Happy Epiphany!  As our Christmas Season winds down, it is important to keep the spirit of Christmas and God's graces in our hearts and homes all year round.  

One of the traditions you have sceen and maybe wondered about is a time honored tradition of "Chalking the Doors." The formula for the ritual is simple: take chalk of any color and write the following above the entrance of your home: 20 + C + M + B  + 21 .  

The letters have two meanings. First they represent the initials of the Magi - Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar - who came to visit Jesus in His first home. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase,  Christus mansionem benedicat: "May Christ bless this house."  The "+"  represents the cross, and the "20" at the beginning and the "21" at end mark the year.  Taken together, this inscription is performed as a request forChrist to bless those homes so marked and that He stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year. 

I've enclosed simple but beautiful for you so you can bless your house.  I would like to add my prayers for health peace and happiness to you and your families in this new year.

We will officially begin the new semester of CCD on January 17 IN CLASS!  Father has given me approval to reopen in class sessions. So on January 17th, I look forward to seeing both the morning session and evening sessions  for class at the school.   Group B will have their first class back on January 24.   

I look forward to seeing you all!

Continued Christmas blessings on you and your family

Elizabeth Hand,  MRE