English Español Mary Immaculate
Catholic Church / Pacoima, CA

News for January

Office Closed

Office will be closed Monday, January 15, 2024.

Epiphany of the Lord

Everyday stewardship – Recognize God in your ordinary moments
Wise Men See God in the Simple Things

If you’re on social media, you have probably seen a meme going around that features this quote: “God has a plan for your life. The enemy has a plan for your life. Be ready for both. Just be wise enough to know which one to battle and which one to embrace.” There were certainly two competing plans for the Magi: God’s and Herod’s. And, wise as they supposedly were, it wasn’t entirely easy for the Magi to discern which was which.

After all, Herod posed as a friend. He offered the Magi hospitality and kindness. Though the Gospel doesn’t say so, he probably flattered them and appealed to every moral weakness he could observe in them. In his palace, they must have felt great physical comfort – rest and tables of plenty on what was an otherwise long and treacherous journey.

But if the Magi were honest with themselves, I’ll bet they would have admitted that, regardless of Herod’s charm, they felt a gnawing sense of doubt while in his presence. When they looked upon the Christ Child, born in a stable without any of the comforts of the world or protections of wealth, they probably felt the opposite. They probably felt safe.

The Magi were lucky enough to have the right plan spelled out for them in a dream, but for the rest of member noise God’s plan is often the one that leads us to places of great simplicity, great humility and great love. Let’s have the wisdom to view power with suspicion, and innocence with admiration.
-Tracy ari Weiliver, MTS@LPi

Mass Schedule of New Years

January 1st, 2024

  • 10:00 a.m. Mass English
  • 12:00 p.m. Mass Spanish
  • 6:00 p.m. Mass Spanish

Have a blessed New Year

Office Closed

Sunday, December 31st and Monday, January 1st.

Did You Know?

How to actively listen to abuse disclosures

Disclosing abuse is one of the hardest — and most important — steps for a victim to take. If a child chooses to tell you about abuse, make sure you are actively listening. Give the child all of your attention and listen calmly, without making judgements or assumptions. Listen patiently without filling in the blanks or making suggestions. The best thing is for the child to tell his or her own story. Ask limited questions, and only for information needed to report abuse. For more information on actively listening, read the VIRTUS® article “Responding to Youth Disclosures or Concerns of Abuse” at https://lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.

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