour the University of St. Thomas. 
Visit: www.dioceseofgaylord.org/sjvvisit for more information


Staying Awake in the Woke Culture – Catholic Men’s Conference
2023 Absolute Catholic Men's Conference with featured speaker Dcn. Harold Burke-Sivers.
Attend the Absolute Catholic Men’s conference Sat. March 4, 2023 from 9:00 AM- 2:20 PM. Located at St. Francis High School Auditorium in Traverse City this event will focus on men’s roles as husbands, fathers, and Catholic men living in and navigating an ever increasing woke culture.
Early Bird Registration (before Feb. 21) - $30 plus free book
Registration: $35
Clergy and Men under 20 – free
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/staying-awake-in-the-woke-culture-catholic-mens-conference-tickets-517703604417
For more information go to AbsoluteCatholic.com 


Religious Liberty Essay Contest
Religious freedom is a fundamental right. But the truth of religious freedom has needed, and continues to need, witnesses. Share the story of a witness to freedom. Choose one person (or group, such as an organization or community) who is important in the story of freedom. Was there a key moment in the person’s life that bears witness to freedom? Or was it the life as a whole? Did the person articulate important concepts for religious freedom, and if so, what arguments did she or he make? Why is this person a witness to religious freedom? What lessons can we learn from this person’s witness?
First Prize: $2,000 scholarship Second Prize: $1,000 scholarship Third Prize: $500 scholarship.
All three winning essays will be published at usccb.org.
Essays are due March 24, 2023.
Winners will be announced in May.
Submission information is available at www.usccb.org/religious-liberty-essay.


2023 Father Charles Irvin Memorial Writing Scholarship
FAITH Catholic is pleased to sponsor a writing scholarship contest for Catholic high school seniors within the dioceses of FAITH’s publishing partners.
The 2023 essay subject is:  Tell us about the person in whom you most see the face of Christ.
Here are the specifics:

  • Applicants: Catholic high school seniors who are students at a diocesan Catholic high school and/or who are active participants in their parish’s youth group/religious education program.
  • Essay length: 800-1200 words
  • Entries due: March 17, 2023 
  • Scholarship: One $1,500 first prize
  • Judges: FAITH and other publications editorial staff 

Submissions must be sent by Director of Religious Formation, Catholic Youth Minister, Catholic high-school teacher, or pastor. Direct student submissions will not be considered. 


Stewardship by the Book
In the first reading, Isaiah urges us in the name of the Lord to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked. If we do so, he assures us, the Lord will hear and answer our cries for help in time of need.


Vocation View
Jesus speaks on vocations: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Your light must shine before all so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father.”


Stewardship Reflections
The Gospel today reminds us that our lives and our deeds must serve as examples to others, pointing the way to the Father. Not for our own benefit do we labor, but so that others may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven (Our Sunday Visitor, ibid., page 10).


Family Perspective by Bud Ozar
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”    MATTHEW 5:16

The generosity of being a good steward of your gifts has a positive effect on people and it is contagious!  Good works encourages more good works.  Let your light shine!  Be careful to recognize that God is working through you and don’t put yourself above the people you have been called to help.