Venerable Pierre Toussaint (Feast Day June 30)

June 27, 1766-June 30, 1853

Pierre was born into slavery in Haiti. In 1787, political unrest was rising in Haiti, and his slave owners left for New York, taking him and his sister Rosalie with them. In New York, Pierre studied as an apprentice to a local hairdresser. He excelled in his trade and before long, he was working in the homes of wealthy women in New York City. When Pierre's slave owner died, Pierre continued to support his master's widow and the other slaves with his work. He was finally freed just before the widow's death in 1807.

Pierre's popularity as a hairdresser grew, and he saved his wages to purchase Rosalie's freedom. In 1811, Pierre married Marie Rose Juliette, a slave whose freedom he had purchased. After this, his sister Rosalie died of tuberculosis, and Pierre and his wife adopted her daughter and raised her as their own. Pierre went to Mass daily and was known to all as a devout Catholic and a generous man.

Pierre and his wife opened their home to orphans, donated to countless charities, and cared for people sick with yellow fever. People would often ask Pierre why he didn't retire and enjoy the wealth he had accumulated, but he is quoted saying, "I have enough for myself, but if I stop working I have not enough for others."

• A star in the night sky led the magi to Jesus. Share a time when you felt that God led you in a special way.

• What does it mean to "do homage"? In what way do you do homage to Jesus?

• The magi gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If Jesus were born today, what gift would you give him and why?

• Venerable Pierre Toussaint said, "I have enough for myself, but if I stop working, I have not enough for others." What do you think that means?

Star Gazing

The star led the magi to Jesus. Gaze into the heavens and ponder the vastness and beauty of the universe that God created.

Download a star gazing app (such as Sky View Lite or Star Chart) on each family member's smartphone. Go outside as a family at nightfall and use the app to explore the night sky. Find the brightest star in the sky and imagine what it was like for the magi to journey to find Jesus. Invite one family member to re-read the Gospel story as you gaze upon the star.

Butterscotch Travelers

The Magi traveled to see Jesus. You don't have to leave your home to enjoy this dessert.

1 can (3 oz.) chow mein noodles
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup sugar
2 Tbsp margarine
½ tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
8 oz. package butterscotch pieces (about 1 cup) or chocolate chips

Combine noodles and nuts in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Combine honey, sugar, margarine, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add butterscotch and stir until smooth. Pour over noodles and nut mixture. Stir gently until coated. Drop by heaping teaspoon on baking sheet or waxed paper. Let stand until set. Makes 2 dozen.

Our Vocation Journey

In today's Gospel, Jesus receives gifts from the magi. Each of us has received gifts and talents from God. Pray this prayer as a family to help you discern your gifts over this year and open your heart to God's plan for your life.

Jesus, as we begin this year, we open our hearts to you and place our lives before you. We are thankful for the many ways that you guide and take care of us. We are also grateful for the gifts and talents that you have bestowed upon us. As we progress through this year, help us to see more clearly the joyful plan you have for our lives and give us the desire to use our gifts and talents for your glory. 

Amen.

The Magi came to honor Jesus. What are ways that we honor Jesus during Mass?

Bless your house with chalk for the Epiphany.

Write above the entrance to your home:
20 + C + M + B + 25

This asks for Christ to bless the marked home and stay with those who dwell there throughout the whole year.

The letters in the house blessing stand for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benenedicat, which means "May Christ bless the house." It also is thought to be the initials of the Magi---Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.