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

My dear sisters and brothers,

Blessings and peace to you as we enter into this new year of God’s grace, 2022. Did you know that the month of January got its name from Janus, the ancient Roman pagan god of doors and gates? His image was always carved or painted with two faces, one looking forward and the other backward. They reflected that you can go either in or out a door. From this very specific function, Janus’ role was generalized to include all beginnings and new endeavors as well as looking back and reflecting on what has happened.

Unlike the ancient Romans and our present modern-day culture, the Catholic Church begins the calendar year with the beautiful feast of Mary the Mother of God, the new Eve, the one who bears new life in her womb. More on this later…

Looking back and looking forward is something we often do especially after celebrating Christmas and preparing for New Year’s Day. The last week of the old year finds newspapers, magazines, TV programs and all sorts of social media platforms giving a glance back at the last year. “What were the 10 best, or worst movies, music, celebrities? Who are the most influential newsmakers? What were the biggest disasters, failures, etc.?” Then of course, there are all those predictions for the coming year. “What will the economy be like? Who is up or down in the polls? What about Covid?”

Just like the secular world does – Janus like – we both look back at our own successes and failures, blessings and losses, happy events and sad ones during the last year, and look forward to this New Year as we make our resolutions.

When we reflect on the blessings we received, are our hearts filled with gratitude, no matter how difficult this last year may have been? For most of us, there have been failures and failings that hopefully have led us to repentance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation allowing God to “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). This gives us a new heart, a clean spiritual slate with which to begin a new year.

As you move into this New Year, I invite you to include gratitude to God as you make and begin to live your resolutions. Will gratitude be your response to whatever might be? Will you trust that God is present in whatever circumstances you might face?

Will you gratefully further your commitment of sharing your time in prayer by vowing to Make all Sundays Sacred (M. A. S. S.), by spending time in adoration, by praying with your spouse and your family on a daily basis?

Will you gratefully resolve to get involved in some ministry by sharing your talent with the parish or the community? Will you gratefully decide to become more faithful in your financial stewardship if your commitment is less than it should be?

Look forward to the New Year and bring Christ and His Church to the center of your resolutions and commitments. Then, see what a good year it will be, with God at the center! Place God first in all things. That is what Mary, the Mother of God did. Let us follow her example.

In Christ, through the intercession of Blessed Pier Giorgio, I love you.

Fr. Jim

Fr. Jim