Season of Hope

By Bishop Robert J. Brennan

Dear Friends,
Over the past few months, our lives have changed dramatically with many new challenges added to the existing ones we have been working to solve. As I talk with parishioners in our parishes and with members of our community, I have heard some express a “poverty of hope” that weighs them down as they grapple with COVID-19, unemployment, the effects of structural racism, physical and mental health issues and more. These people are looking to the Church for hope and for help.

St. Peter reminds us that Christ is the reason for our hope. His death and resurrection brought us out of slavery to sin and gave us the promise of an everlasting future with Him. He also promised never to leave us orphaned, but to remain with us until the end of time. So the Church, as the Body of Christ, can offer hope to the people of this age, through the Sacraments, the example and intercession of the saints, her many charitable agencies and ministries, and the accompaniment of those who are struggling by the Christian community.

I want to invite you to join me in sharing our hope with others in a Season of Hope. It will be a journey for us, one that through prayer, reflection, changed actions and changed attitudes will renew us and prepare us to better accompany our fellow travelers in need. The Diocesan HOPE Task Force is offering for your journey through the Season of Hope some tools to kick-start the reflection process; to share in prayer and encourage changed actions based on this heightened awareness of issues and concerns of our faithful membership. These supports and resources will be available monthly on topics that impact all of us and filled with suggestions, supports and resources to accompany you on your journey. For the Season of Hope resources, visit www.columbuscatholic.org/season-of-hope.

We want to encourage the formation of small faith communities to break open the monthly parish bulletin insert for reflection and prayer through the question: What does God call us to be and do in this world?

In this way, anchored in Christ, our hope, we can help overcome that poverty of hope that is experienced by our brothers and sisters. May God give us the ability and determination to be salt and light in the world.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan
Bishop of Columbus