Living Out the 10 Hopes

Bishop John shares suggestions on how to personally live out Pope Francis’ 10 Hopes:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.