New Year's Eve

Today we celebrate New Year’s Eve.  In many parts of our world it is already 2019.  It is always nice to watch the different celebrations around the globe as the hype for New Year’s Eve celebrations continue to escalate.   As the old year draws to a close let us cherish all the good things that have happened! May we learn from all the different experiences and remember that the love of God, family and friends is what we truly need to be a people of peace. Let us remember to pray for one another, care for one another and be at peace with one another. May 2019 be filled with many blessings for all! Happy New Year to one and all!

Pat Schifini, OSU

A Christmas Poem

A CHRISTMAS POEM

AMAZING:

That You should choose the night

And bathe the dark awash in light!

AMAZING:

That You should come so small

And not look like a king at all.

AMAZING:

That straw should line Your bed,

The throne to which Your sheep are led.

AMAZING:

That wise men chart a star

To seek and find You where You are!

The star in darkness;

Straw and sheep;

Shepherds, angels --

Symbols deep.

AMAZING:

That You should choose these signs --

Such simple ones, like bread and wine.

In all our darkness

Pierce our night.

Let Love shine forth

To be our LIGHT!

Anne Therese Dillen, OSU

God's Call

On this Labor Day, the last day of summer vacation, let us take a moment to remember all those who labor.  There are many people in our lives who labor and work for the betterment of our world.  I came across the following statement about some of our early laborers and thought it would be good to share.

Jacob cheated, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul committed murder, Gideon was insecure, Miriam gossiped, Martha worried, Thomas doubted, Sarah was impatient, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zacchaeus was short, Abraham was old, and Lazarus was dead ... God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. We all know we are not perfect but God is still working in us to help us to be better laborers. 

As we enjoy this day let us not mourn the passing of summer rather let us rejoice in the call we have received by our loving God to be people of faith, hope and love.  

Pat Schifini, OSU

Care for Creation

Today we commemorate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.  In his message, Pope Francis, writes, “The annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation will offer individuals and communities a fitting opportunity to reaffirm their personal commitment to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which He has entrusted to our care, and to implore His help for the protection of creation as well as His pardon for the sins committed against our world in which we live.”  Today begins a six week celebration of creation.  As we honor our earth this day may we all take the time and effort necessary to make a difference by showering our earth with care and respect.  We need to heed the call to care for our earth in new and intentional ways.  Remember our earth is God’s gift to us to treat with love, care and respect.

Pat Schifini, OSU

The Starfish Story

For the last two days I have seen this story pop up when I was on line.  As I reflected on the story of the starfish it seemed good to share it.

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!”

The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved.

                                                     — Adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley

For me this is a story of perseverance.   Perseverance against great odds and against the criticism of others is at the very heart of our lives.  The understanding that we hold in our hands the power to change a life, a mind, or a circumstance today – right now – is a powerful insight and motivator. The idealism of youth is a powerful force for leading change in the world. Often it is our youth who put into action values that we have instilled in them – but have failed to act on ourselves. We have seen this many times in our youth as they march for various causes and are willing to work for justice and solidarity.  May we have the courage to make a difference this day and every day.  

Pat Schfini, OSU

Senator John McCain

Tonight our nation mourns the loss of Senator John McCain.  Yesterday it was announced that he had made the heart wrenching decision to discontinue all medical treatment for brain cancer.  He decided to enjoy his remaining days surrounded by his family.  A former POW, a lifelong political servant, and a loving family man, John McCain was a unique patriot and chose to live his life at the service of others.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and apparently a rather strong temper for which he often apologized.  His cancer which was very aggressive was the same cancer that Beau Bidan died from.  Brain cancer has claimed yet another victim.  John McCain was a man who frequently visited the Vietnam War Memorial honoring those who did not survive.  These visits shaped his politics and how he viewed things.  During the next few days we will hear many tributes to this man who was a friend, a dedicated family man, a mentor and a genuinely wise man.  Let us take time over these days to pray for him and his family as they prepare to lay him to rest.  Eternal rest grant into him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen

Pat Schifini, OSU

An Attitude of Gratitude

I was reflecting this morning about life and the question, “What am I grateful for?” came to me.  At first I resisted but then I began to answer it.  Right now I am grateful for many things – my religious community, my family, my friends, my health and my happiness.  This week I celebrated both my birthday and my anniversary of religious profession.  Both days were relatively quiet yet I spent them with friends who are very important to me.  As I probed the question a little bit more I realized that I have much to be grateful for.  In a world where there is so much pain and suffering I have been blessed with tremendous happiness.  This doesn’t mean that I haven’t had any sad moments along my life’s journey it means that in comparison with others I have been spared.  Perhaps it is all in the perspective with which we look at things that colors our response.  I often wonder it we were to look at life with an attitude of gratitude rather than what’s in it for me attitude would we be happier?  Perhaps today is a good day to embrace a life that centers on an attitude of gratitude.  It we allow our hearts to be grateful than perhaps we will find ourselves just a little more happier and able to enjoy life a lot more.  

Pat Schifini, OSU

Celebrating God's Abundant Love

Today I celebrate my thirty first anniversary of religious profession.  It is hard to believe that so many years have passed since I made my first profession as an Ursuline Sister.  I have so many memories of that special day and it is certainly a day for me to give thanks to God for the endless love I have experienced.  In some ways it was like yesterday that I said my initial “yes” to continuing to allow my relationship to grow.  So much has changed since that beautiful August morning.  Many of the people who were there are now in Heaven.  Our Church has seen its share of shame and disgrace during these years.  Yet what drew me to enter continues to sustain me today – God’s love and serving God’s people. 

When I made my first profession my invitation quoted Psalm 27, “One thing, I ask, this alone I seek, to dwell in the house of the Lord all my days.”  The years have flown by but the sentiment remains the same I have found my treasure and nothing will change that reality.  As our Church goes through the abuse crisis I remind myself that the Church is the People of God not the buildings and hierarchy.  My desire is to serve the People of God and I pray that I may have the fortitude to persevere during this difficult times.  St. Angela, told her followers to beware of the pestilent times and seek good in all you do.  With Jesus and Angela’s help I pray for the grace to continue to follow my heart’s desire and serve with joy and gratitude for all the good God has done in me.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught.  He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.  So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.   People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.  They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.  When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.  Mark: 6:30-34

Today we celebrate the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.  Our Gospel today tells us to take time away from the busyness of our lives to spend time with Jesus.  Jesus asks them to come away but many people came too because they were curious.  The disciples had shared how busy they were that they didn’t even have time to eat lunch.  In this story the disciples were very busy and didn’t have time for what they really wanted to spend time with Jesus.  We all need to take some time to retreat and reflect rather than get caught up in our distractions.  It is important to remember to “rest a while” and let the peace of Jesus fill our lives and hearts.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Pray...Pray...Pray...

Today our world is anxiously awaiting the rescue of the 12 boys and their soccer coach from a cave in Thailand.  We have watched and waited as rescue teams have surveyed, scouted, drilled and emptied water from the flooded cave.  It has been a harrowing time for their parents and families who are anxiously waiting for their rescue.  During this time many people from all faiths have united in prayer for their safety and well-being.  So far six of the boys have been rescued and we await further word on the rest of the boys.  The reason they entered the cave is unclear as there was a warning sign not to enter the cave.  During their time in the cave these boys have shown amazing resilience and have not lost heart.  They believe in and trust their rescuers.  There has been one fatality as a result of the attempts to rescue them.  One former Navy Seal died during the week.  Now with monsoons in the forecast it became critical to get the boys out and they are in the process of doing that.  Let us continue to pray for the safety of all who are trying to rescue the boys and the hospital staff who is preparing to treat them.  May they all emerge safely and may their recovery be swift and complete.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Independence Day

As we celebrate Independence Day today let us pray:  

God, source of all freedom, this day is bright with the memory of those who declared that life and liberty are your gift to every human being.  Help us to continue a good work begun long ago.  Make our vision clear and our will strong:  that only in human solidarity will we find liberty, and justice only in the honor that belongs to every life on earth.  Turn our hearts toward the family of nations: to understand the ways of others, to offer friendship, and to find safety only in the common good of all.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pat Schifini, OSU

What's in a Name

One day I asked my mother where my name came from and her response surprised me.  She told me that she wanted to name me after her best friend whose name was Patsy but my father would have nothing to do with that so I was called Patricia.  I am forever grateful to my father for sparing me from that fate. 

In today’s Gospel we have a scene where Zechariah and Elizabeth give birth to a son whom they named John.  Elizabeth broke with tradition by announcing her son’s name and Zechariah affirmed this to be true.  We have an awesome God.  A God who is full of surprises and love.  Our God gives us so many blessings for which we should be grateful.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were servants in the temple and God heard their prayers and granted them a son.  This child would grow up and take his place in salvation history.  God heard and answered their prayers.  God always gives us more than we ask for or imagine.  Like Zechariah and Elizabeth we too are called to believe, trust and hope that all shall be well.

Pat Schifini, OSU

World Day of Prayer for Migrants

Call to Prayer and Reconciliation:

Today we join our hearts and minds in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who, at this very moment, are refugees, families and individuals who are migrating all over the world.  Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.  Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God's family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.

Jesus, help us by your grace,

 To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister;

 To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs;

 To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;

 To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;

 To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.

We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. Amen. - Prayer from USCCB

Pat Schifini, OSU

Feast of Corpus Christi

Today we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi.  This day we are reminded that Jesus is our Bread of Life.  As we celebrate the great feast of thanksgiving let us recall Jesus’ invitation to come and see.  Jesus personifies hospitality in everything he did.  His tender compassion, his welcome of all people, his miracles and parables are all invitations to enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus.  Jesus had a magnetic personality and people were drawn to him.   He attracted people from all walks of life and never judged them.   Jesus desired to share his message with all who would hear it.  People in Jesus’ time were hungering for direction in life – much like our current reality.

Jesus’ hospitality reached far and wide.  He wanted/wants people to be whole both physically and spiritually.  The nourishment of the Eucharist is more than spiritual.  Jesus desires all people to be satisfied both physically and spiritually.  As we partake in the great act of thanksgiving – the Eucharist let us always remember that Jesus is indeed our bread of life.  The song Pan de Vida summarizes beautifully this feast for me.

Pan de Vida by Bob Hurd and Pia Moriarty

Pan de Vida, cuerpo del Señor, Cup of blessing, blood of Christ the Lord. At this table the last shall be first.  Porder es server, porque Dios es amor.

1. We are the dwelling of God, fragile and wounded and weak.  We are the body of Christ, called to be the compassion of God

2. You call me Teacher and Lord; I, who have washed your feet.  So you must do as I do, so the greatest must become the least.

3. There is no Jew or Greek; There is no slave or free; There is no woman or man; Only heirs to the promise of God.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Today was one of those days that was perfect.  It was a beautiful summer day and I had the opportunity to go to the beach twice.  There is nothing more relaxing for me than some time at the beach.  Somehow all the cares and stresses of the world are whisked away by the ocean.  The water was frigid, and the air was cool.  As I sat at the beach I was observing the tide coming in and out and noticed the footprints that were left on the sand by people who were walking on the beach.  It reminded me of the poem “Footprints in the Sand.”

One night I dreamed a dream.  As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.  Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.  For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand.  I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.  "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way.  But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints.  I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

Mary Fishback Powers

May we take time each day to remember the truth of this poem – that our God is always with us.

Pat Schifini

Pentecost Sunday

Today is Pentecost Sunday – the birthday of the Church.  On this day we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit given to us all.  Our world is in desperate need of the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and we all need to pray for the guidance of the Spirit.  As we pray this day let us pray for our world and for one another that we may be open to the Spirit.  Let us pray:  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.  Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.  And You shall renew the face of the earth.  O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Where were you on this day fifty years ago?  On this day, the world learned of the tragedy that took place in Memphis, Tennessee—the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.  Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot while standing on his balcony of the Lorraine Motel by James Earl Ray.  Martin Luther King, Jr. was America's greatest civil rights leader and most famous advocate of non-violence.  He was in Memphis to support a march for black sanitation workers on strike for better pay and wages.

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream and sought to be an ambassador of peace in all he did and said.  On Aug. 28, 1963, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.   This historic speech helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement and brought the plight of the disenfranchised to a larger national and international audience.  As we remember and celebrate this wonderful man today let us reflect on some of his most popular quotes:

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

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“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

May the dream he had continue to become a reality in our world as we strive to live together in peace, love and harmony.  

Pat Schifini, OSU

Faith

In today’s scripture readings we have the familiar story of the three brothers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who are cast into the furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar who wants to weaken their resolve to follow God’s commands.  He wants them to betray their faith and turn away from God.  Often we too face many heavy demands that can make us wonder if we have any strength left.  We can feel that we are being tested to the extreme.

The three young Israelites are models for us to follow. No matter what threat was flung at them, they refused to succumb to defeat and fear.   Their faith in God could not be shaken.  They knew the reality of God’s abundant love for them.  God would stand by and protect them from all evil and harm.  The same is true for us - God will never abandon us nor will he take his love from us.  All we need to do is surrender our love to the God who has loved us first.  Take some time today as the snow falls to relish the love of God present in your life.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Breastplate is a popular prayer attributed to one of Ireland’s most beloved patron saints. According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. The term breastplate refers to a piece of armor worn in battle.  This is the part of the prayer that is most popular and familiar for people.

Christ with me,

Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Let us pray for all people who celebrate this day.  May all be safe and enjoy their day.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” 
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.  For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed.  But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.  John 3: 14 – 21

Today, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, is what was once called Laetare Sunday.  Laetare means “Rejoice” in Latin.  In the entrance antiphon we hear “Rejoice, Jerusalem!”  We are just a bit more than half way through the Lenten season.  This day we hear the familiar “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”  This passage is one of the most often quoted passages.  It gives us both hope and challenge.  God does indeed love each and every one of us as we are and challenges us to continue to grow into the person we are meant to be and this is a great reason to rejoice!.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Prayer for Women Leaders Around the World

March, is Women's History Month, a time when we recognize all the great women who have forged our history and continue to do so.  This morning as a school community we prayed the following prayer to honor all women leaders around the world.  Take some time today to pray to and for the women who have influenced your life.

A Prayer for Women Leaders Around the World

Praise to you, women leaders of the seven continents, for your many works of justice.

Praise to you, women leaders of Asia, for confronting trafficking of women.

Praise to you, women leaders of Africa, for raising your voices to stop AIDS.

Praise to you, women leaders of Europe, for your peacekeeping.

Praise to you, women leaders of North America, for confronting economic inequities and racism.

Praise to you, women leaders of South America, for struggling against U.S. domination of your land.

Praise to you, women leaders in Antarctica, for your scientific research.

Praise to you, women leaders of Australia, for supporting indigenous cultures.

May our loving God continue to bless women leaders each day.  Amen

 - Diann Neu

Pat Schifini, OSU

Innocence and Wonder

Today I had the experience of watching total innocence and childhood wonder.  My friends had asked me to watch their three year old twin sons for a few hours.  It seemed best to take them for a car ride as they did not want to just stay home.  As we drove there was an unending series of questions from the back seat and then it got very quiet and I now had two sleeping passengers.  They slept for a good hour and when we arrived at our first location they woke up as quickly as they fell asleep.  We were going to have lunch at a diner.  They were so inquisitive at all the sights and sounds around them and asked more questions.  Once their food came they began to eat and were having a really nice time.  We then stopped at the store and the fun began – they wanted everything.  I purposely avoided the toy aisle as I am not good at saying “no” to them.  What was so nice was how sweet they were to others – saying hi and please and thank you.  I thought of all the events of this past week and was struck that they have no clue as to what has happened in our world.  Today was one of those days, slightly busy but full of grace which makes it all worth while.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Happy Feast of St. Angela

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Angela Merici.  Some 482 years ago St. Angela founded the Company of St. Ursula which later evolved into the Ursuline sisters.  Angela was a woman ahead of her time and was deeply committed to personal prayer, helping all people and being a reconciling presence.

St. Angela encourages us to be present to others by being women and men of wisdom and compassion, by being committed to the Ursuline motto of Serviam – I will serve and by being a reconciling presence for all people.  St. Angela promised her daughters to be united with them for all time.  In her promise to always be with us, Angela gives us the courage and strength to begin anew.  As we celebrate this day may we always follow Angela’s advice and be willing to be risk-takers and open to all we meet.  Happy Feast!

Pat Schifini, OSU

World Communications day 2018

On this, World Communications Day 2018, Pope Francis used a familiar prayer to conclude his message.  To read his message in its entirety you may visit www.vatican.va.  Here is the prayer for your reflection to counter “fake news.”

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Help us to recognize the evil latent in a communication that does not build communion.

Help us to remove the venom from our judgements.

Help us to speak about others as our brothers and sisters.

You are faithful and trustworthy; may our words be seeds of goodness for the world:

where there is shouting, let us practice listening;

where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony;

where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity;

where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity;

where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety;

where there is superficiality, let us raise real questions;

where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust;

where there is hostility, let us bring respect;

where there is falsehood, let us bring truth.

Amen.

What's in it for me?

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the gospel."

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen.  Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."  Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.  He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.  They too were in a boat mending their nets.  Then he called them.  So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.   Mark 1: 14 -20

When I read this Gospel this morning I was immediately drawn to a song that was written by a Cleveland Ursuline Sister.  The song is entitled, Do You Remember the Call and begins by asking the question, Do you remember the call, when did you hear your name out loud…?  It is a beautiful song and leads to reflection.  As we read today’s Gospel the disciples are called and respond.  None of them asked the all too familiar question – What’s in it for me?  They responded to Jesus’ invitation with utter simplicity and resolve.  They did not go home say goodbye to everyone they simply followed.  Whatever their motivation they simply wanted to follow Jesus and did not hesitate to when asked.  We, too, have been invited to accept Jesus’ invitation to follow and live out his message in our present reality.  As the disciples followed are we ready to simply follow or do we need to first figure out what’s in it for me?  Let us remember that the call is a daily invitation to live a life of faith, hope, and love.  What we receive in return far outweighs what we give up.  As we live this day (and every day) let us remember that we are called by a God of love to do the very same for others for “to love another person is to see the face of God.”

Pat Schifini, OSU

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!  As we begin 2018 let us remember that today marks the 51^st World Day of Peace.  Pope Francis’ theme for this year is:  Migrants and refugees: men and women in search of peace.  Pope Francis urges us to turn a "contemplative gaze" toward our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters and to respond to their plight.  Pope Francis encourages us to embrace all those fleeing from war and hunger, or forced by discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation to leave their homelands.  Let us heed his message as we pray a Prayer for the New Year

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the year that has just passed and the many blessings you have showered upon us in time.

We beg your pardon for our many failings and transgressions and we pray that the coming year may be a more fruitful one.

We earnestly pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit and we call upon our Lord Jesus Christ for his intercession, his guidance, and his light to shine our path into a new year filled with love, peace and hope.

May 2018 be filled with many blessings for all.  May our God of light, love and peace touch the hearts of those who are leading others and making decisions.  May we become a people of peace!

Pat Schifini, OSU