Welcome to the International English-speaking Catholic Community and to our 4th Sunday The Presence of the Lord in Ordinary Time of the Lord in the beautiful church of St Pie X in Belair, Luxembourg. The Mass will be live-streamed via Facebook – please click on the link below. You do not need a Facebook account to access this. http://www.facebook.com/stalphonseluxembourg/live
Please join in with the liturgy and hymns by downloading the leaflets below:
Our Christian meditation group would like to draw attention to these two excellent courses being organised by the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM).
A member of our community, working with asylum seekers, is aware of a family who urgently requires accommodation. If you know of anything suitable, please contact Marijane Andreopoulos: marijane@pt.lu Thank you!
At Mass today, Father Michael referred to the sermon given by the Episcopalian Bishop of Washington, the Rt Rev Mariann Edgar Budde, at an interfaith service attended by President Trump last week. You can view the sermon here:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/914344840775512
Episcopalian Church’s response to President Trump
Hayden Vaughn
“President Trump,
1. Much like those who do not want you to be president, you do not get to decide whether a bishop’s office is legitimate. She was chosen by the people of her diocese to be their bishop. Then, she was granted consent to be a bishop by other bishops and standing committees of our church’s dioceses. Beginning by calling her a “so-called” bishop is an obvious low blow to discredit her as a person, rather than what she said that you disagree with. The Episcopal Church was legitimate enough to hold your third wedding, the funeral of Melania’s mother, and the baptism of your son, Barron. Barron also attended an Episcopal day school. Now you have an issue with how we do things when it doesn’t go your way?
2. You didn’t have an issue with politics being brought into the church by the ministers who spoke at your inauguration, or by yourself for that matter. They were blatantly partisan, crediting God for your political success: “Mr. President, the last four years there were times I’m sure you thought it was pretty dark, but look what God has done,” Graham said.
3. She wasn’t nasty in tone, plain and simple. I can’t remember ever hearing a homily given in such a gracious manner and calm tone. If you disagree, listen to her speak. You may disagree with what she said, but her tone was in no way “nasty.” Additionally, insulting her intelligence, rather than quoting what you disagree with, is a very typical narcissistic play.
4. The vast majority of people who have committed crimes in the U.S. are U.S. citizens. Defending yourself about being asked to have mercy on immigrants by saying, “A large number of illegal migrants came into our country and killed people,” is a gross misrepresentation and does not make sense. By that logic, we should be locking up or deporting all Americans because the majority of crimes were committed by citizens. We do need to improve our immigration system, but Scripture commands us as Christians to have mercy. Mercy is a central tenet of our faith. Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Leviticus 19:33-34 says, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” If you take issue with this, take it up with God.
5. Saying the service was boring and uninspiring is a move to discredit the event rather than what specifically was said. However, it’s worth mentioning that the purpose of a service is not to be “exciting.” There are several purposes for our services, such as honoring God, bringing us closer to God, and being in community with one another. Being “exciting” is not one of them. As far as inspiration goes, that is in the eye of the beholder. You get as much out of it as you put into it.
6. The Bishop does not owe you an apology. Our church does not owe you an apology. All that you were asked to do is what scripture directly asks us to do. If you could quote one thing she asked of you that isn’t asked of us in scripture, we would apologize. Someone recently reminded me of something I often heard growing up in church. If you are offended by a minister’s sermon or feel that it was a personal attack, look to see if you can find anything they said that was out of line with scripture and the teachings of Jesus. If you can’t, that feeling is what we call “being convicted of your sin”. The fact you are offended by what was said shows you know there is truth in it. To your supporters who also feel offended by it, the same goes.”
Sending a message of support and gratitude
In this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, you may wish to send a postcard of support to Bishop Budde at the following address:
The Rt Rev Mariann Edgar Budde
Episcopal Church House
Mount St. Alban
Washington, DC, 20016-5094, USA
2025 will see the 10th anniversary of the Pope Francis! Laudato Si’ encyclical, a global jubilee, and a global climate conference.
The Laudato Si Movement organises 10 hours of contemplation throughout the world on 25th January.
The vigil will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Manila, 12:00 p.m. in Rome, 8:00 a.m. in Rio de Janeiro, 6:00 a.m. in New York and 5:00 a.m. in Mexico City.
Anybody is invited to join simply praying individually or through this link. https://laudatosimovement.org/vigil-2025/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2025-01-22&utm_campaign=Pray+together+to+protect+God+s+creation
International English-Speaking Community of the Parish of Luxembourg Notre Dame 