THANK YOU is the first order of business as I write this article. To all who helped create the beautiful, meaningful Christmas and New Year liturgies, a heartfelt THANK YOU. Musicians, cantors and choir members, Liturgy team members, lectors, ministers of the Eucharist, ushers and servers, greeters, art and environment folks who decorated our churches, THANK YOU ALL for helping make Christmas come to life in our celebrations. Attendance was very good at all our Masses and celebrations. I am grateful for your presence. Emmanuel, God was with us in the gift of you coming to Mass and then going forth to continue the Christmas gift and share the miracle of God’s love with each other and the world around us. Your presence, prayers and financial support continue to bless and sustain who we are as communities of faith, hope and love. THANK YOU!

The Christmas season ends today with the Baptism of the Lord. In many places in Europe, including the Vatican, the Creche stays up until February 2, Candlemas Day. However, today we hear that at Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove and God’s voice was heard saying, “You are my beloved Son.” We celebrate and rejoice today because the Son of God is continually revealed to us.

Now we are well into the New Year. Consider these practices to help become the person God calls each of us to be. Add one or more to your spiritual resolutions allowing God’s love to transform your life in this new year.

TRUST HIM: Trust in God is the foundation of a peaceful soul. Start each day with a simple prayer telling God in your own words, Jesus, I surrender myself and this day to you.

EMBRACE AUTHENTIC HUMILITY: A humble heart chooses others first. Ask, “How can I best love this person?” and then let your actions reflect that answer.

REMEMBER YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL: Scripture tells us we each have such an angel to watch over us. (Matthew 18:10) Call upon your angel daily for strength and help especially when feeling challenged.

PRACTICE SELF DISCIPLINE: Small sacrifices can lead to profound transformation. Cut back on screen time, don’t have that second helping of food or dessert, offer someone your full attention.

SEEK OUT SILENCE: God often speaks to us in silence. Find silence in your day to rest in God’s presence and let God renew your spirit.

DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF OUR FAITH: Faith blossoms with understanding. Look through the Catechism until something interests you and dive deeper. Perhaps study the social teachings of our church for greater appreciation of what we believe and why we do what we do.

OFFER GOD YOUR FREE TIME: If you have an hour to yourself, spend five minutes in prayer. No time spent with love, God's self, is wasted.

As we journey deeper into the New Year, let us never forget we have been baptized in Christ. We are God’s beloved children, baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. So, let's remember what is most important about who we are on this journey as we continue the process of spiritual renewal in our parishes and in the greater Oak Park Catholic Community staying true to our meaningful and vibrant ministry as difficult financial decisions are addressed. We are God’s beloved. May we live and act so as to grow into the beloved sons and daughters God calls us to be.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena – St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish