Dear Parishioners, +JMJ
Thank you to everybody who worked so hard to make our Christmas Masses beautiful: the musicians, the choirs, the cantors, the decorators, the lectors, extraordinary Eucharistic ministers, the ushers, the deacons, the altar servers, etc. Of course it took a ton of time and effort. But, the Lord is worth our utmost in Holy Mass!
For this new year, let’s ask the Lord what He would want as our New Year’s resolutions. Better His will than ours… even when it comes to perfecting ourselves. It’s God’s plan we want, not ours!
And let’s stay close to the Blessed Virgin Mary this year. That would be a great resolution for the new year! The Church focuses on the Blessed Virgin Mary at the beginning of the new year, with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.That is not mere coincidence.We should not only begin every year with a focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary. We should actually consecrate our entire life to her every day, at the beginning of the day. There’s no better way to be assured of living for Her Son Jesus Christ, than to consecrate every step to Her. As every good mother, She will do her utmost to guide us to the fullest of life. And, that means life in Her Son, Jesus Christ. Please, if you have never consecrated your life to the Blessed Virgin Mary, make it a resolution to do so this year. You will not regret it. I can’t imagine where I would be without the constant help of Mary.
On another note, we learned a couple weeks ago that our parish did not make it onto the 2020 schedule of Fr. Michael Gaitley’s retreats. We had asked to sponsor a “Mary and Mercy” retreat day with Fr. Gaitley, which we planned to hold at our Payne campus; and we asked for a date near Lent, if at all possible. We were informed that we would know this past September the outcome, but that did not happen. We found out only in mid-December. We are still on the list for consideration for the next year.
Our plan now is still to hold a family spirituality fair in late February. We are close to finalizing a family life spirituality speaker whom I know that you will love. All will take place after our Paulding 10:30am Sunday Mass. In addition to the speaker, we will have various booths and activities that bolster family spirituality. There will be activities for children and adults alike. More information will be forthcoming as the event is organized.
May the Lord bless the New Year abundantly for you! May you know His glory more in this new year than ever before!
Pax et bonum,
Father Poggemeyer
