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Each year on New Year’s Eve, we invite our friends and their kids to our place for a family New Year’s celebration where we all stand on the furniture and jump into the New Year. We have found the adults savor this tradition as much as the kids. There is something refreshing about jumping in with both feet to a brand new year.

As Christians, we are reminded that we never need to turn the page on the calendar to start fresh. Each day offers the opportunity for resolutions -- to seek forgiveness and to forgive, to be kind and compassionate, to deepen our faith and renew our commitment to follow Christ’s command to “love one another.” It is in this spirit that put together this month’s newsletter. It is filled with ways to renew and refresh your own Catholic faith as well as that of your parishioners. As we journey through these last days of Christmas, we celebrate Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan as a new beginning in Christ. May your year be filled with blessings!

-- Heidi

Live and let live

Too many of us jeopardize our happiness by trying to control the lives of others. We become fixated on what other people are doing and lose sight of what God is asking us to do. Jesus said it a little more bluntly when he asked the question: ‘Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?’ (Mt 7:3)

From the OSV Pamphlet, ‘Pope Francis’ 10 Secrets to Happiness’ by Lorene Hanley Duquin

Name Above All Names
by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker

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The month of January is dedicated to the Holy name of Jesus. Take time to celebrate its power and significance this month, for the name of Jesus is truly the “Name above all Names.”

Invocation of the Holy Name

Say this prayer many times throughout the day this month: “Blessed be the most holy Name of Jesus without end!”

The Sacred Scriptures and Saints

St. Paul tells us “...in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). Mark writes, “In my name...they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18). And Jesus himself tells us, "If you ask the Father anything in my name he will give it you." (John 16:23) Although the name of Jesus has been respected since the days of the Apostles, it has been honored with a special feast day since the end of the fifteenth century. St. Bernard, St. Bernardine of Siena, and St. John Capistran are among the saints who have had a special devotion to the name of Jesus.

Read the rest of the article on osvparish.com

Catholics of the Year 2014
Our Sunday Visitor recognizes these outstanding Catholic leaders for their contributions to the Church and society throughout the year

Sister Maria Hanna

From Ebola to Iraq to physician-assisted suicide, 2014 has been a year of heartache and hope, and, throughout it all, Catholics have played an undeniably active role.

The following eight Catholics, in particular, have been selected by a team of editors at Our Sunday Visitor as 2014 Catholics of the Year for their contributions and witness to the Church during the last 12 months. Whether a cardinal, a religious sister, a bishop, a seminarian or a layperson, each Catholic of the Year — profiled on the coming pages — has made a profound difference in the Church and has been an inspiration to others in the Catholic community and beyond.

We are proud to honor these remarkable men and women, and we offer them our thanks for their work and witness: Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, Marie Collins, Philip Johnson, Cardinal Francis E. George, Jennifer Fulwiler, Hosffman Ospino, Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, Sister Maria Hanna.

Read all eight profiles from the December 28, 2014 issue here.