Growing up in a family whose roots are deep in the small Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago I’ve always heard December 31st referred to as “Old Year’s Night” instead of “New Year’s Eve.”
I’ve always kind of liked calling it “Old Year’s Night.” Calling it that, in a way, gives us an opportunity to once again look back at our accomplishments, moments of happiness and how we’ve grown. Instead of quickly rushing off to the upcoming new year, we are afforded a moment of reflecting into our past.
Today we enter into the last week of the Year of Faith. Pope Benedict XVI declared that this period from October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013 would be an opportunity for every Catholic to turn towards Jesus and to encounter him through the Sacraments of the Church.
The USCCB describes the Year of Faith as “an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him…during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and his Church.”
So, how’d you do? Did you accomplish everything that you wanted to do, to experience?
There’s good news: The Year of Faith isn’t a one-time opportunity, as we continually strive to rediscover and renew our relationship with Christ. It is a journey that we are all on as we seek to figure out life and faith.
First, revisit your goals for the past year. What were you able to accomplish? What were some of the things you wish you had done? What was the impact of these accomplishments on your faith?
Next, make a plan for the future. For some people, it’s easier to have a set plan or a schedule. Go with whatever will help you be the most successful. There are numerous resources out there that can help you with pretty much anything you wish to accomplish.
Want to pray the Divine office? There’s an app for that. Interested in reading the Catechism all the way through? Flocknote will soon begin to send out bits of the Catechism every day again to your email inbox. Looking for a community in Christ the in Austin area? Consider joining WilCoYA, Catholic20somethings or another young adult community in the Diocese.
Whatever you choose to do, I pray that the Lord will move you to a deeper more personal connection with your Faith. I know that for me, during this year, I’ve experienced some things that have shown me the importance of faith, Go and a community in Christ, and has left me with a great resolve to continue learning, experiencing and living out my faith in the world.
Happy Old Year’s!
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