“Your faith matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter,” said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “The current climate of fear and polarization, which thrives when human dignity is disregarded, does not meet the standard set by Christ in the Gospel,” he continued, and as a step toward healing, invited bishops and priests across the United States to offer a Holy Hour for Peace.
Archbishop Coakley’s full reflection and invitation follow:
Many people today feel powerless in the face of violence, injustice, and social unrest. To those who feel this way, I wish to say clearly: your faithfulness matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter.
I am deeply grateful for the countless ways Catholics and all people of good will continue to serve one another and work for peace and justice. Whether feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, accompanying the lonely, visiting the imprisoned, or striving daily to love their neighbors, no work of mercy or act of justice is ever wasted in the eyes of God. While proper laws must be respected, works of mercy, peacefully assembling, and caring for those in your community are signs of hope, and they build peace more surely than anger or despair ever could. Christ reminds us that even ‘a single cup of cold water’ given in his name will not go unrewarded (cf. Mt 10:42).
The recent killing of two people by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis and that of a detained man in Texas, are just a few of the tragic examples of the violence that represent failures in our society to respect the dignity of every human life. We mourn this loss of life and deplore the indifference and injustice it represents. The current climate of fear and polarization, which thrives when human dignity is disregarded, does not meet the standard set by Christ in the Gospel.
As a step toward healing, I invite my brother bishops and priests across the United States to offer a Holy Hour for Peace in the days ahead. Let us pray for reconciliation where there is division, for justice where there are violations of fundamental rights, and for consolation for all who feel overwhelmed by fear or loss. I encourage Catholics everywhere to participate, whether in parishes, chapels, or before the Lord present in the quiet of their hearts for healing in our nation and communities.
May this Holy Hour be a moment of renewal for our hearts and for our nation. Entrusting our fears and hopes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us ask the Lord to make us instruments of his peace and witnesses to the inherent dignity of every person.
Let us pray together, confident that God hears the cry of his people and remains close to all who seek him.
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Are the three different days and times separate sessions, or is it the same content offered multiple times?
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord.
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He really was a special man. A devoted Lector at Hungarian language Masses, an eyewitness to some of the worst horrors of the 1956 revolution who never forgot. A true master of the tool and die craft. A successful businessman and , along with his wife, proud parents. Hungarian Gentle Man is a perfect description. The 56ers who came to Toledo as refugees and immigrants are slowly passing away. 70 years!
Prayers
Our family would like to thanks everyone for the condolences
To All Epiphany Parishioners please participate in the 4pm vigil Mass this evening at St. Stephen rather than attempt to go to Mass in the morning. All scheduled liturgical ministers at are relieved of their responsibilities on Sunday (1/25/2026), including sacristans, and catechists for Children's Liturgy of the Word for both Masses.
In the words of one bishop, "Please remember that no one is required to sacrifice their safety and well-being to attend Sunday Mass. We should not lightly exempt ourselves from the obligation to attend Mass, but dangerous roads and icy conditions provide a good reason to stay at home. Live-streamed Masses, reading the Scriptures of the day, and prayer as a family can all be good ways to keep holy the Lord’s Day when it is not safe to drivein these extreme weather conditions.”
Please stay tuned to all local news stations for any other weather alerts and updates and also since they are calling for extremely cold temperatures below zero we decided to cancel our free community dinner on Tuesday.
Everyone please stay safe and remember to check on your neighbors and fellow parishioners and please spread the news.
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I planned to come tonight for this reason!
Be careful Hector. And may our Lord Jesus Christ be will all of us and protect us.
Is the Tuesday Community Dinner still on -- so we can post/promote it on our pages?
Come join the fun! Advance Reservation Required
epiphanyofthelord.org/news/4914/
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Three Part BIBLE STUDY
Starting MONDAY, JANUARY 19
6:30 – 8:00 PM
St Thomas campus
729 White Street, Toledo, OH 43605
Please bring: [Bible]
You’re Invited to this 6 week study
Come study with Us!
epiphanyofthelord.org/news/4905/
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6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
6:30 am or pm?
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord.
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May he rest in peace. Prayers for the entire Jacob family
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord.
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Sincere sympathy to the family and friends. What a remarkable gentleman!
Rest easy my luv💔🪽
May Jesus bless you this Christmas
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Just beautiful!!❤️🎄❤️
So beautiful! ❤️
Merry Christmas!! Looking forward to our visits to your parish in the new year!