Dear Fellow Parishioners, How appropriate is our homily series "Reset" because it is easy for us to be stuck in the same old same old. I realized that since Covid I have stepped back from some of the healthy activities that brought me in contact with others, and that as a community we have sometimes done the same. How to “Reset” is a challenge. As Matthew Kelly says, “Our lives change when our habits change.” On MLK day I decided to accept the invitation from Fr. Luke Veronis and attend the MLK breakfast at Saints Constantine and Helen Church in Webster. This was the first breakfast held since they stopped due to covid. The morning included praying together, readings from MLK letters and a very inspirational talk from Fr. Paul Abernathy (an orthodox priest). His talk was entitled “Seek justice and reconciliation, not victory!” Fr. Paul is a pastor of a Black Orthodox Church and works with communities affected by trauma to heal and become healthy so that people can realize their potential. I had a wonderful talk with the people at my table from various churches in the area. Because I am a priest, they shared what was happening in their church communities. Those conversations have me thinking about our community as we move forward in the year ahead. (More to come on that.) In any case, I am so glad I mixed with others instead of having breakfast by myself. It was a refreshing “reset” to my faith journey, and I have pledged to do more mixing with others and with all of you. Pope Francis has encouraged us to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the tools we have been introduced to is Alpha Retreats. I am pleased to share that five of our parishioners will be going to the training on Saturday in Auburn. I will share more information as it becomes available. Kevin Maldarelli and I are members of the Diocesan Environmental Stewardship Committee. We are exploring the issue of working with other groups in Massachusetts that are seeking to stop the use of single use plastics in our state. If you are interested in joining us in this work, please let me know and we will get you involved. It’s a new year, a time to “Reset” and discover the value of working together to make the world the place God says it ought to be. Alpha and Environmental Stewardship are just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s not grumble about the challenges of 2024 and do something positive together. Ready to “Reset!?” Fr. Bill