The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime.

                                                                                                  Pope Benedict XVI

In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared a Year of Faith that will begin on 11th  October 2012, on the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Ecumenical Vatican Council, and will conclude on 24th November 2013, the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King.

Some things Catholics can do during the Year of Faith:

Attend Mass regularly

Go to Confession regularly

Spend time in prayer, especially in front of the Blessed Sacrament

Recite the Angelus daily

Read the Bible 

Read the Catechism in a Year: For this Year of Faith, Pope Benedict encourages us to study and reflect on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Well, here’s an easy way to do it. Simply enter your email address and – starting October 11, 2012 – you’ll start getting a little bit of the Catechism emailed to you every morning. Read that little bit every day and you’ll read the whole catechism in a year. If you would like to share the catechism follow this link www.flocknote.com/catechism and click on Simply share this link: and you will be requested to enter your email address.

Perhaps you could make an bigger effort to be an instrument of peace in your relationship with others, in the manner of St Francis of Assisi, by following his guidelines:

  1. Focus on people’s good points. Tell all with whom you come into contact the good things you see in them.
  2. Develop a positive approach toward life. Compliment more than you criticize.
  3. Build a climate of trust and support in all your relationships. Cooperate with others instead of competing with them.
  4. Use gentle, loving, respectful language dealing with others. They won’t hear your words if they’re too busy dodging your sharp tongue.
  5. Take a genuine interest in the work and activities of others. Make a point to ask about new projects. 
  6. Listen patiently, with your heart, when others are talking. It’s Christlike to put aside one’s own interests for the love of another.
  7. Learn how to refuse with a smile. If you have to say “no” to something, do it respectfully. 
  8. Put the devil of jealousy far behind you. Deal with your personal insecurities in some other ways, but don’t put others down to make yourself look better. 
  9. Be loyal. Never allow yourself to tear down the kingdom of God by destructive, behind-the-back criticism of others.
  10. Do extra little things that are nobody’s job. Be generous by volunteering— especially for the jobs for which there is no great reward.

 Let us learn to tame too what is wild and violent within ourselves and the world around us.

For diocesan information on the Year of Faith please visit their website:  www.corkandross.org