New Year Blessing from Fr. Warren, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

FRANCISCAN FRIARS of the ATONEMENT May He grant your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. Psalm 20:4 Last year we experienced God’s blessing in an unexpected manner‑time. While many saw a change in their daily routines, others struggled to keep up with their finances and essentially lives changed. In a positive light, it’s a blessing to have extra time with our families; even if unexpected. God has given us the wonder of time, the blessing of days and nights, weeks and years. Many of us find ourselves appreciating the time we have left as many mourned the loss of loved ones. Christ our Savior was born again and we are blessed to receive Him and have Him dwell in us. At the Holy Mountain of Graymoor, our Christmas and first Mass of the New Year was celebrated in a different way but was still filled with joy, hope and peace. The Friars prayed for you and your loved ones. Your support of our ministries during this global pandemic shows your generosity and concern for those who come to us in need of help and your willingness to help those in the spirit of unity. “All of humanity is one, and whenever one man is hurt, we are all injured. For many things on earth are precious, some are holy, but Humanity is holy of Holies”-Rabbi Heschel. The spirit of unity is close to the hearts of all the Friars after such a challenging year. Many people who come to the Friars are suffering from brokenness and disconnection-from their families and their God- and your help to keep our mission going fosters hope and spreads faith. Thank you for your support of our work. Thank you for co‑ministering with us through healing and rehabilitation programs such as St. Christopher’s Inn. Your help allows us to continue our pastoral work at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Retreat Center, and cultivate unity through our work in the global ecumenical and interfaith movement. May we all be beacons of light and Christ’s love through our actions and with our words. May we respond to the call of our faith to work for unity, tolerance, charity, understanding, and mercy. The Friars, with gratitude for your ongoing support, pray that as the New Year begins our Living God will bless you and fill the coming months of 2021 with bright hope that is all of ours through the coming of Jesus Christ. Fr. Robert Warren, S.A. Yours in Christ, Fr. Robert Warren, S.A. Signature Fr. Robert Warren, S.A. Spiritual Director FRANCISCAN FRIARS of the ATONEMENT www.AtonementFriars.org Graymoor P.O. Box 301, Garrison, NY 10524 For more information call us at 888‑720‑8247. © 2021