The Catholic Sun

Local Catholics reflect on what the father of the Holy Family means to them in this 'Year of St. Joseph.'

With many so eager to put 2020 in the rearview mirror, one Catholic publication is saying: "Not so fast."

The Vatican will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations in mid-January, giving priority to its health care workers, security personnel, employees who deal with the public and older residents, employees and retirees.

By taking on the frail human condition, God showed his love for humanity and his desire to share in people's joys and sufferings, Pope Francis said. During his Sunday Angelus address Jan. 3, the pope said that God made the "bold" decision to become human "to tell us, to tell you, that he loves us like that, in our frailty, in your frailty, right there, where we are most ashamed, where you are most ashamed."

As the Catholic Church celebrated World Peace Day Jan. 1, Pope Francis offered prayers for the people of war-torn Yemen, especially the nation's children left without education and often without food by years of civil war.

At the beginning of a year people hope will mark the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis urged them to create a "culture of care," including by sharing the gift of their time with others. Despite suffering from a bout of sciatica, nerve pain, that left him unable to preside over Mass Jan. 1 in St. Peter's Basilica, the pope sent a homily focused on God's blessings and on sharing those blessings with others.

The ancient Christian tradition of marking doorways with blessed chalk on the feast of the Epiphany will carry new meaning for many Catholics in 2021. Following a year that saw families shaken by the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional home blessing will serve as a special symbol of hope and a visible reminder of faith.

On a Christmas like no other, Pope Francis prayed for people who could not be with their families because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he urged everyone to recognize and help those who are suffering even more.

The Vatican is calling for a coordinated international effort to ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide, which are critical to defeat the pandemic, "prioritizing those most in need."

Pope Francis announced that the Catholic Church will dedicate more than a year to focusing on the family and conjugal love.