Depending on which church one attends, there is an interesting mix of topics planned from the pulpits.

Based on sermons provided to the Sentinel-Tribune, pastors will be discussing the interesting and
eclectic mix which are converging on Sunday.
It is Groundhog Day, Super Bowl Sunday and the celebration of The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord,
commonly called Candlemas, as well as the last Sunday before the start of the Winter Olympics.
Other references and topics mentioned for Sunday services include the Pope, the Beatitudes, Frosty the
Snowman, amputation, happiness, pain, misery and loneliness, to name just a handful.
The one which is probably least known is Candlemas. a Catholic traditional feast day, the Presentation of
the Lord is noted in most Bibles. It is 40 days after Christ’s birth and the time when Jewish women
according to the Mosaic law who had given birth to a man-child was considered unclean for seven days.
Moreover she was to remain 33 additional days "in the blood of her purification" to account
for the 40-day total.
In the case of Jesus’ mother, Mary, she followed the law and presented Christ in the temple as well as
herself for ritual purification.
This feast always falls on Feb. 2.
Luke refers to a passage from Exodus as he explains that Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem and they
also went to sacrifice a pair of doves or two young pigeons, also as prescribed in the law. The second
dove is a substitute for a lamb with poor families such as the Holy Family.
The Candlemas term comes from this celebration which was often called the "Candle Mass." In the
Western Church, a procession with lighted candles is the distinctive rite associated with the
"Presentation of the Lord" service. Originally it was celebrated the 40th day after Epiphany
on Feb. 14.
Many churches continue to this day to bless candles on this day. Some may also hold special blessings of
people’s throats using candles. Feb. 3, the Feast of St. Blaise is the traditional day for blessing
throats, but some churches will observe that practice in conjunction with Candlemas.
No matter the worship, undoubtedly many people will be anxious to get home to watch the Super Bowl
rooting for the Broncos or Seahawks; while others will be hoping or praying the groundhog does not see
his shadow, the sign for an early spring.