Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

As the calendar turns and we step into a new year, we often feel a mix of emotions—hope for what’s ahead, gratitude for what’s behind, and maybe even a little uncertainty about the unknown. New Year’s Day is more than just a date change, it’s a gentle reminder from God that renewal is possible, that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). This time of year invites us to pause and reflect: What burdens from the past year can we lay down at the foot of the cross? What blessings can we carry forward with joy? And how might we open our hearts to the fresh work God longs to do in us? Just as winter’s stillness prepares the earth for spring, this season can prepare our souls for growth. Let us enter the new year not with hurried resolutions, but with a prayerful posture—asking God to shape our days, guide our steps, and deepen our love for Him and for one another. May this New Year 2026 be a chapter where God’s grace writes our story, faith lights our pathways, and charity is the language we speak most often.

With prayerful best wishes for you in the year ahead,

Fr. John Mahoney

Although exchanging the sign of peace at Holy Mass was discontinued when the pandemic struck, its restoration has been delayed for another reason. In a past issue of Parable Magazine, Bishop Libasci explains that a clearer and theological understanding of the rite is needed by the faithful of the Diocese. He writes, “We’re not just saying, ‘Hi.’ We are   really supposed to be ratifying our belief in the new creation we have become and the new creation standing before us: God’s children adopted through baptism and saved for eternal life.  As soon as we can get this message out and rediscover the true meaning, we’ll let you know when and how best to offer the sign of peace.”