I trust that everyone had a pleasant Christmas and is enjoying some relaxing family time this week. Father JM, the parish and school staff, and I are grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity this season. Words are inadequate, really, to express our gratitude. Please be assured of our prayers, and the intention of our Masses, for all of you.
As we contemplate the end of one year and the beginning of 2019 at midnight on Tuesday, we are reminded of the many blessings and challenges, gains and losses, opportunities and difficulties that 2018 afforded us.
I will remember 2018 as a year where I experienced the loss of several relatives, friends, former co-workers and mentors. It was a year in which the church in the US experienced a significant crisis, one that will continue to fester in 2019. It was a year of domestic unsettlement. The political divide in our country is very disturbing. It seems that there is some level of domestic turmoil in almost every country throughout the world. In my own corner of this universe, life is good. I am happy and I hope doing well. I have every reason to believe that Father JM is happy and doing well. Our parish has its challenges and opportunities, and I am hoping that a good plan will enable us to do what is necessary to keep on building upon our good work and successes.
We all have things we hope and pray for in 2019. First, of course, is good health and well-being for all of us. If nothing else that we all make sure we are taking care of ourselves – physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We hope that the economy grows in such ways as to alleviate the suffering of the marginalized. We hope for a thaw in the political tension within our own country and throughout the world. The stakes are too high. Nuclear proliferation, climate change, ethnic and regional conflicts, immigration, unjust distribution of resources, the addiction crisis, and the effects of mega-corporations on the life of the local economy, continue to plague us. Yet, we are and have to be a people of hope. We know that we are living in a great nation with virtually unlimited possibilities for continued advancement and growth. We pray that our leaders – political, corporate, financial – have the wisdom and foresight to advance the common good and protect the rights and dignity of all people.
We pray for our church. We pray that Pope Francis has the resources, support, and will, to shepherd the flock entrusted to him. We pray for his health and well-being. We pray for our bishop, David O’Connell, that he, too, will be blessed with good health, and the necessary resources to carry out his work. We know we need vocations – our diocese will ordain one priest this year while anticipating the retirement of about seven priests. We know that we need the financial resources to serve the poor, respond to disasters and crises, to effectively administer our parishes and our schools. Let us pray and commit ourselves to the work that is before us.
On one level turning the calendar page is only that. The breakdown of the year is a human construct crudely marking celestial and solar movement that we have imbued with meaning. So, given that meaning, I trust that those of you who are want to make resolutions for the year, remember that more than losing weight, going to the gym, or becoming fiscally responsible, our first priority should be to pray more, attend Mass every Sunday, and perhaps even to spend an hour or thereabouts in the Adoration Chapel each week.
May you all have a safe, blessed, and happy New Year,
Father Garry