Dear Parishioners,
First, on behalf of Fr. Larry, our parish staff and myself, I would like to thank you for all of the cards, gifts, baked goods and other acts of generosity and kindness that you showed us this Christmas. I must confess it was a bit overwhelming.
Second, I would like to wish you a blessed 2017! It is so wonderful that the Church directs us to open the New Year with Our Lady. As you know, January 1 st is the Feast of the Mother of God. The Church in her wisdom knows that one must start every important endeavor under the banner of Mary. With her we cannot help but walk in the Light of God.
I hope that 2017 will bring an abundance of the Lord’s blessings upon you and your loved ones. Whatever this New Year may hold for us, may we be under Our Lady’s mantle of love and protection. This is my desire especially for the children and young people of the parish. May Mary lead you directly to the Heart of her Son.
New Year's blessings,
Fr. Tim Byerley
Pastor
Prayer for the New Year
O sacred and adorable Trinity,
hear our prayers on behalf of our holy Father the Pope,
our Bishops, our clergy, and for all who are in authority over us.
Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole Catholic Church;
convert heretics and unbelievers;
soften the hearts of sinners so that they may return to Thy friendship;
give prosperity to our country and peace among the nations of the world;
pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives, acquaintances, and upon our enemies,
if we have any;
assist the poor and the sick;
have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us;
and do Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year
be summoned before Thy judgment seat.
May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirations
and carried on by Thy assistance,
so that all our and works, having been begun in Thee,
may likewise be ended through Thee.
Amen.