Epiphany Sunday
01.07.2023
Dear Family in Christ,
As promised, here are the 2024 Resolutions suggestions for Catholics from the New Year’s Day homily last week. Enjoy!
1. Attend Every Sunday Mass + Holy Day of Obligation
Admittedly, this is not really optional- though it really is a resolution most Catholics could benefit from. Why Sunday Mass? Simply put, at Mass we worship God and honour the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the Cross and fulfill His command from the Last Supper, “Do this in memory of me.” What if Mass was our excuse for missing everything else?
2. Weekly/Monthly Holy Hour
Our parish is blessed with a perpetual Adoration chapel, in which we can come and spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A relationship with Jesus requires time and intimacy, and there are few better ways than adoration to achieve this. For the chapel door code, or to commit to a weekly time slot, please contact the office.
3. Make a Good/Regular Confession
Another suggestion that isn’t really optional, but nonetheless a resolution that most Catholics would benefit from. Examen your conscience according to the Commandments of God and your state in life, and while we have scheduled Confession times 6 days per week, you are also welcome to make an appointment. Whether it’s been 50 years or 50 minutes, make a good Confession- and consider coming regularly(monthly).
4. Daily Examen/3x5 Prayer
A beautiful way to structure and make more intentional your prayer life, this prayer is a staple for helping Catholics to pray more fully, freely, and consistently.
5. Read the Bible
Just do it. Intimidated by the Bible? Not sure where to start or how to make a reading plan? You’re in luck, it’s never been easier. You’re welcome: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/bibleinayear/
6. Read the Catechism
Just do it. Intimidated by the Catechism? Not sure where to start or how to make a reading plan? You’re in luck, it’s never been easier. You owe it to yourself and the people around you to know your faith. You’re welcome:
7. Live the Liturgical Year
Feast and fast with the Church. Celebrate the Solemnities and Feasts, prepare and fast before the major celebrations, and let your day, week, month, and year be dictated by Christ, not commercial culture.
8. Devotion to Our Lady
Pray the Rosary every day. Noone loved/loves Jesus more perfectly than Mary, and no matter how much you love her, you will never love Her more than Her Jesus does. Everything Mother Church teaches about Mary upholds and defends what She teaches about Her Son, and Her entire purpose is to bring Jesus to us and to bring us to Jesus. If you don’t have time to pray an entire Rosary, pray a decade. If you don’t have time to pray a decade, pray three Hail Mary’s. And if you don’t have time for that, I have questions for you.
In closing, there are a lot more than these. I encourage you to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to resolve, this year, to draw closer to His heart this year and become more like His Son. May God give you the grace of commitment and fidelity in whichever endeavour you choose.
God love you,
Father Daniel
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