Dr. Martin Luther King: On Monday, January 16, our nation marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King gave his life for the equality of all people, especially of African Americans whose history in the United States began with brutal enslavement and has continued in discrimination and exclusion. All people of good will join in honoring Dr. King and his life’s work.

But we Christians should also remember that first and foremost, Dr. King was a Christian preacher, a minister of the Gospel. His teaching about equality was not primarily a political position. He spoke from God’s Word that all are equal in God’s eyes and that all people--slave and master, black and white, rich and poor—all will one day appear before God who has no favorites. Dr. King did not preach class struggle, one group against another, but universal brotherhood and sisterhood, that all are the same before
God.

Dr. King understood sin. He understood that the structures of injustice are rooted in the choices of individual people to reject God’s law for their own selfish interests. Some of Dr. King’s modern detractors point to his own struggle with personal sin. But they miss the point of Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. King did not pretend that he was fully righteous. As a Christian minister, he proclaimed God’s good news that grace is more powerful than sin, both for the individual sinner and for humanity

Christian Unity Octave: This week we also begin the Christian Unity Octave. The Octave (January 18-25) is a lament that Christians who were supposed to be one church, one body, instead are broken into thousands of churches not in full communion with one another. Though there are legitimate theological differences, there is no legitimate reason for a lack of charity. I am grateful to be a Catholic. But we all ought to repent for the times when we have mistrusted other Christians or doubted their sincerity.

The full and complete reunification of Christianity seems impossible. But in Luke’s Gospel we are told that “nothing is impossible with God”. Christian unity begins with respect and charity. It includes cooperation and shared action for justice. I offer you a “homework” assignment for the Christian Unity Octave. Please read Saint John Paul II’s encyclical Ut Unum Sint on ecumenism.

Catholic Relief Services Collection: We US Catholics are proud of Catholic Relief Services, the official US Catholic aid and development agency. CRS is active in about 100 countries and is considered one of the most effective international aid organizations, respected by religious and secular organizations throughout the world. Our Catholic Relief second collection will be next weekend, January 21-22. Please be extra generous to this collection.

Jack’s Yacs: Our young adult community celebrated the feast of the Epiphany with a party and gathering. We have several
events coming soon:

• Thursday, January 19: young adults are invited to gather in the upper church for the rosary at 6:30 PM
• Thursday, February 2: Jack’s Yacs will sponsor a meal for people in the Frankford neighborhood.

For more information on these and other opportunities, please contact Father Tom.

Firefighters’ Mass: Plan to join us on Saturday, February 18 at 10 AM for the thirteenth annual Firefighters’ Memorial Mass at
St. John’s. During this Mass, we remember the 4 firefighters who were killed fighting the fire that nearly destroyed St. John’s in 1899. Please take this opportunity to demonstrate your gratitude and support of firefighters who work to keep us safe every day.

Mayor Jim Kenney has confirmed his attendance. Let’s be sure to have a great turnout to warmly welcome him and our firefighters! On the night of February 16, 1899, fire broke out and burned through the night, destroying many buildings in the area of 13th and Market Streets. As they fought the fire, Hugh Duffy, William Chance and George Steinle, all members of Engine 32, were killed when a burning wall fell and crushed them to death.

Two weeks later, James Shea, from Chemical Engine Co. No. 1, died from pneumonia, which he contracted while fighting the fire. The fire destroyed much of the church, with the exception of the Blessed Virgin statue, which remained untouched.

• William J. Chance, 32, a widower, was survived by his 9 year old son. He was a one year veteran of the Department.
• Hugh Duffy, 44, was survived by his wife and four children. He was a 22 year veteran of the Department.
• George W. Steinle, 38, was survived by his wife and daughter. He was a 12 year veteran of the Department.
• James J. Shea, 41, was a 12 year veteran of the Department.

We honor all firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty and we offer our sincere gratitude to all firefighters who risk their lives to protects us every day.

Volunteers are needed to help in the preparation of chili, cornbread muffins and cookies. Take this opportunity to use your own personal recipes. Contact Carolyn at (267) 881-8794 or email

Epiphany Power Outage: Because of PECO issues, there was no electricity in the church or friary for most of the weekend of
January 7-8. Sunday Masses were held by candlelight. Thanks to all who quickly reorganized, lit candles, held flashlights and did all that was needed to celebrate Mass in the dark. We even had our usual beautiful music. A few people recommended that we cancel Masses. I did not accept that suggestion. I am still reeling from the awful closing of churches in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. Sunday Mass is essential to Catholic life and I was determined that we keep our church open for Sunday Masses despite the lack of light; and we did it. Many people commented on the special sacredness of praying in the dark and by the glow of candles.