Scottish Catholic Observer

At Christmas and New Year, many of us reflect on the year, and indeed the years, gone by. If we are lucky enough to spend our Christmas holidays with family or friends, it is natural to reminisce. Those who face the Christmas period alone, however, are not the only ones who may be looking back with grief or regret, unable to count their blessings. The doors are open in parishes throughout the country, however, to go and celebrate the birth of Christ by going to Mass, whether you are a regular church-goer, have fallen away from your Faith or wish to find out more about Catholicism. Why not bring a friend or neighbour along?

This year marked the end of the Church’s Year of Faith. It encompassed the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis. We witnessed World Youth Day in Brazil and Scotland’s Rio. Pilgrims joined the National Year of Faith visit to the Holy Land.

Yet 2013 saw many challenges surface for the Church in Scotland, and highlighted the work to be done and further challenges to come in rebuilding confidence in our Church; restoring the Episcopal conference to full strength and to better supporting priests, the religious life and lay Catholics in the important work they do now and the work that lies ahead.

Next year our country faces a major decision regarding independence. While our Church is ready, with its own bishops’ conference, there is no uniform Christian answer as to the best way forward, and each must decide for his or herself. We can, however, pray for guidance as well as listening to the political arguments. We can, for example, remain steadfast in our call for elected officials to go beyond religious tolerance and protect religious freedom in our country; we can continue to demand the protection of life and the continuation of state Catholic education.

Renewed in hope by the birthday of our Saviour, we can begin again renewed in 2014.

If you are making any New Year’s resolutions, keep your Faith at the forefront of your mind. Think how wonderful it would feel, this time next year, to look back over 2014 with no regrets, having done everything in your power for your family and your Faith.

May the peace and grace of God be with you this Christmas and New Year and always.