EDITORIAL

January provides many opportunities to make 2009 shine

January 15, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

For many families, 2008 was a year best left behind. Foreclosed homes, lost jobs and sky-high gas prices — not to mention a contentious election season — occupy the list of things most would rather close the door on while focusing on the road ahead.

Two weeks into 2009, with all the hopes, resolutions and potential of fresh beginnings, there’s really no time to sit idle and dwell on the past year — because the longer we look backward, the longer it takes for us to get where we want to be. As Catholics, we’re called to be evangelizers, to serve the community, to be Christ to our neighbor. It’s time for us to move forward in our mission.

The month of January presents some important opportunities for Catholics to get the year off to a good start. On Jan. 19, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Mass at St. Mary’s Basilica. The next day we ask for God’s blessing upon our lawyers, judges and lawmakers at the annual Red Mass, also at the basilica.

Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 25-31, focuses this year on service to the community, which is fitting in light of all the good being brought forth through our Catholic school students.

Never has it been more important than now to increase your support to the Charity and Development Appeal, which gets underway at the end of the month. The CDA funds more than 70 agencies, charities, parishes, schools and ministries throughout the state, truly making it the heartbeat of the diocese.

Perhaps the most high-profile event each January is the annual pro-life rally, which marks another year of abortion on demand. After years of rallies in downtown Phoenix followed by a march on the state Capitol, organizers of this year’s event have rethought their approach. A radical and very forward-thinking three-day event in Tempe will take its place. Why the move? Tempe is a place of culture, of youth, enthusiasm and education. It’s also the place where young, college-aged women are targeted by abortion providers. It’s where we need to make our voices heard the most.

During the three-day event, Jan. 21-23, pro-lifers can expect a Mass for unborn children, a prayer demonstration outside Planned Parenthood, a concert at Arizona State University and a eucharistic procession up “A” Mountain.

And as many Americans look forward to Inauguration Day next week, life-minded Catholics will be focused on the days following. On the weekend of Jan. 24-25, churchgoers will be asked to show their disapproval of the Freedom of Choice Act  — a terrible piece of abortion industry-supported legislation that would, among other things, destroy three decades of work in the fight for life — by signing postcards that will be sent to Arizona’s senators and state representatives.

There is a lot going on in the next two weeks that requires us to focus on matters of importance. Get out, pitch in and celebrate all the wonderful opportunities to make a difference in our community.

We’re looking forward to seeing you this month.