The Lord will bless his people with peace.

The Baptism of the Lord

Resolutions Point to a 

Revival of Faith in the Eucharist

1. Return to Sunday Mass! No excuses—OK, if you’re in fragile health—just get back. Rates of attendance at Sunday Mass were scary pre-Covid—about 24 percent of Catholics in this archdiocese were faithful—and now it’s more frightening. Sunday Mass is a constant, an essential, of Catholic life.
2. Remember the Eucharistic fast! It’s simple, especially when compared to the strict fasts many of us old-timers recall. All we have to do now is cut out food and drink for an hour prior to receiving our Lord at Mass. A practical way to prepare….
3. Genuflect to the tabernacle as we enter the pew. Catholics used to be teased as “knee benders” because we automatically “bent the knee” to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle. Let’s earn that nickname again.
4. Make a good confession, if we’re aware of serious mortal sin, before we receive Holy Communion. The Bible tells us not to receive unworthily! Listen to the Good Book.
5. Mean it when you say Amen! before you receive the Sacred Host. That word means “I agree!” We whisper it when the priest or deacon presents us Holy Communion with the words “The Body of Christ.” With our sincere “Amen!” we profess our faith that it indeed is.
6. Dress modestly. I’m afraid “Sunday best” has gone into the vocabulary museum. I’m not saying we all need to “gussy up” in lavish or expensive clothes, but the way we dress does show our reverence. (And boys, please, no ball hats, or hats of any kind, in church!)
7. Participate at Mass! Pray hard those beautiful prayers; sing; listen to God’s Word and the sermon; arrive on time and do not duck out early; think about volunteering as a lector, usher, choir member, or server.
8. Invite—encourage but don’t pester—others to get back to Mass. I love it when I see our grandparents bringing their grandkids to Mass. Invite neighbors, family, and friends. Let them be inspired by your example of fidelity to Mass.
9. Visit Jesus, really and truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, often. Many of our parishes have Eucharistic Adoration; many keep the church open so folks can stop in and visit their friend Jesus. Great resolutions.
10. Let’s recover a sense of silence and awe while in church.
    

In this Edition:

• Today's second collection is for The Catholic University of America and the Catholic Communication Campaign
• Christmas Flowers Thank You
• Winter 2021 Special Edition Bulletin available at the doors of the Church
• Men's Retreat at the Don Bosco Retreat Center - Postponed