With the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, we began what is called Ordinary time in the Church calendar. Ordinary does not mean plain or simple. It means "numbered" as in first, second, etc, the ordinal numbers. This was the original sense of the word. Since we are not celebrating major feasts like Christmas or Easter, this title has come to represent a less spectacular or more average period in Church celebrations.

Because of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we do not hold a specific 1st Sunday in Ordinary time. It is used for the weekday Masses where no feast or memorial is observed. The numbers are meant to remind us that we are working toward a goal. It reminds us that our life has a purpose and meaning. All that we do is helping us to move toward an ultimate Sunday that will be observed in heaven when we are joined with the whole company of the saints and angels.

This is an important milestone for every member of our parish. Our celebration will take place near the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a time Holy Mother Church has set aside for reflection and rejoicing and will represent a convergence of our past, present and future. Everyone who has helped to make our parish what it is today will have the opportunity to take part in this most extraordinary day.

As we prepare ourselves for Lent, we will again host "Stations of the Cross," the musical. This exciting and powerful theatrical production will return to Our Lady of Lourdes sometime in March. A reception for the cast and crew is being planned and we hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to grow spiritually.

Everyday provides many reasons for us rejoice in an extraordinary fashion. Our parish family is growing, excitement and wonder fills the air. There is a renewed excitement for liturgy and enthusiasm for parish involvement. Miracles truly happen here at Our Lady of Lourdes and there is certainly nothing ordinary about that.