Dear Fellow Parishioners, Happy New Year! I am not rushing through 2022, I am helping us all remember that we are beginning a New Year of the Church Calendar. Our church year begins on the First Sunday of Advent and ends on the Feast of Christ the King. This year we will be focused on reading the Gospel of Matthew. So, if you have time try reading Matthew’s Gospel to get a flavor of where we will be making our faith journey in the liturgical year ahead. Matthew addresses his Gospel with a focus on encouraging the Jewish community to follow and accept Christ as the long-awaited Messiah. The Men of Hope were speaking about praying together with their wives and with their families. Some mentioned that the only time they pray together is grace before meals. Others mentioned that they pray the rosary with their wife now that they are retired. This can be a very hectic season for individuals and families, so I am going to give you a few examples of ways individuals, couples and families can beef up their spiritual lives during this Advent Season as A time of preparation, A time of waiting, A time of joy, and A time of hope. *Since this is the year we read the Gospel of Matthew, which is twenty-eight chapters, why not read a chapter a day together and share thoughts. (Do not be overwhelmed by the first chapter, it is much easier as you move along!) *We focus on Mary’s role during Advent, so praying the rosary together during the Advent season would be appropriate, especially the Joyful Mysteries: The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, The Finding of Jesus in the Temple *I have materials coming for those who wish to participate in the Hallow #Pray25 challenge. The materials are both physician and digital. *Pam is preparing Advent Materials for Families with Children *You may wish to prepare for each Sunday of Advent by reading together the readings prior to coming to Church on the weekend. Some even try to guess what I will preach before they come! We can get so caught up in shopping, decorating, wrapping, sending cards etc. - when this is really a time to deepen our relationship with Christ coming anew into our hearts. Why not start off in some small way to pray together? Happy New Year! Fr. Bill