A Letter From Our Pastor: Start 2022 with a Clean Spiritual Slate

Dear Parish Family,

Dear Parish Family,Many of us were taught in school that the month of January gets its name from Janus, the ancient Roman god of doors and gates. His image was always carved or painted with two faces, one looking forward and the other backward. This reflected, of course, that you can go either out a door or in through one. From this very specific function, his role was generalized to include all beginnings and new endeavors.

Because of Janus’ place in the Roman pantheon, it seemed natural to the Romans to name the first month of the civil year after him. (The Church year began back with the First Sunday of Advent, you’ll remember.) And although we no longer worship the pagan gods of the ancient Romans, the name has stuck down the centuries. Perhaps it is appropriate, as we continue the habit of looking in both directions. As we look ahead to the coming year, we also look back upon 2021.

Newspapers and TV programs take a look back at the year that was (“the 10 best, or worst, movies of…” and such). They evaluate how it compares to other past years and make predictions for the coming year. My personal favorite is always “the 10 worst predictions” for the year just ending. Many of you made predictions for your future in the form of a stewardship pledge. You prayerfully discerned and committed yourself to new or continued prayer, service to others, and a sharing of your financial gifts in 2022. I want to encourage you to follow through on your commitments. I hope that whether you continue in old ministries or try something new, you can serve with a heart renewed by Christmas joy. I don’t make a habit of sitting down and trying to predict the future.

I don’t generally make resolutions either, but I made one a couple years ago that I’ve managed to keep: the gratitude jar. Every Saturday for the past 52 weeks, I made a note of one thing I was most grateful for in the previous week. In the week between Christmas and New Year’s, I dump out the jar and go through my blessings. It’s amazing to see them come alive again. I am reminded of how many blessings God has given me, and no matter the trials or heartaches, my blessings far exceed my burdens. I want to encourage you to try the habit of the gratitude jar in 2022.

As we look forward to the New Year, we know that God is already there to meet us. Maybe this will be the year that prayer and faith really click. Perhaps we will overcome a bad habit, start a new habit, or a new adventure. Hopefully, we will draw closer to God and closer to one another. With God at the center, Jesus walking with us, Mary guiding us, and blessings following after, it’s going to be a great year!

Cheers to the year of Our Lord Anno Domini MMXX!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Joel Sember, Pastor

Fr. Joel Sember, Pastor