Editor's Notebook (February, 2025)
By Kristine Rilling
02/11/2025
The Catholic Church offers us unique opportunities to reflect, renew and connect in faith. As we embrace the Holy Year of Jubilee in 2025 — a sacred time of grace and reconciliation — the Diocese of Erie invites us to deepen our connection with God and one another.
At the same time, our diocesan family begins its annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA), appropriately themed "One Faith, One Family." These two events, while distinct, share a common call to grow as united people of God, reinforcing our sense of belonging to a larger Catholic family.
The Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis, invites us to profoundly embrace God's mercy. Traditionally marked every 25 years, jubilees are rooted in the Old Testament concept of a sabbatical year — when debts are forgiven, relationships are restored and the faithful are called to return to the Lord with renewed hearts. The Jubilee's global theme, "Pilgrims of Hope," challenges us to see ourselves not as isolated individuals but as members of a more extensive faith community. This transformative power of the Jubilee fills us with inspiration and hope for the future.
Similarly, the Catholic Services Appeal reminds us that our local parishes are a vibrant reflection of this universal pilgrimage. Through the CSA, we collectively support essential ministries, from Catholic education to family services, outreach to the poor and our mission for evangelization. The theme, “One Faith, One Family,” serves as a beautiful echo of the Jubilee's call for hope. It reminds us that we are one body in Christ, working together to meet spiritual and material needs.
But how do these themes come alive in our daily lives? The answer lies in action.
The Holy Year of Jubilee isn't merely a time for personal renewal; it's a call to reach outward, bringing mercy to others in concrete ways. Likewise, participating in the CSA is more than financial stewardship — it's an act of solidarity with those who rely on the church's ministries.
As we journey through this year, consider how you might bring these themes into focus. Could you use the Jubilee to strengthen your prayer life or reconcile with someone you've lost touch with? Could you offer your gifts — time, talent or treasure — to the CSA as a sign of your commitment to "One Faith, One Family?” Your personal dedication and involvement in the CSA are crucial for the success of our collective mission.
The Holy Year of Jubilee and the Catholic Services Appeal call us to see with fresh eyes the beauty of our shared faith and the strength of our shared family. Let us walk forward together, pilgrims of hope and stewards of grace.
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