Happy New Year!

What will 2023 be? Who knew on January 1, 2020 what 2020 would turn out to be? We are still reeling from the Covid pandemic that upended our world and our lives in 2020. The future is always uncertain.

Every new year is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the past and to pray for new blessings in the future, not only for ourselves and for our families, but for the world.

Will the war in Ukraine end in 2023—or escalate? Will there be peace, or will the war expand? Will there be a recession and high unemployment, or will inflation diminish without triggering a general economic downturn? Will Covid be less of a risk than it has been the past few years? Or is there another virus spreading silently about to explode on the world?

Some of us will have good health in 2023 and some will get sick and die. Life is fragile and the future unknown. What is certain is that God cares about us, and that God is always with us and always loving us. Entrust the future to God and resolve to live for God no matter what.

Young Adult Outreach, Sunday, January 8: Join us for the Feast of the Epiphany Mass at 6 PM, followed by dinner and drinks in the parish center.

Ukrainian Refugee Family: Two weeks ago we had an announcement at our Sunday Masses of the urgent need for assistance for a Ukrainian family coming to Philadelphia under the auspices of Catholic Charities.I am proud to tell you that a number of Holy Redeemer and Saint John’s parishioners stepped up and have offered many forms of assistance, including commitments to accompany the family when they arrive. However, the family will need some basic items to begin their lives in our city.
Here is a list of what is needed and an online sign up sheet:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d45a5a929a6fe3-advent#/

Donations of needed items can be delivered to the parish office. Please do what you can to help!

Pilgrimage to Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA: On Saturday, January 7, the parishioners of Holy Redeemer will have a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown. It is about 45 minutes from Center City. Saint John’s parishioners are welcome. We will arrive at 10:30 and have Mass at 11:15 followed by lunch. Each person should bring his/her own food. Then we will have time for prayer and Father Tom will speak about the Shrine and the devotion to the Blessed Mother at Czestochowa, Poland.

If you are interested in going please email Father Tom. You can drive yourself or take the regional rail and be met by our parishioners at the train station. During this pilgrimage we will commemorate the Christmas season and the feast of the Epiphany which is celebrated the weekend of January 7-8. Consider spending time in prayer during the Christmas season.

Father Frank Yacobi, OFM Cap: A few weeks ago, I told you of Father Frank’s serious health problems, but I told you that he was getting better. Since then his health has declined and he now needs kidney dialysis. He is still unable to breathe comfortably and he needs oxygen support. I am still hopeful, but he is seriously ill. Please remember him in your prayers. He enjoys receiving cards. His mailing address is:

Saint Augustine Friary
221 36th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201