Gaylord, MI 49735 
What does "Epiphany" mean?
A Message for the New Year by Bishop Patrick Cooney
Dear Friends in Christ,
We are now facing the opening day of a new year. Most likely we are happy with many of the things that were accomplished by us or for us in the past year. Most likely we are also sorry because of some of the things we did we can now see were wrong and less than is expected of a human person. What does that mean for this day that opens a new year?
First, I think there is the sense of gratitude that we have lived to this new year. We are blessed in this passage to step into the new year. Who is essentially responsible for this great gift to us? It is the Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is from them that the origin of our life comes. Our life is their free gift. In a sense it is the risk of the Triune God.
What is this year for? For us who are the Catholic Church, it is another opportunity to live the thank you to the Almighty for the wonderful things we possess, and it is even a thank you for the wonderful things that we can knowingly and willingly do. We do not do this to repay God, but to use the talents that God has given us for the improvement of the whole world.
It may seem strange, but when you think about it, that is the only way we can say thank you to God for what He has given us – life for another year.
The wonderful part is that all of this is really very simple. We are to allow the love that God has shown to us to play through us in the action of our loving others. we love them by caring for them and helping them. It is lived and illustrated by the married couple where husband loves wife and wife loves husband and they work for the good of each other. It is found in the father and mother who bring a child into the world and take care of it because they love it. It is for the young child who grows up learning he ought to do good for his parents, or brothers, or sisters because that is the way God wants it. It’s important that the adult -- young, middle-aged or old – also grasps this great, great mystery. We can have the love of God everywhere we are, provided that we love others as the Lord has loved us. that will bring to us His actual presence.
As we begin this year, let’s dedicate it to being the best we can be. Let us “come out of ourselves” to become non-self-seeking and to really see other people where they are and how they are. Above all let us aid them and provide them with what they need to be the best they can be. In this, we fulfill God’s plan. God will not look down upon anyone who has helped Him accomplish His purpose for the whole human race.
Best wishes not only for a happy year, but a truly great year.
Sincerely,
Patrick R. Cooney
Bishop of Gaylord
Diocese Produces Advent CDs
“Entering into Advent” is the title of an audio compact disc produced by the Diocese of Gaylord for the Advent season. The project was suggested by the faith formation advisory council and completed jointly by the Secretariat for Faith Development and Secretariat for Communications.
The CD contains a series of reflections for the Advent season by leaders from the diocese:
- “Welcome” by Bishop Patrick Cooney
- “Advent as Part of the Christmas Season” by Fr. Duane Wachowiak, Director of the Secretariat for Worship and Liturgical Formation as well as Pastor to the parishes of the Boyne Valley Catholic Community: St. Matthew, Boyne City, St. Augustine, Boyne Falls and St. John Nepomucene, Praga.
- “First Sunday of Advent” by Fr. John McCracken, Rector of St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord and Pastor of Holy Redeemer, Vanderbilt and St. Thomas Aquinas, Elmira.
- "Second Sunday of Advent” by Patty Furtaw, Pastoral Associate for the parishes of the Boyne Valley Catholic Community.
- “Third Sunday of Advent” by Deacon Paul Fifer from St. Francis Xavier, Petoskey.
- “Fourth Sunday of Advent” by Michael Fonseca, Spiritual Director for the Diocese of Gaylord.
- “Feast of St. Nicholas” by Sr. Rita Epple, RSM, Pastoral Administrator at St. Dominic in Metz.
Each parish and school received two copies of the CD and had an opportunity to order additional copies and permission to duplicate them locally for parishioners, those who are homebound, for use in scripture studies and other groups.
The reflections are also being posted on the diocesan website and may be accessed below.
“While we have produced printed materials for Advent previously and also recorded a radio program for many years, this is the first time we have attempted a CD for wide distribution,” said Candace Neff, Director of Communications. “We will be anxious to hear if the CDs are helpful and if it’s the type of project we should repeat for other seasons.”
Listen Now to Advent Reflections
Below are tracks from the compact disc "Entering Into Advent." The new reflections will be posted each week.
Advent as part of the Christmas Season
"Advent as Part of the Christmas Season," by Fr. Duane Wachowiak