With the opportunity the New Year presents, take the time to let go of the things in life we cannot control and focus on the things we can.

It is important to be conscious of the gifts like forgiveness, charity, faith, hope and love. All of these things are blessings bestowed upon us by God which the faithful, as stewards of Christ, must bestow upon others.

As the Holy Father, Pope Francis said: “This New Year brings a responsibility to work so that the world becomes a community of brothers who respect each other, accept each other in one’s diversity, and takes care of one another.”

With hope and faith in our hearts, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle wishes everyone beautiful moments, treasured memories and many blessings in the year ahead.

Happy New Year.