I sincerely hope all of you and your families had a truly blessed Christmas Day, followed by the glow of this holy season we are still experiencing until the Baptism of the Lord on January 9^th.

I know, brothers, that “keeping Christ in Christmas” is getting harder every year in our secularized society. But perhaps the even greater challenge is keeping the Mass in Christ-mas! The reality that Christmas is a liturgical feast rooted in the Catholic Mass is almost completely overlooked by the majority of Christian world in its celebration of the holy feast of Christ’s birth. But it was the Catholic Tradition that gave us both the date of Christmas and the liturgical expression of it as the saving mystery of our salvation.

Thankfully, no Catholic Churches I know of canceled Christmas services this year (as did many Protestant churches), but it’s clear that the Mass attendance numbers are down all over the place. We haven’t yet bounced back from the losses of COVID.

But here is where our apostolic Faith must be put into Action. “To evangelize” means to share the Good News, and there is no better news than the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Mass. 2023 is going to be a year of commitment to bring this message of life and light to others, first to those who are fallen away and then to so many others who need the hope that only Christ can give.

The Light of Christ has entered our dark and dreary world, let’s drive the greatest return to Mass in history and spread the Light!

SERVICE PROGRAM OF THE MONTH:
Walk for Life / Novena for Life

January is the month to reinvigorate our commitment to the defense of human life in a tangible way. As you will discover, the California State Knights of Columbus Council is working in coordination this year with the California Catholic Conference for a series of events and prayer services. Stay tuned for a further email from me about pro-life events across the State which are coordinating with our Novena for Life 2023.

If you want to get a jump on the information and events, please look at the new Novena for Life website, 9DaysOfPrayer.com, which has a dedicated page of resources just for KofC use (there will be updates to the resource list as we get closer to the events).

Finally, brothers, the January Prayers in the Pew Newsletter is up on the site for you to download. [Access it here: January 2023 edition]. This month’s feature is an explanation of the beloved prayer to Our Lady called the Memorare. January begins with the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, so it is appropriate to deepen our devotion to her.

As you know, each newsletter contains a catechetical section as well as a prayer feature, and in this month’s edition we offer a short teaching on the Four Cardinal Virtues – a subject we all need to be reminded about from time to time. See also:

• Saints writings and teachings from the Catechism on our need for the virtues and virtuous living.

• The Church’s liturgical calendar for January which transitions us from the Christmas Season back into Ordinary Time.

• Our Supreme Chaplain’s challenge to maintain our fervor about the right to life issue which is very close to our hearts.

During these remaining days of the Christmas Season, brothers, let us keep our focus on Christ’s great mysteries. Even better, let’s spread the wealth of Christmas and dedicate ourselves to getting as many souls back to Mass in 2023 as possible.

Please know that Lady Carla and I promise you our prayers and deepest good wishes in the Christmas season and in the coming year of grace.

P.S.S. Please send this message out to everyone including our council officers, council chaplains, and “all parishioners”. Prayers in the Pew Monthly is designed to distribute to every parishioner meeting them where they are. Councils should speak to the pastor to determine his preference whether to include in the bulletin printing, bulletin insertion, handouts after Mass, etc.