In his encyclical on Hope, Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope), Pope Benedict XVI’s opening statement is that “a distinguishing mark of Christians is the fact that they have a future.” They do not know the details of that future, but they know that “their life will not end in emptiness.” In the Scriptures, hope is the virtue that keeps us from discouragement in the face of life’s anxieties and challenges. Hope re-directs our troubled hearts towards God, opening them in expectation of eternal happiness with God. Those who place their trust in the saving power of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, are filled with renewed hope which comes from the Father. In the Letter to the Hebrews we read:“...faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Our faith deepens when we place our hope in God; and our hope is strengthened and fulfilled when we see the world around us with the eyes of faith.

Christian hope is very realistic. It is built on the realization of our weakness, the limitations of human nature, the many difficulties of human life, and the absolute necessity of God’s grace. Christian hope is not a wish or a feeling; it is a rock-solid certainty, a guarantee, an anchor - “the hope set before us...a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Heb. 6:18-19). Hope remains steadfast even when things are not going well. Hope drives us to action, even in the darkest times. Hope does not dwell in the moment, but clings to God’s promise of a better future. Hope is rooted in a blessed future promised by God, secured by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, guaranteed by Jesus’ resurrection, and sealed by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Hope allows us to remember that no good deed is done in vain, rather our efforts will bear eternal fruit.

2020 is done! A new year has begun. Just those two sentences could fill anyone, even non-Christians with hope! But perhaps that may be secular optimism, rather than Christian hope. As we have begun a new year, certainly be a person of optimism, that we have turned the corner on the pandemic, that the vaccines will help us, that we will be able to begin to rebuild our lives as we find our way past this most distressing time of quarantines, illness and death. But even more so be a person of great Christian hope! Be a person who acknowledges that because of Jesus Christ, we can conquer all things, including the aftereffects of this pandemic. Be a person who, with hope, seeks to make others’ lives better as we rebuild our communities and relationships this year. If 2020 was a year of great distress, let 2021 be the year of great Christian Hope! You have it in your power to do so! As St. Paul says in his letter to the Philippians: “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.”

In Christ and Mary Immaculate,

Fr. Tony

With the new year approaching, we have many open Mass intentions.  Please call the parish office at 218-722-3078 if you would like to have a Mass said for someone.  The suggested donation amount is $10 per Mass.

I Heard God Laugh by Matthew Kelly is available for you to take home at church entrances. In this extraordinary book, Matthew Kelly powerfully demonstrates that we cannot live the life we have imagined, or experience the joy we yearn for, unless we learn to tend the soul. From there, with his classic style of practical wisdom, he teaches us how to remedy this problem. 

Please stay tuned for further information about a book study in the new year!  

Beautiful 2021 Feasts & Saints wall calendars which feature classical liturgical artwork are available at church entrances to take home.  Thank you to Dougherty Funeral Home for providing these to the St. Mary Star of the Sea.  

Our faith formation classes resume on Wednesday, January 6th with our K-5 classes at all our east Duluth parishes.

New members are always welcome! You are invited to join us in the ministry of experiencing God in serving our neighbors living in poverty. Email svdpduluthmn@gmail.com for the meeting link, questions, or more details. St. Vincent de Paul Immaculate Conception Conference holds meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month via Zoom at 6 pm. For our neighbors in need of assistance, please call (218) 409-6887 to speak with one of our members.

Your decision to join the Knights

could define your year.

Join Catholic men just like you

striving to strengthen their faith,

their families,

and their communities

as members of the

Knights of Columbus

Every Knight makes a difference

Each man brings a unique story,

a particular set of skills,

and a heart that is ready to serve.

We invite you to take

this exciting step

and join us today.

It's an opportunity that could define

your year and change your life.

Join us at KofC.org/JoinUs

Bob Spehar 218-349-5051

St. Mary Star of the  Sea has been serving the communities of Bayshore and Franciscan on the Point for the past few years. The residents would appreciate a card or letter. 

Bayshore Residence & Rehabilitation Center

1601 St. Louis Ave. 

Duluth, MN 55802

Franciscan Health Center

3910 Minnesota Ave.

Duluth, MN 55802

As covid-19 cases increase in our area, it is a good time to make sure we are all taking the precautions that are in our control.  

Face Masks: Wear a face mask when you are at church. If you are not able to wear a face mask, please obtain a face shield.

Hand Sanitizing Before Communion: When you come up to communion, you will notice there is hand sanitizer in the aisle. To make sure we are doing things safely, first pull down your mask, then sanitize your hands prior to receiving communion.    

Cleaning the Pews: After Mass, please sanitize the area in which you are sitting. Sanitizing wipes can be found in the side aisles. Thank you.

The eastern Duluth Catholic Parishes are working in a collaborative effort to create a combined Religious Education program and are accepting applications for the Director of Faith Formation for 6^th – 12^th grade students. This is a full-time position with benefits. We are looking for someone who possesses a sincere and demonstrated ability to share their Catholic faith in the dynamic environment of a large scale middle and high school religious education program and beyond. Please see the full job description at https://www.duluthcathedral.com/s/employment.  If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter, resume and references to lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org.

God Our Father,

 

In Jesus, your Son, You have given to your Church the perfect model of priest, prophet and king, and so You have blessed us through His sacrifice, taught us through His Word, and guided us through His rule.

 

We thank you for the previous bishops who have cared for the people of the Diocese of Duluth. We ask You, father, to guide and enlighten those who will be tasked with helping to choose the next bishop of our diocese. May the man they choose be a man of deep and true prayer, a man of compassionate heart and firm resolves, and a man of joy and peace, who desires above all to do your will.

 

We entrust our prayers to our Patroness, Mary, queen of the Rosary, and ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.