The Director's Desk
October 1999
Forget Y2K, but don't miss the Jubilee!
"Seven...six...five...four...three...
two...one...HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
Do you, like me, categorize the celebration of New Year's Eve
as one of the dumbest holidays of the year? Do you find it hard to get
excited about this blowout party that has no guest of honor, celebrates no
particular event of significance, and revolves around the passing of
seconds before midnight? Are you,
like me, tired of all the hype about "Y2K" and the Millennium?
If you are suffering from "Millennium fatigue," you may also
have picked up a case of "Jubilee fatigue." This truly
unfortunate Catholic side effect may cause you to miss a unique
opportunity for growth and renewal.
I was among the over 700 people who heard Brother Loughlan Sofield speak at the October 9 Institute sponsored by the Divisions of Religious Education and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. His keynote was on "Forgiveness: A Jubilee Gift." Listening to his words and the short reflection offered by Cardinal Keeler that morning made me take a second look at the celebration of Jubilee. This celebration has the potential to make the New Year's Eve parties of January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2001 extraordinarily rich milestones on our personal and communal journeys of faith.
We can use the many Jubilee resources available to actually transform these secular transitions of the New Year into meaningful celebrations of Jesus Christ's faithfulness to his Church over 2,000 years. As the Jubilee Year begins with Advent on November 28, 1999, will we make it truly a "year of favor from the Lord"? Will we spread the Good News that has transformed our lives? Will we forgive and seek reconciliation with those who have injured us? Will we celebrate the presence of the Spirit among us, and Christ's gift of self in the Eucharist? Will we lead our parishes and schools in the way of Christian discipleship and witness?
As our Church New Year begins in Advent, I am going to make some resolutions. I resolve this year to remember and rejoice in all that Jesus has done for me and for my Church. I resolve to answer his challenge, and to share his gifts with all around me. I resolve to make the most of the year ahead.
When that countdown begins in the waning seconds of December 31, 2000, I resolve to ring in the New Millennium with gusto. I will do so as a Catholic Christian Disciple, caught up in a moment that has been transformed by God's grace and our "yes."
It's not too late; let's get moving. Are you "J2K" ready?
Chris Weber
Director
Catholic Education Ministries of Central Maryland.
Jubilee 2000 Links
Archdiocese
of Baltimore
Director's Desk Archive
September 1999
Why
Are We Afraid to Evangelize?
August 1999
Prepare Ye the Way...for Catechetical Sunday
Articles
Catching and Keeping Your Volunteers
July 4
Part 1: No More "Warm Bodies"
July 11:
Part 2: Top Ten Tips for Volunteer Recruitment
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