from the
Archdiocese of New York
December 2025 Bulletin
EVENTS AND INITIATIVES
Welcome, Bishop Ronald A. Hicks Bishop Ronald Aldon Hicks was born on August 4, 1967, in Harvey, Illinois, to Ronald and Roselee Hicks. He has a younger brother, Rick. He grew up in South Holland, Illinois, where he attended St. Jude the Apostle Parish and grade school. He graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary South in 1985. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Niles College of Loyola University, Chicago, in 1989, and both his Master of Divinity degree in 1994 and his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2003 from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. Bishop Hicks was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 21, 1994. He served as an associate pastor at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Chicago from 1994 to 1996 and at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills, Illinois, from 1996 to 1999. From 1999 to 2005, he lived and ministered at St. Joseph College Seminary in Chicago as the dean of formation. In July 2005, with permission from Cardinal Francis George, Bishop Hicks moved from Chicago to El Salvador to begin his five-year term as regional director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) in Central America. NPH is a home dedicated to caring for more than 3,400 orphaned and abandoned children in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries. From 2010 to 2014, Bishop Hicks served as the dean of formation at Mundelein Seminary. During that time, he assisted with weekend Masses at St. Jerome Parish in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. Bishop Hicks was appointed vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal Blase Cupich on January 1, 2015. On September 17, 2018, he was ordained an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. On July 17, 2020, Pope Francis announced that he had named Bishop Hicks as the sixth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, Illinois. He was installed at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet on September 29, 2020. Bishop Hicks serves on the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and as the USCCB liaison to the Association of Ongoing Formation of Priests and the National Association of Diaconate Directors. He has also been appointed to the USCCB’s Charter Review Workgroup. He also serves on the board of the Catholic Extension Society and the Mundelein Seminary Advisory Board.
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 1
the most reverend
ronald a. hicks August 4, 1967
May 21, 1994
1994–1999
Birth in Harvey, Illinois
Ordination as a priest
Parish Ministry
Ronald Aldon Hicks is born to Ronald and Rosalee Hicks. He grew up in South Holland, IL.
Archdiocese of Chicago
Formation: • Niles College at Loyola University Chicago, IL Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy), 1989 • University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein, IL Master of Divinity, 1994 Doctor of Ministry, 2003
• Associate pastor Our Lady of Mercy Parish Chicago, IL | 1994–1996 • Associate pastor St. Elizabeth Seton Parish Orland Hills, IL | 1996–1999
1999 – 2005
2005 – 2010
2010 – 2014
Dean of Formation
Missionary Service
Dean of Formation
St. Joseph College Seminary Chicago, IL
January 1, 2015 Vicar General
Is appointed as the vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal Blase Cupich.
December 2025 Archdiocese of New York
The Most Reverend Ronald Hicks is appointed as head of the Archdiocese of New York. Will be installed in February of 2026.
Regional Director Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos El Salvador
2018 Auxiliary Bishop
Is ordained as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Mundelein Seminary University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein, IL
September 29, 2020 Bishop of Joliet
Is installed as head of the Diocese of Joliet. Appointed by Pope Francis.
EVENTS
Share With Your Community Click items below for more information on each event.
Lessons and Carols Christmas Tree Lighting
Parish of Holy Name of Jesus – St. Gregory the Great THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
Militia Immaculatae Young Adult Group Meeting
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
Ignite Rosary Night
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
Young Adult Catholic Salsa Social
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
St. Philip Neri Cristeros Youth Ministry in Action
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
WCCM Mass and Meal
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
Feast of the Holy Innocents Respect Life
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 4
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community Click items below for more information on each event.
United Youth Group Trip to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Museum Exhibit Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate SATURDAY, JANUARY 3
Young Adult Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
March for Life Respect Life
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
Cathedral Prep Weekend Vocations
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 – SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
Black History Month Mass Cultural Diversity Apostolate SUNDAY, FREBRUARY 1
Catechetical Certification Ceremony Youth Faith Formation
SUNDAY, FREBRUARY 1
Noche por la Vida Respect Life
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 5
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community Click items below for more information on each event.
Retiro de Discernimiento: Buscar su Rostro y Ser su Rostro Vocations
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Lenten Day of Prayer and Reflection for Liturgical Ministers Liturgy
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Revival: A Grieving Mother’s Retreat Respect Life
FRIDAY, MARCH 27 – SUNDAY, MARCH 29
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 6
INITIATIVES
Building Momentum Together
Prayer Cards Click here to download digital prayer cards created by the Archdiocese of New York to nourish your spiritual life, with new cards uploaded monthly.
Adult Discipleship and Marriage Formation Formed
Formed guides and supports you along your spiritual journey. With an immersive experience, new content added daily, and a community of like-minded individuals, at Formed, we’re forming Catholics for life. So, start exploring today and discover the faith anywhere, anytime. Signing up for Formed is easy! Go to formed.org/signup, then enter your name, email, and parish name. View flyer
Instituto Pastoral Padre Félix Varela
Programa de formación para adultos que promueve la preparación de los católicos hispanos, y ayuda a la formación de líderes laicos para servir en nuestras parroquias y movimientos eclesiales. Para más información llame (646) 794-3168. View flyer
Respect Life Generation Life: Chastity and Pro-Life Talks
Generation Life missionaries will be coming to the Archdiocese of New York February 1-6, 2026 to speak to schools and parish youth groups. Generation Life is a dynamic movement of young people committed to building a culture of life by educating other young people about the chastity and pro-life messages. Visit bit.ly/generationlife2026 for more information, including talk descriptions, a parent letter, and cost. Contact Anthony Yetzer at 215-885-8760 ext. 2 or ayetzer@generationlife.org with questions or to schedule a talk. This is a great opportunity to bring the truths about life and love to the youth!
Gospel of Life Week: January 19–23
During the second Gospel of Life Week this academic year, students at Archdiocesan schools will learn about topics that uphold the dignity of the human person. The Gospel of Life Curriculum includes creative, engaging, and free resources about the life issues for every age level. It is designed for teachers, DREs and catechists and can be accessed on the Respect Life Office website. View flyer
View curriculum
March for Life Bus Pilgrimage: January 23
Join us in advocating for the sacred dignity of every human person through this annual pilgrimage to the national March for Life in Washington, DC. Through prayerful, public witness at our nation’s capital, we seek to testify to the goodness and beauty of life. All New York pilgrims are also welcome to join us for the New York Pilgrim Mass at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Church. More information can be found at archny.org/respect-life/events/march-for-life. More info
View curriculum
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 7
INITIATIVES (cont.) Building Momentum Together
Revival: A Grieving Mother’s Retreat
National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians | Stony Point, NY | March 27-29, 2026 This event is an overnight weekend retreat that will be hosted by Red Bird Ministries for mothers grieving the loss of a child through miscarriage and stillbirth, or as an infant. This retreat offers space for prayer, connection, emotional healing, and spiritual renewal alongside other mothers who understand this type of sorrow. For more information and to register, click here. View flyer
St. Joseph’s Seminary Spring 2026 Registration is Now Open! View flyer
More info
Youth Faith Formation ArchNY Lab Training: Gather and Grow
We continue to develop ArchNYLAB, our updated online faith formation platform. ArchNYLAB is an all-in-one tool designed to provide Catechetical Formation, Safe Environment training, and many more resources. It can be used by Pastors and DREs to monitor their staff and volunteers’ training and Safe Environment compliance. We have a resource section that can be used by pastors, OCIA and other ministry leaders, parents, catechists, and DRE/CREs. We are hosting “Gather and Grow” training on the new platform for parish leaders. Check out and sign onto ArchNYLAB at archnylab.leadlms.com/login.
Special Needs Committee
This committee has been instrumental in developing and delivering Special Needs Faith Formation programs for catechists. We thank all those who participate in sharing resources. If you are in need of assistance with children in faith formation programs who have special needs/disabilities or if you would like to host a committee meeting at your parish, please contact the Office of Youth Faith Formation at tadhg.malone@archny.org.
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate Parish Youth and Young Adult Nights
Our pastoral office is hosting parish youth and young adult nights for parishes interested in starting a new youth ministry (for middle and high schoolers) and/or young adult ministry (18-35 year olds). For more info, please contact Pjetër Nilaj, Coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry and University Apostolate at archny.org/young-catholics.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leadership Formation
Our pastoral office is hosting youth ministry and young adult ministry leadership formation for young adults interested interested in growing in their Catholic faith and leadership. For more info, please contact Pjetër Nilaj, Coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry and University Apostolate at archny.org/young-catholics.
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 8
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
Time to Step Outside and Enjoy God’s Creation Together
Octave of Masses in Honor of Our Lady of the Expectation
A special early morning Mass, known as the Misa de Gallo, will be celebrated each day. For all 6:00 AM Masses, please enter through the mid-block door on 66th St. Church of St. Vincent Ferrer | 869 Lexington Ave., New York, NY
DECEMBER 17–24 | 6:00 AM
Lessons and Carols + Christmas Tree Lighting
A festive Catholic musical and liturgical celebration with parish choir and community gathering. Holy Name of Jesus–St. Gregory the Great | 207 W. 96th St., New York, NY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 | 7:00 PM
First Friday All-Night Vigil
A special overnight vigil honoring the Precious Name of Jesus with adoration, Mass, prayers, and quiet reflection. Our Lady of Good Counsel | 230 E. 90th St., New York, NY
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2 – SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 | 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM
January Young Adult Mass + Social
Monthly young adult Mass followed by a social gathering at Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, 14 E. 47th St. St. Patrick’s Cathedral | Fifth Ave. (between 50th and 51st Sts.), New York, NY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 | 6:30 PM
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 9
Buenas Noticias La Arquidiócesis de Nueva York se complace en anunciar formalmente el lanzamiento de Buenas Noticias para la comunidad católica hispana. La plataforma es una extensión del medio de comunicación digital de la arquidiócesis, The Good Newsroom.
The Final Days of Advent and Keeping Christmastime Alive Advent teaches us to wait. Christmas teaches us to rejoice. A guide for your home, your family, and your faith community
THE FINAL WEEK OF ADVENT: A STORY OF EXPECTATION As we enter the final week of Advent, the Church invites us into the heart of the season: longing, watchfulness, and the quiet expectation of Emmanuel — God with us. These last days before Christmas are not a countdown of errands, but a sacred time of preparation and hope. This final stretch is sometimes called the “Golden Nights” (December 17–23), marked by the ancient O Antiphons. Each title reveals a longing of God’s people and a promise of the Messiah, and we invite you to recite these prayers over the last seven days of Advent.
THE O ANTIPHONS (DECEMBER 17–23) (From Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers)
• December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom) O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! • December 18: O Adonai (O Lord) O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! • December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! • December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David) O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! • December 21: O Oriens (O Radiant Dawn) O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. • December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations) O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! • December 23: O Emmanuel (O God with Us) O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve is the day when we traditionally bless the Christmas tree. Bring family and friends together to bless your tree and welcome the joy of Christ’s birth. Here is a short prayer adapted from the USCCB: “With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights guide us to the perfect Light. May the God of glory fill our hearts with peace and joy, now and forever. Amen.”
For the full blessing, visit usccb.org/prayers/blessing-christmas-tree
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 11
Celebrating Christmastime
(December 25 – January 6 | Traditionally through the Baptism of the Lord) While the world’s decorations come down on December 26, the Catholic Church moves in the opposite direction. Christmastime begins on December 25 and continues through Epiphany (January 6), and traditionally through the Baptism of the Lord. We invite you to celebrate, pray, and live the joy of Christ’s birth well into January. Below are simple traditions and practices to keep Christmas alive in your home and community.
KEEP THE NATIVITY SCENE CENTRAL During Christmastime, our focus remains on the Child in the manger. Move the Infant Jesus figure into the manger on Christmas morning as a small but meaningful ritual — a gesture Cardinal Timothy Dolan himself makes each year at Midnight Mass.
KEEP DECORATIONS UP THROUGH EPIPHANY In Christian tradition, the 12 days of Christmas lead to the arrival of the Magi. • Keep your Nativity scene and Christmas lights up until at least January 6. • Add the Magi gradually each day, symbolizing their long journey to the Christ Child.
BLESS YOUR HOME FOR THE NEW YEAR A beloved Epiphany tradition is the chalking of the doors. Write the following above your door (or on a card placed near it): 20 + C + M + B + 25. This invokes the blessing of Christ and recalls the names traditionally given to the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar. Pray: “Lord, bless our home with peace, protection, and hospitality in the year ahead.”
CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY (First Sunday after Christmas) This feast reminds us that Christ was born into a real family — with joys, needs, and challenges. Family activity: Share one meal without phones or screens and end with the prayer: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless our family.”
EXTEND HOSPITALITY IN JANUARY Christmas is a season of welcome — not just December 24–25. Simple ways to embody the Christmas message: • Invite a friend or neighbor for coffee. • Write a note to someone grieving or alone. • Visit an elderly relative or parishioner after the New Year rush has passed.
PRAY WITH THE CHRISTMAS GOSPELS The Gospels from Christmas to Epiphany form a single story: the birth of Jesus, the shepherds, the angels, and the journey of the Magi. Family activity: Read one passage slowly (Luke 2:1–20 or Matthew 2:1–12) and ask: What word or image stays with me?
WHAT DOES EPIPHANY REALLY MEAN? Epiphany celebrates God revealing Himself to the world. On January 6, light a candle and pray that Christ will shine in your home and in our community. In the spirit of the Magi, share a small “gift” of time, attention, or service with someone who needs it.
CLOSE THE CHRISTMASTIME SEASON WITH INTENTION The Baptism of the Lord marks the traditional end of Christmastime. Write down three graces you received during the Christmas season — moments of peace, joy, or reconnection. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for each one.
May these final days of preparation and the full season of Christmastime fill your home with the light, joy, and peace that only Christ can give. Merry Christmas!
Archdiocese of New York | December 2025 Monthly Bulletin | P. 12
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