4January 2026

The Epiphany of the Lord

  1. Liturgical Calendar

    • In this part of the world, there is a tradition on the Solemnity of the Epiphany to bless chalk and incense. With the blessed chalk, Catholics write above the doors of their homes either ”IC XC — 2026” (an abbreviation of the name Jesus Christ) or ”C+M+B 2026,“ which is traditionally understood as an abbreviation of the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat (“May Christ bless this house”) or as the initials of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. This is an outward sign that Catholics live in this home and that they have received a blessing for the new year. If you encounter this custom among local Catholics, now you know what it means!
    • January 11, next Sunday, is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This feast marks the end of the Christmas Season and the beginning of Ordinary Time in the liturgical year.

  2. Catechism

    There will be no catechism classes. Classes will resume **on January 11, 2026.

    1. Blessing of Homes**

    It is a tradition during the Christmas Season for the priest to visit parishioners’ families for the blessing of homes. If you would like to invite the priest to your home for prayer and a pastoral visit, please contact the priests in person, by phone, or by email. Contact information is available on the parish website: www.catholics-in-tashkent.org/eng (see ”Contacts”).

  3. Monthly Birthday and Anniversary Mass

    Today, January 4, is the first Sunday of the month. As is our tradition, this Holy Mass we pray for all parishioners celebrating birthdays or wedding anniversaries in January. We invite those celebrating to come forward to the altar now for a special blessing. May God bless you abundantly!

  4. Parish Reminders

    • Mass Intentions: Mass intention envelopes are available at the entrances of the chapel and church. Please complete all required details with your love offerings ($10 per intention), seal the envelope, and return it to Fr. Michal or the Sacristy.
    • Volunteers for Readings: If you are interested in proclaiming the readings on Sundays, please contact Rashmi D’Souza at rashmi.dsouza2007@gmail.com. Readings for upcoming Sundays are assigned in advance to registered members.
    • Bible Reading Guide: You can access daily readings on the USCCB website: USCCB Daily Bible Reading.
    • Stay Updated: To receive the latest schedules and announcements, join our Telegram group by contacting Preeti Lewis (Telegram: @LPreeti).

May the Lord be with you!