Parts of our diocese may experience a major storm this weekend. In some ways, it’s exciting and I am always thankful for any moisture our farmers and garden growers receive on the land. Praying that everyone may be kept safe and that those who lack the basic necessities may be protected too.
I hope all of you are enjoying this Christmas season with a renewed sense of peace and joy knowing that Jesus is with us. This weekend is the Feast of the Epiphany and the following weekend is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Ordinary time will begin on Monday, January 13.
We are beginning the Jubilee Year of Hope in the Church. We live as we hope. We have hope because Jesus is God, is alive and is with us. There are lots of special opportunities for us this year. These include making pilgrimages, praying the memorare for our diocese and for others, and giving other people hope through such initiatives as “Walking with One.” Who can we bring hope to?
The Holy Father’s message on January 1 for the World Day of Peace is great. It’s worth a read. LVIII World Day of Peace 2025 – “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace” | Francis
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a response to Christ’s prayer “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). It is an eight-day period of prayer in which all Christians are invited to participate. The week is celebrated each year from January 18-25, concluding on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.
I am delighted to invite you to the grand opening of Catholic Charities’ new Hays office and Thrift Store on February 14, 2025, at 9 AM at 1011 Centennial Blvd., Hays. This beautiful new facility will greatly enhance Catholic Charities’ ability to serve those in need throughout the western part of our Diocese. Hope to see you there!
Excited about visiting our Catholic Schools during Catholic Schools Week January 27 – 31. Our Catholic Schools make a significant impact on our world.
May God bless you and your families and all your endeavors.
In Christ’s love and peace,
Bishop Vincke
Inspiration from the Saints on Hope:
“Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.” ~St. Francis of Assisi
“He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.” ~St. Francis de Sales
“Live in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him.” ~St. John of The Cross “And when night comes, and you look back over the day and see how fragmentary everything has been, and how much you planned that has gone undone, and all the reasons you have to be embarrassed and ashamed: just take everything exactly as it is, put it in God’s hands and leave it with Him.” ~St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
