February, 2025

A Reminder of God’s Love in the Depth of Winter!

Fr. John Schmidt, C.Ss.R.

Dear Co-Redemptorist,

February can be a dreary month especially in the upper Midwest. Cold, snowy and dark days are a little difficult to bear especially after we’ve taken down the lights, and the beauty of the Christmas ornaments has passed. This month the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is a Christmas feast 40 days after his birth. Many parishioners will bring statutes of the Christ Child to church for a blessing. It’s a nice reminder of the great love God has for us.

For Redemptorists, February marks the anniversary of the approval of our rule and purpose in the Church. Formally accepted in 1749 we’ve been known as Redemptorists since and continue to this day preaching the good news of plentiful redemption. Our seminarians share in this mission as they continue their studies and ministries in the Bronx and San Antonio. We pray especially for the novices at the international Redemptorist novitiate in Mexico. As this year unfolds, they will listen deeply to the voice of Jesus guiding them in discernment. The goal of their formation is to become faithful missionaries, to accompany and sustain Christ’s people amid the joy, hope, doubt, and fear of everyday life.

February is dedicated to Black History and the opportunity to “join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.” Black Catholics who shine as faithful witnesses of Christ include: St. Charles Lwanga and companions, St. Josephine Bakhita, Pope St. Victor, Blessed Isidore Bakanja, Venerable Augustus Tolton and Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman. These and many more offer us powerful inspiration to follow Christ.

Thank you for your support to our Redemptorist seminarians. Through your gifts and prayers, you promote vocations. Continue to pray for all the young men interested in Redemptorist life that they will answer Christ’s call and join us in preaching Plentiful Redemption.

In Christ, the Redeemer,

Father John K. Schmidt, C.Ss.R.
Director, Co-Redemptorist Association

P.S.: Have you considered including the Redemptorists in your estate plans? Through your stewardship, you share in our many Redemptorists ministries. Will you join us on this final journey of Faith? Fr. Joseph Dorcey, C.Ss.R., Office of Financial Services, is available to discuss a special legacy gift that can continue the Redemptorists’ work beyond your lifetime. Send him an email, or call at 312-248-8894.