Monday, January 9
When I started my ministry at OLIH I learned that we give away a book at Christmas, and part of my job was to find a book each year. At that time Fr Steve also suggested that we “do” something with that book to engage people in its content.
My first year I offered a night of coming together to talk about it. That year we gave away 1,000 books and had less than 10 people show up for the event – I’m not great with math, but I’m pretty sure that statistically that’s not a great return on our investment. The next year I reimagined what we would “do,” and thus began our Christmas book blog!
I don’t have any mathematical equations that tell me how many we reach this way, but I do know the conversations I get to experience about the book/blog has increased over the years! We are blessed in this parish to have many wonderful people over the years who are willing to share their stories and insights in our blogs so that we can grow together as a community of believers.
Welcome to our seventh annual Christmas Book blog!
I encourage you to read the book (reading plan below), check out the blog (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), and continue the conversation through commenting on the blog and talking with others about what you are reading!
Why The Art of Living this year? As I read this book, I found it both engaging and challenging. I found myself drawn to knowing more about each virtue and how living the virtues of prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice will help me to live more authentically as a Christian, while blessing those whom I encounter throughout my day.
The author gives very practical examples of how to live a virtuous life in both day-to-day situations and larger life decisions. I found myself looking more closely at my life celebrating where I found I have developed a habit of virtue and an honest exploration of where I need to continue to grow in virtue.
My hope is that you too will take a closer look at your life, your choices, and where you may be called to continue to grow in virtue. I believe that we if contemplate how we live the Cardinal virtues we would also find ourselves living more fully the Christian life God calls us to!
I look forward to the next six weeks and the conversations that will arise as we read, pray, listen and share on our own and with one another.
—Patty Mayer
Reading plan:
Monday, January 9 – Wednesday January 18 – Part One: Virtue and Friendship
Friday, January 20 – Part Two: The Four Cardinal Virtues
Monday, January 23-Friday, January 27 – Prudence
Monday, January 30 – Friday, February 3 – Fortitude
Monday, February 6 – Friday, February 10 – Temperance
Monday, February 13 – Friday, February 17 - Justice