Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As the calendar changes over and we find ourselves in the beginning of a new year, many of us take this time to reflect on where we are in our personal lives and make certain goals and resolutions for the year ahead. Sometimes these focus on self-improvement, sometimes they are to accomplish something professional, and in other cases, it’s just something new and fun we’d like to try. But it’s also a good time for us to look at our overall parish community and see if there are particular goals or resolutions for us to pursue in the year ahead.
On the spiritual side of things, there are a number of ministries and events that I think deserve some attention in 2025. The first of these is something that people have inquired about, off and on, the last several years, and I think it’s worth implementing this year. And so, at some point in the Spring, I’d like the parish to offer a Bible Study of some sort to the wider parish community. We already have programs like Walking With Purpose, but this would be something different, and all would be welcome to attend. I still need to do some research, find volunteers to help facilitate it, and find a time in the parish calendar for it, but it is definitely something I want to see happen this year.
Another event that I want to bring to the parish community for its overall spiritual benefit is a Parish Mission, most likely in the timeframe of Lent. Finding the right speaker and the right topic for a Parish Mission is a little tricky sometimes, but there’s an individual that has reached out that I’ve heard speak before and think would be good for our parish in terms of the spiritual enrichment it would provide. But finding the right timing of things is important too and so, it’s a goal to get that set up for the Spring and during Lent if possible.
The last resolution that I’ll mention in my letter is one that is both personal and for the parish. It’s something that I tried to prioritize in my first couple years here in the parish and then has gone to the backburner a bit, as the demands of parish administration has shifted my focus. But it’s time once again to encourage a wider participation and use of our Adoration Chapel. We are so tremendously blessed to have a dedicated Adoration Chapel in our parish. And we’ve blessed to have it for nearly 30 years. But currently, there are many hours of the day that don’t have an assigned adorer, for one reason or another. But spending time with our Eucharistic Lord, to have a respite of an hour’s prayer in the busyness of everyday life, it’s so, SO spiritual enriching. And I’d love for our parish community to come to recognize that gift a bit better in the year ahead.
Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan
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