For seven seasons the Discovery Channel's highly rated show Deadliest Catch has wowed viewers with the real life tales of extreme fishermen in the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska. They are after crab, with hopes for a big payday if they're successful. But the challenges of weather, luck, and crew can leave a captain without a large enough catch and finally without a job. Viewers can watch from the comfort of their homes, settled back in an easy chair while a crew fights ice, high seas, equipment failure, and frayed nerves. What is entertainment for those watching the television is daily life on the boat for those who work at sea.

In the Gospel today, Jesus meets up with some fishermen. Simon and Andrew, James and John were casting their nets, probably not very far from shore. While the Sea of Galilee cannot compare to the Bering Sea, we know from the Gospels that storms can be violent on that body of water as well. Certainly at the time of Jesus fishing was as dangerous a job as it is today. So when Jesus called the two sets of brothers to follow him, were they looking for a safer job?

Unlikely! Fishing for men and women is a lot more difficult than fishing for fish. The disciples answered the call to follow Jesus. It is a call that he continues to issue today. Whether in the priesthood, the religious life, the married state, or the committed single life, Jesus is asking people to follow him, not in a job, but in a way of life. Just as the crew of a boat on the Bering Sea doesn't punch out after eight hours, the life of a Christian is more than a full-time job. Following Jesus forms the basis for our lives. We do it all day, every day. That is the call he gives.

Rediscovering the Faith

During the Advent and Christmas seasons, the Church often welcomes home those who have been away from the Church.? When people return, they often have questions and concerns.

In an effort to welcome these Catholics and address their questions, new a web resource has been developed, "Rediscovering the Faith." http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/outreach-and-ministry/rediscovering-the-faith.cfm

Do you know someone who wants to come home to the Catholic Church, but is struggling with their faith? If so please pass this information along to them.

This website contains resources to help them rediscover the faith and answer questions about the Church and Church teachings. All are invited to explore this site and contact a local parish.

Welcoming the New Translation of the Roman Missal

Eternal God, whose Spirit wove the many voices of humankind into one tongue of proclamation at Pentecost, bless our community of faith as we begin the use of this new translation of the Roman Missal. Help us faithfully to praise your majesty and give thanks for your goodness to your people. May the words we use, as inadequate as they are to express your greatness and your love, help us to draw closer to you, the source of life. May this new translation foster true devotion among your people, and bind us together in one community of faith, always ready to seek your will and prepared to serve our brothers and sisters in charity and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Click here for a copy of the Mass Prayers and Responses

Youth Ministry will host a Pancake Breakfast in the Cafeteria on February 12, from 7:30 a.m.— 1:00 p.m. A free-will donation includes pancakes, sausage, donuts, Atlanta Bread and Giant Food pastries, coffee, tea, milk and juice.

A lot of times, as people grow up, they have a role that they play as part of their life. It's easy to recall some of the names that were used to describe certain folks in school: the class clown, the teacher's pet, the good girl, the "bad" girl, the bully, the class nerd, etc. For good or ill, each of these persons was thought of as just a little bit out of the norm, and so the rest of the class gave them an identity (or maybe they took it on themselves). When you go to a class reunion ten or twenty-five years later, the temptation is to view that person in the same light, even though they may have turned out very different. That happened recently, in which a person who was not exactly a stellar student ended up becoming a very successful businessman and has now retired fully ten years before anyone else in the class is even approaching standard retirement age.

In the Gospel, Jesus is revealed with an identity. He is the beloved Son, with whom the Father is well pleased. As Son of the Father he will redeem the world and reconcile humankind to its Creator, putting an end to the ancient enemy, death, through his own dying and rising. That message of salvation and the telling of the story of Jesus' life, miracles, teachings, and saving acts is recounted not just by Matthew, who wrote down the Gospel, but by Christians throughout the ages in their preaching and their lives.

Gratefully in Christ,
Rev. Daniel F.X. Powell
Pastor