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“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another…”

~ Colossians 3:12-13

Time to get dressed up in your best finery. No, I’m not thinking of New Year’s Eve, although I love a good party just as much as anyone! I’m thinking of Paul’s advice— to put on the mantle of compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness… you add the rest.

Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? Because we want to be better people of faith than we were before. At their deepest level, I think of New Year’s resolutions as profound expressions of faith—a desire to bring God into our plan for personal improvement! And we know that God’s presence is the one ingredient that insures success.

In the course of a new year, there will be detours and distractions aplenty. That’s why we have prayer and the Sacraments to keep us grounded. And we have each other. Those of us on this Journey of Faith are joined together in prayer all year long. The more we pray together, the deeper our relationship with Christ and one another.

Friend,  as you begin a New Year, remember the unique gifts that God gave you in Baptism. Whatever your New Year’s resolutions, infuse them with the faith of a missioner committed to witnessing the Gospel and sharing God’s eternal love. I know it will be bountiful year. Prayer will make it so.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.

 

Prayer for Feast of the Holy Family

God of all time and space
You left eternity and heaven
to dwell with us on earth.
Into Your merciful hands
we commend this passing year
with all its joys and sorrows,
victories and failures,
to do with what You will.

And from the wellspring of Your mercy
let me draw refreshing waters
of renewal and rebirth.
God of past, present, and future
I consecrate this new year to Your
name and dedicate it to help
building up Your kingdom here on earth:
a kingdom of peace and justice,
a kingdom of love and understanding,
that all peoples may come to know
Your saving grace, and praise Your Holy Name
till the end of time.

Amen.

 

Prayer by Father Joseph Veneroso, M.M.

 

 

 

This is Father Ray Finch saying thank you for taking your journey of faith with me today.  Until next time, you are always in my prayers.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.