Friday January 22, 2021 marks the 48th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Bishop Sweeney has designated that day a Day of Prayer and Fasting to end abortion.  Let us pray and remember the millions of lives lost to abortion and pray for those left to suffer the tragic effects. We are committed to protecting all life from conception to natural death and will work actively to safeguard the laws to protect and defend the fundamental dignity of all people. Let us ask our Blessed Mother, Protectress of the Unborn, to intercede on our behalf that these efforts to end abortion are guided by mercy, compassion, and above all charity.

Pope Francis announced a Year of St. Joseph in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church. The year began December 8, 2020, and concludes on December 8, 2021, according to a decree authorized by the Pope. The decree states that Pope Francis had established a Year of St. Joseph so that “every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will. In addition to the decree, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter Tuesday dedicated to the foster father of Jesus. He explained in the letter, entitled Patris corde (“With a father’s heart”) and dated December 8, that he wanted to share some “personal reflections” on the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.