I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. I disappoint myself enough throughout the year, so no need to start off on the wrong foot so early on.
But I am a fan of taking time early in the year to take stock of priorities, look back on the previous year, and spiritually prepare myself both for Lent and the year that is to come. That’s why I always schedule my retreat during January. That, and because it’s the closest thing to hibernation in the winter I can get away with.

This particular January is particularly fraught for me, and I wanted to put a few important things on your mind, your heart, and your calendar. First off, when you read this, I will be in El Salvador, accompanying a group from the Sister Community association on their yearly trip to look in on the work being done in Jardines
de Colon. It will be my first mission trip experience abroad, and I am excited to meet our brothers and sisters in this community and learn about the realities in other parts of the world. To the best of my knowledge, I am just there to say Mass, speak some Spanish, and soak it all in, gaining as much experience as I can.
But the other folks there are the experienced folks who are really carrying out the business of mission, so please pray for all of us and for our sister community, that we can grow closer together in the bonds of mission.

I also ask your prayers for a speaking engagement I have in New Orleans. I have
been asked to speak to the priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge about my experiences, some best practices for adapting as a pastor in the current climate, and the dangers of isolation in the priesthood. As with most things, I feel supremely underqualified, so here’s hoping the Holy Spirit gets His point across through my own inadequacy.
 
Finally, I ask that you do everything possible to attend all, or at least some, of the parish pre-Lenten Mission, which is coming up in February. From February 2 through the 5, Fr. Tom Sullivan from the Fathers of Mercy will be with us at Our Lady of the Rosary to prepare our hearts for Lent and lead us deeper into the mysteries of the Church. I had the pleasure of being formed in seminary alongside some of the Fathers of Mercy, and their charism is specifically to preach the Gospel through parish missions and support parish communities by leading them closer to Christ. We are very blessed to have them come to us, and Fr. Sullivan will be giving messages around the Blessed Mother, the Mercy of God, Mother Theresa, and Padre Pio. Please make it a point to join us, and be sure to bring your friends, whether they are parishioners or not.
 
Know of my prayers for all of you in the New Year, as well as my deep gratitude for the many ways you serve Our Lord through His Church. As we begin this new year,
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a spiritualFather in this community.
 
Prayers always,
Fr. McC