The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, (Jan 1st) and the Epiphany of the Lord, (Jan. 3rd) are highly appropriate for the beginning of a new year. On New Year’s Day we hear that the Virgin Mary heard the words of the shepherds and reflected on them in her heart. We are called to pause and reflect on what this past year has meant for us. It certainly has been a peculiar year and difficult to comprehend yet alone having lived through. May we sift through the bad and the good learning from it. Although our lives were limited to some degree hopefully it prompted a greater depth in our relationships especially in our families. With the Epiphany we find the newborn Jesus being manifested beyond Israel to the wider world in the persons of the magi. Hopefully this new year of 2021 will open us to go beyond our enclosed little worlds and reach out to those in need throughout the world.
On behalf of our parish staff I wish you and yours a happy and blessed new year filled with our newborn Savior’s love and peace.