Finding Hope as we Step into a New Year

January for most of us is a time to look at our lives and resolve to make things better. It might involve restarting something in your life or perhaps getting rid of something that’s been there way too long. Resolution and willpower however need to go hand in hand if you want to make a significant impact on yourself or the world.

Just because you get a new calendar, it doesn’t mean that a new life comes with it. That’s something each of us has to create on our own. The good news is that most of us have the mental and emotional capability of making it happen.

Choosing where to direct our energies is more difficult. The need is great everywhere. We see children without education, food and shelter. We see seniors isolated and alone. Their financial resources are stretched to the limit. Some young mothers are seeking help because they are on their own. Young people feel their lives are empty and have no value.

How we choose to interact with this world of 2026 is up to us. With all the causes in the world that beg for our attention we can feel overwhelmed and inadequate. The situation may look hopeless. If we however choose one place to start, we can move forward one step at a time.

As Vincentians we have resolved to help people with financial needs. This can look different for each one of us. One may volunteer at our stores. Another can help with food at a soup kitchen or a food bank. We can even advocate for proper housing.

We can’t do it all even if we wanted to. All we can do is try to make things better, one person at a time. So look at what new thing you can help with this year. Willpower is needed to make it happen. We can start by putting one foot in front of the other.

Deacon John Girolami
Spiritual Advisor
SSVP Ontario Regional Council