Looking Back and Looking Forward

This Sunday wraps up the Year of the Eucharist. It was a beautiful year full of devotions, catechesis, and glory. We began planning the Year of the Eucharist in the summer of 2020: brainstorming ideas, laying out a calendar, and discerning possibilities. Luckily the Year of the Eucharist will never truly be over. Its fruit will continually be unfolded and renewed through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Until the second coming of Jesus Christ, the Church will continue to offer the Mass and receive the Eucharist.

There is a summary of the events, activities, and initiatives from the Year of the Eucharist included on page 7.

To conclude this year, Archbishop Dennis Schnurr is at St. Joseph for the 10:00am Mass on Sunday, January 2nd. We are grateful to have him here. Ultimately the Most Holy Eucharist and its proper celebration is entrusted to him throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. As a successor to the Apostles, the gift is entrusted to him. Let us pray to God for the Archbishop, that he may be a faithful servant of the Holy Eucharist and live completely and utterly dedicated to this glorious mystery.

Looking to the future, some parishioners have asked, “What’s next after the Year of the Eucharist? Will there be a theme for 2022?” The short answer is “No, there won’t be a theme.” We had thought of that possibility in the past couple months. One reason for not planning a “themed year” was the Beacons of Light. It didn’t seem ideal to begin a year dedicated to a particular aspect of the faith and then have new parishes join the family midway through the year. The other reason for not starting a new themed year was the uncertainty of the pastor beginning July 1. Hopefully in the coming weeks, we’ll announce who will have the privilege of serving as the pastor these parishes, whether it is me or another priest.

One thing that I learned this year is the most fruitful years will be well-planned. When starting another themed year, we’ll take the time to plan, just as we did the Year of the Eucharist.

There is one new addition to the bulletin which will show up every month: Padre’s Petitions. Every month I’d like to ask you to pray and fast for specific intentions, whether in the world or in our parish. Your prayer and fasting is powerful to intercede for the Lord’s blessings. I’d ask that you cut out Padre’s Petitions and keep it wherever you pray: in a prayer book, on the night stand, or on your refrigerator. You can find “Padre’s Petitions” on page 5.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Sean Wilson