Memo from Barb

Happy New Year! I cannot believe that 2026 is here! It seems like just yesterday we were kicking off the Jubilee of Hope and making plans for all the festivities throughout the diocese.

The year 2025 brought us many changes—the loss of Pope Francis, the election of the first American pope, and the arrival of a new bishop. Every year brings its share of new opportunities, things we have lost, and hopes for the future.

Every year also brings a new women’s ministry theme (yes, I am a theme girl!), and this year we turn our focus toward Christian Joy. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Christian joy is a profound spiritual gift—one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit—stemming from our adoption as children of God and our union with Christ. It brings deep, abiding contentment beyond fleeting worldly happiness and is rooted in love for God and neighbor. This joy leads to confidence and peace even amid suffering, as we recognize God’s presence and His plan.

As we enter 2026, let us remember a few key takeaways:

• Joy is not just a feeling; it is a state of being, and it comes from dwelling with God.
• It is available to everyone who lives in faith.
• It goes beyond our circumstances and persists even in hard times.

But how do we achieve this kind of joy?

• By receiving strength through the Sacraments
• By cultivating a deep prayer life
• By practicing virtues like charity, hope, and trust
• By sharing our joy with others
• By trusting in God

Sounds easy, right? Not really! But that’s where we come in. First and foremost, we offer you a community to walk with. Join us this year as we gather and get to know other women in our diocese who are striving to live out Christian joy as well. We need each other. The world places so many pressures and priorities on us that it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Surrounding yourself with others aiming for the same goals makes it much easier to stay focused on the right things.

Take some of these ideas and form small groups in your parish—whether for prayer, study, or service. Events are wonderful, but it is often in small groups of faith sharing and service that true Christian joy is cultivated. Need ideas? Reach out to us! We would be happy to help you get started. And if this is something you’re feeling drawn to, maybe God is asking you to lead. Remember: He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Take inspiration from others by participating in our monthly and quarterly reading recommendations or by learning from our event speakers. (Watch for our 2026 Speakers List to be updated soon—and consider bringing one of these speakers to your parish!)

Finally, please pray for us, as I will be praying for you. We are the women entrusted with carrying the Catholic faith forward in our small corner of the world. We can do it—and it is so much easier and much more joyful when we do it together.

May 2026 be a year of joy beyond your circumstances.

Barb Prasad