Looking to the Magi and their presentation of gifts to the newborn Christ Child more than 2,000 years ago, the theme of gift-giving resonated among the faithful of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, as they observed Epiphany 2020 in a special way. The parish staff chose the solemnity as the occasion to recognize the many parishioners who selflessly share their gifts of time, talent and treasure with the parish throughout the year.

PHOTO GALLERY: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord observance in St. Rose Parish, Belmar

The event began in St. Rose Church with the celebration of the Jan. 4 Vigil Mass, which featured music provided by the East Coast Inspirational Singers.

Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor, noted that the Brooklyn-based choir, which specializes in Gospel, rhythm and blues and jazz and has been featured in Broadway shows such as “Dreamgirls,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Ain’t  Misbehavin,’ had previously visited St. Rose Parish for a wedding. He invited the choir to return for the Epiphany observance.

“It’s a great way to start the new year,” said Msgr. Arnister, noting that the event was organized by members of the parish pastoral council and parish growth committee.

Reflecting on the importance of thanking his parishioners for sharing their gifts with the larger parish community, he said, “This year, we’re trying to focus on the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist; to help us to understand deeper what Eucharist means in our life and how we can be Eucharist to one another in the parish.”

Father Dave Baratelli, who assists during the week at the parish, preached the homily, talking about the origin of the Solemnity of the Epiphany in both the eastern and western rites, and the mission of the Magi who went in search of the newborn king.

“The Magi were risk takers,” said Father Baratelli, a priest from the Newark Archdiocese who is also connected to the Byzantine Catholic Diocese of Passaic.

“They followed a star, they were focused, they remained faithful and focused on the prophesies of God’s love, of God’s faithfulness,” said Father Baratelli. “They sought the truth of God and were open to the wisdom of God. They were confident in divine guidance and the star led them to their great hope, their great promise.”

As the Epiphany focuses on Jesus’ manifestation to the world and is also the story about the Magi seeking Jesus, Father Baratelli asked the congregation to ponder the question, “How in our lives do we seek this truth of God?”

“Epiphany is about seeking,” he reiterated. “It’s about journey, courage, humility and it’s about generosity and gift. It’s about the search for God and finding Jesus in the center of our lives.”

Following Mass, some 200 parishioners gathered in St. Rose High School to share a meal and enjoy fellowship. Parish council member Brian Phillips explained how the plans for the event originated.

“You could say it’s the Holy Spirit,” Phillips said as he noted the positive responses of the parishioners to the Epiphany invitation. “I think it’s because our parish wants to be alive and we’re very happy.”

“We wanted to continue the celebration of Christmas,” added parishioner Catherine Minall, who was active in the event’s organization.

“A lot of times after Christmas, people ask, ‘What’s next?’ and we wanted to give them a roadmap and provide an opportunity for fellowship,” she said.