New Year Brings Opportunity For Growth As Disciples Of Christ

There is something undeniably exciting about the hope and optimism that come with the beginning of a new year. Following the season of preparation during Advent and the joyous celebration of the birth of Christ, we are invited to pause once more and reflect upon our goals and dreams for the coming year. As a parish, we look forward to continuing to provide the faithful of St. Peter with many opportunities for spiritual growth.

With some parishioners isolating at home due to the COVID-19 crisis, Msgr. Leo Enlow continues to seek new ways to keep our community connected. When the pandemic first hit last spring, the parish uploaded videos of daily Mass and brief “Did You Know?” videos explaining different aspects of the church. These videos were available through the parish website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page. Since then, St. Peter has been equipped with the necessary technology to provide a livestream of the Sunday Mass. Parishioners who are unable to attend Mass in person due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions may view the live video feed from their homes.

Of course, not all of our parishioners may have internet access. During Advent, St. Peter gifted the faithful with a dayby-day journal of St. Teresa of Calcutta. During Lent, we will distribute free copies of Matthew Kelly’s newest book, I Heard God Laugh. Our parish continues to reach out to some of our homebound by telephone, calling to say “hello” and check in.

In addition to participating in the Mass and delving into some spiritual books, carving out time for an active prayer life can also play an essential role in our spiritual growth.

“I know many people are saying daily prayers,” Fr. Leo says. “They tell me, ‘Father, we’re saying a Rosary for you, for the parish, for the Church.’”

Whether online or in-person, participating in our Masses, prayer services and other activities is a wonderful way to stay connected to both our parish community and our God.

“I want our parishioners — whether they are sheltering in place because of COVID or whether they are just homebound — to feel connected to St. Peter Church,” Fr. Leo says. “I want them to have that sense of belonging to us. COVID might teach us something about the value of community. I hope they still have a longing to be part of that community and come to appreciate more and more the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.”

A new year is always a fitting time to step back and reflect on our lives and where we hope to be 12 months from now. As Catholics, this process includes a prayerful discernment of how Christ might be calling us to enrich our faith by living as intentional disciples in 2021.

“I hope and pray that, as parishioners begin the New Year, they continue to reflect on God’s small blessings,” Fr. Leo says. “Those can be their health, each breath that they take, so they’re grateful to God for their life, and in their prayers and their lives they give honor and glory to God for all He has given us. I hope people recognize the gift of faith they’ve been given, and hopefully, their response to that gift is out of their time, talent and treasure.

“I just wish everyone a very happy and blessed New Year,” he adds. “And may you continue to persevere in faith, hope, and love.”

PRAYER FOR A BLESSING ON THE NEW YEAR

O sacred and adorable Trinity, hear our prayers on behalf of our holy Father thePope, our Bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us.Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole Catholic Church;Convert heretics and unbelievers; Soften the hearts of sinners so that they mayreturn to Thy friendship; Give prosperity to our country and peace among thenations of the world; Pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives andacquaintances, and upon our enemies, if we have any; Assist the poor and thesick; have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us; Anddo Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year will be summonedbefore Thy judgment seat. May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirationsand carried on by Thy assistance, so that all our prayers and works, having beenbegun in Thee, may likewise be ended through Thee.Amen.

As we celebrate Mary, the Mother of God, in January, it is a good time to reflect on ways to renew our faith in the new year.