IN LUKE'S GOSPEL, he is careful to reveal that the child Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is truly the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah of the Jews and the Savior of all people. Elizabeth proclaims the good news to Mary and to us, that Mary's child is divine: "Blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does it happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Again, Luke tells us that John the Baptist recognized Jesus before either of them were born, and he announced Jesus' identity as the Anointed Son of God through Elizabeth's words. Scriptures reveal the full significance of the Incarnation, the coming of God in the form of a humble human infant. May we recognize Him, not only in the infant Jesus and in the Eucharist, but in all our sisters and brothers.

THE CATHEDRAL YOUNG ADULTS welcome everyone to partake in their many events. Call (651) 291-4488 for more information, or e-mail your request for a newsletter on the many social, spiritual, and justice activities sponsored by the Cathedral Young Adults (CYA): cya@cathedralsaintpaul.org.

CIRCLE OF WOMEN: Please note that there will be no gathering on Thursday, December 28. Please join us for our first gathering of the New Year on Thursday, January 4. Barb Tako will be our guest speaker, and she will speak on "Kids & Clutter." Should be a good one!

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JOHN'S meets every Thursday, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m., in St. Joseph Hall. Visit our website at www.sjbmen.org, or call (612) 799-5618. We are faithful to all the teachings of Christ and His Church. As of Thursday, January 4, our alternating agenda will be:

-Apologetics. Led by Dave Clark and using a 13 - session course developed by Dr. Ray Guarendi on  "Why be Catholic?"

-Scripture Study. Led by Jan Smith, we will pursue  specific writings for deeper understanding.

GETTING MARRIED:

Y Kristie Thompson & Lee Elfering on Saturday,  January 6, at 2:00 p.m. in St. John's Church

TOTUS TUUS Catholic Retreat for Fathers & Sons (ages 9 - 18) is on Saturday, January 6, at 8:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church in St. Louis Park. The theme is Behold the Lamb (John 1:29). For more information, call (651) 748-1744.

CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS CONFERENCE, featuring writer and TV producer, Steve Ray, is on Saturday, January 20, at 12:00 noon at the Church of St. Augustine in South St. Paul. The theme is the Unintended Journey. Advance registration is required; deadline is Saturday, January 13. For more information, please call (651) 451-1212.