The Year of Faith

The significance of the official logo of the Year of Faith is very simple.  The boat is the traditional symbol of the Church, and it is in movement of the waves; its mast is the cross, and the cross is the sign of the love of Christ and the sign of our faith.  And together with the sails the cross forms initials “IHS” which are Christian letters for ‘Jesus’.  The sun, behind the IHS, makes a Eucharistic host, and the Eucharist is, the centre of our lives and faith.

“The Year of Faith is intended to contribute to the renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the rediscovery of faith, so that the members of the Church will be credible and joy-filled witnesses to the Risen Lord in the world today - capable of leading those many people who are seeking it to the “door of faith”.  (Taken from the Note from theCongregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)

To honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the twentieth  anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI has announced a Year of Faith, which started October 11, 2012, and which will end on November 24, 2013.  The goal of the Year of Faith is to strengthen the faith of Catholics and draw the world to faith by their example.

10 Ways you can The Live “The year of Faith

1. Participate in Mass.  The Year of Faith is meant to promote the personal encounter with Jesus.  This occurs most immediately in the Eucharist.  Regular Mass attendance strengthens one’s faith through the Scriptures, the Creed, other prayers, sacred music, the homily, receiving Communion and being part of the faith community.
2. 2. Go to Confession.  Like going to Mass, Catholics find strength and grow deeper in their faith through participation in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.  Confession urges people to turn back to God, expressing sorrow for falling short and open their lives to the power of God’s healing grace.  It forgives the injuries of the past and provides strength for the future.
3. Learn about the Lives of the Saints.  The saints are timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, and they provide endless hope.  Not only were they  sinners who kept trying to grow closer to God, but they also exemplify ways a person can serve God: through teaching, missionary work, charity, prayer and simply striving to please God in the ordinary actions and decisions of daily life.
4. Read the Bible daily.  Scripture offers first-hand access to the Word of God and tells the story of human salvation.  Catholics can pray the Scriptures (through lectio divina or other methods) to become more attuned to the Word of God.  Either way, the Bible is a must to grow in the Year of Faith.
5. Read the documents of Vatican Council II.  The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) ushered in a great renewal of the Church.  It impacted how Mass is celebrated, the role of the laity, how the Church understands itself and its relationship with other Christians and non-Christians.  To continue this renewal, Catholics must understand what the Council taught and how it enriches the lives of believers.
6. Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Published exactly 30 years after the start of the Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church covers the beliefs, moral teachings, prayer and sacraments of the Catholic Church in one volume.  It’s a resource for growing in understanding of the faith.
7. Volunteer in the parish.   The Year of Faith can’t be only about study and reflection.  The solid grounding of Scripture, the Council and the Catechism must be translated into action.  The parish is a great place to start, and each person’s gifts help to build up the community.  People are welcome as ministers of hospitality. liturgical musicians, lectors, catechists and in other roles in parish life.
8. Help those in need.  The Vatican urges Catholics to donate to charity and volunteer to help the poor during the Year of Faith.  This means to personally encounter Christ in the poor, marginalized and vulnerable.  Helping others brings Catholics face-to-face with Christ and creates an example for the rest of the world.
9. Invite a friend to Mass.  The Year of Faith may be global in its scope, focusing on a renewal of faith and evangelization for the whole Church, but real change occurs a the local level.  A personal invitation can make all the difference to someone who has drifted from the faith or feels alienated from the Church.  Everyone knows people like this, so everyone can extend a loving welcome.
10. Incorporate the Beatitudes into your daily life.  The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a rich blueprint for Christian living.  Their wisdom can help all to be more humble, patient, just, transparent, loving, forgiving and free.  It’s precisely the example of lived faith needed to draw people to the Church in the year ahead.