Bishop's Monthly Message: February

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

January has come and gone so quickly with so much happening in our Church in a very short time. We celebrated the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and his great gift of theological reflection and service to the Universal Church. We remembered and honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a continued commitment to recognizing Christ in all people. The anniversary of Roe v. Wade was marked by gratitude for its repeal and a continued commitment to support mothers and fathers who bring new life into the world.  As we journey together into February, once again our Church calendar is filled with opportunities to celebrate our baptismal call.

On Feb. 2 the Church celebrated World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, which was instituted in 1997 by St. John Paul II to recognize and pray for men and women in consecrated life. On Feb. 11, I will celebrate a Mass with religious women and men who live and serve the faithful in our diocese. Their commitment to lives of prayer, teaching, care for the sick and needy, and more, strengthens this local church.

All vocations – priesthood, diaconate, consecrated religious, married or single life – are vital to the life of the Church. A few weeks ago, we celebrated Called by Name Sunday when our priests shared their vocation stories and asked all of us to consider how we too can encourage one’s call to a religious vocation. This month we will focus on the vocation of married life as we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. May those who live the married life, celebrate the vocation to which they have been called, to loving one another and recognizing their ministry as a family and an essential ingredient in society. 

February 22 is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent – a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This Lent, I invite you to recommit yourself to our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. May we come to a deep awareness that, in the reception of his Body and Blood we become the Mystical Body of Christ bringing his real presence to a world in need of knowing him.

Finally, this month our diocese will receive the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and St. Manuel Garcia Gonzalez who are special intercessors for the Eucharistic Revival. These relics will be visiting parishes throughout the diocese.

May we continue our journey of faith so that we “May all be one" (Mt 17:21).