Yesterday marked the beginning of our new liturgical year. In years past, I have used this moment to introduce the theme for the year. This year, however, I am pausing that tradition as we finish our Jubilee Year of Hope. I don’t want to cut short this beautiful opportunity to focus on hope—and perhaps make one last visit to some of our pilgrimage sites this month. I look forward to sharing the new theme with you next month!

Yesterday also began the season of Advent, a time of anticipation and hope. I pray that during this busy season you will take some time not only to prepare for the festivities ahead, but also to prepare your heart to welcome Jesus in a new way.

Below, we offer a simple Advent prayer written by Henri Nouwen that truly gets to the heart of how we can refocus our attention this season. We also have a twist on our usual book recommendations: this month, we’re encouraging you to build the habit of reading daily Scripture.

Over 15 years ago, I was introduced to The Word Among Us during a Women’s Ministry Christ Renews His Parish (now called Welcome) weekend at my parish. In her witness talk, Barb Falotico—one of our parish’s pillars—shared how she and her husband read it together daily. I was inspired and added it to my own daily routine. A few years later, as a New Year’s resolution, I asked my husband to join me as well. Barb left this world earlier this year, but her witness and ministry to me continue to live on. Never underestimate how a simple “yes” to participate can change a life.

We are also announcing the dates—and most locations—of our Ministry on the Move events. Watch for the finalized schedule this week! And you may even catch a hint of our theme for next year (wink, wink).

As we conclude this Jubilee Year of Hope, my greatest hope is that we will have core team leaders in every parish. This role ensures that all women in our diocese know how they can join in our efforts to put Faith In Action Together! If you have expressed interest, you will hear from me this month as we form our 2026 teams. We still have several teams to complete, so please consider emailing me for more information on how you can be part of this ministry opportunity. Reach out before the end of the week and you can join us for our year-end dinner with special guest, Bishop O’Donnell.

May your December be filled with hope. And may that hope be a light to those around you—because, as Pope Benedict so wisely reminded us, people of hope live differently.

We Are Better Together,