Dear Parishioners,

It is very common during the New Year to take on a resolution as a way to improve oneself and to build virtue. In case anyone wanted to try to improve themselves spiritually, I would like to make the following suggestions. Just remember to take things slowly, since trying to start too many things at once will lead to not doing any of them.

• Pray daily. Praying is one of the most important things someone can do for their spiritual life. Scripture tells us we should be constantly praying. (Rom 12:12) There are many ways for people to pray, they could come to adoration which we have in the mornings on First Fridays, throughout the day on Thursdays or even coming to daily Mass. Even if one can- not come to Church, it is very easy to pick up praying by pray- ing the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet or Lectio Divina.
• Read the Bible. In order to know God, you have to know what God has said to us. God has inspired people to write down His Word to communicate what is necessary for salvation. So, it is worth it for all Christians to study sacred scrip- ture (and Catholics ought to be the most Christian of the Christians). If you think you need help to read the Bible, I am starting another Bible Study in March based on John Bergsma’s “New Testament Basics for Catholics,” and I will update you all about it in a future bulletin article.
• Read a holy book. It is also important to see how the Church reflects on the Divine Revelation that God gives us. There are tons of great spiritual books out that reflect on the spiritual life, history of the Church and teaching the faith. In a few weeks, I will be announcing the new book I plan to read for Reading Group. So, if you would like to read a good book and discuss it with people, I will let you know all about it soon.
• Go to confession. I love experiencing the mercy of God this sacrament provides. If it has been over a year, definitely go to confession sometime this year. Eventually for this Lent, I will announce additional confession times. But, in the mean time, a priest should be available after every Saturday night Mass or by appointment.
• Do something good for others. There are countless ways to be charitable towards others. Someone could work in a soup kitchen, help out a program for our St. Vincent de Paul, be involved with the Knights of Columbus or any number of other charities. Giving to others is a trait of someone in the Kingdom of God and so all Christians should exhibit generosity.

Try something new. Sometimes we can be stuck in our own habits and not want to veer off the path of what we know. We could even be afraid of losing time to something we do not enjoy. However, while we avoid bad experiences, we are not open to what could be a great experience. So, it might be great to try something completely out of the blue, just once. Did you ever want to go to a Bible Study but couldn’t work up the courage? Go to one, just once. Do you think board games are lame and don’t see why I talk about them so much? Well, check out Parish Board Game Night, just once. (And if you let me know you’re coming, I can make sure there will be people to help you with the games.) I can go on, but I think you get the idea.

I hope you all have a prosperous and holy new year. We have a God who loves us so much that He wants us to learn to love Him more. May you be open to wherever God wishes you to be.

God bless!

Father Carter