Bishop John’s Year 1 plan was inspired by the 10 Hopes Pope Francis proposed in his Bull of Indiction entitled Spes Non Confundit. During the Year of Hope, Bishop John shared the following suggestions on how to personally live out Pope Francis’ 10 Hopes:
Hope for Peace Over Division
- Consider making a pilgrimage to any and each of the designated pilgrim sites within the diocese. Guidelines for making this pilgrimage (including obtaining a plenary indulgence) are found here.
- Hope for peace begins at home. Consider visiting your church and making peace with God and with yourself. Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation is encouraged.
- Offer a Mass for Peace in the World sometime this year.
- At the beginning of this year, reach out to a neighbor or family member with whom you have been estranged and begin a path toward peace, reconciliation, and communion this year.
Hope for Enthusiasm for Life and a Readiness to Share It
- Consider opening your home for a Lenten Scripture reflection using the Christ in Our Neighborhood series found here.
- Consider participation in any one of your local parish groups, ministries, or organizations. Invite others to do the same.
- Consider attending a parish retreat or make a personal retreat sometime this year.
Hope for Openness to Life and Responsible Parenthood
- Offer a prayerful card of congratulations to a neighbor who has a child in their life and/or a newly married couple in your parish.
- Offer a Mass intention for Openness to Life in our state and in our homes.
- Offer the Prayer to the Holy Family here.
Hope for Prisoners and Restorative Justice
- Attend the diocesan forum on Restorative Justice this year. Details may be found at the Office of Prison Ministry.
- Assist in the letter campaign either through the diocese or your parish for those who are incarcerated.
- Spend a Holy Hour of prayer and/or adoration while meditating on Matthew 5:38-48 (Turning the other cheek, loving your enemy, praying for your persecutor, etc).
Hope for the Sick and Those Dedicated to Their Care
- Offer prayer quilts, cards, or special gifts for those who are struggling with sudden or ongoing illness or disabilities.
- Offer a Mass intention for those in your family or neighborhood who would benefit from the prayers of the whole parish community.
- Visit a neighbor who is homebound and offer an act of gratitude for family members dedicated to their care.
Hope for Youth and Young Adults
- If you are a single or married young adult, consider participating in the special synod this year. Information and dates are forthcoming.
- Offer a Mass intention and holy hour for Hope for our youth and young adults in the Church and society.
- Offer the Prayer for Youth and Young Adults found on the USCCB Website.
Hope for Immigrants, Migrants, and Refugees
- Watch alone or with friends and family the 2024 movie “Cabrini,” about St. Frances Xavier Cabrini who arrived in New York in 1889 as an Italian Immigrant.
- Read Walk With My People by Fr. Michael McAndrew, CSsR, who shares his life in the migration ministry.
- Meditate on Matthew 25:31-46.
Hope for the Elderly
- Consider reaching out to a person on your street or in your neighborhood who may appreciate a friendly visit or special invitation to your home.
- Ask your pastor if he knows of a group in the parish dedicated to visiting the homebound.
- If you are fifty years or older, consider participating in Experience Corps Phoenix, or similar programs, which help children become proficient readers.
Hope for the Poor and the Hungry
- Meditate on Matthew 25:31-46.
- Consider becoming a member of St. Vincent de Paul in your parish community.
- Read Thérèse by Venerable Dorothy Day.
Hope for Greater Christian Unity
- Read The Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio.
- Participate in Diocesan or parish events on Christian Unity.
- Meditate on Ephesians 4:1-7, with special attention to humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance.