Another year has ended and a new one beginning. The first month of the year January, comes from the name of the Roman god Janus, the god of two faces. One face of Janus looks to the past and the other face looks to the future. Popularly, it is a time we look at the future of a new year and want to make some changes. We call this change “New Years resolutions”. However, to make real positive and lasting change in our lives, we need a face behind to see where have sinned, fallen and failed so that those resolutions are real and lasting. Change can only happen when truth is faced behind. This weekend we celebrate the Holy Family. It was on June 14th 1893 that Pope Leo XIII instituted this feast. The primary purpose of the feast being instituted within the octave of Christmas was to show the holy family Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model of holiness for every family. Notice that every Catholic Church is adorned with Mary on one side, Joseph on the other, and the altar of sacrifice in the middleJesus. On January 1st the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God A day in which we pay tribute to Mary not only as the earthly Mother of Jesus but also the Mother of God! This year, 2025, the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God IS a Holy Day of Obligation. The Mass schedule will be a Vigil Mass on December 29 (New Year’s Eve) at 6:30 pm. On Wednesday January 01 Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 pm in the evening. You may attend either day to fulfill your obligation. It’s often said jokingly that ‘New Years goes in EAR and out the other!” In other words, we have the best intentions to change our lives, take on New Year’s resolutions and mentally commit to better habits in the coming year. While such noble thoughts are good, they usually never make a permanent change unless they are from our hearts. Let’s begin by asking and interceding the graces and favors of God’s Mother, the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God. After all, it’s been said, “Mother knows best.” Finally, I want to thank everyone who helped decorate, clean, and set up our beautiful church. Hands down, we have one of the most beautiful decorated churches in the diocese. Thank you to all for you continued help and generosity. Fr. Roach
