At this point in our global pandemic, we maintain hope in our Creator, we understand the manner in which this virus spreads and can take reasonable precautions, and have renewed encouragement from the science that has brought our world effective vaccinations which will be available in the coming year. No doubt we have all been touched by grief and loss, but we are of stronger stuff than those who grieve without hope. And so, we offer reading for the new year, intellectual engagement that will fortify and strengthen our spirits, early light to the beacons of hope that may yet shine upon our church, our nation, and our world.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Among the many events that have been canceled or modified this year due to C0VID-19 restrictions, the annual Rocky Mountain March for Life that usually occurs in January in recognition of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, has been revamped as well.

COLORADO SPRINGS. El obispo Michael Sheridan emitió una carta pastoral sobre la Eucaristía con fecha del 18 de diciembre titulada "Un hambre por el pan de vida". La carta describe los factores que deben tenerse en cuenta al asistir a misa durante la pandemia, incluidos los problemas de salud.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Last April, as schools were transitioning to online learning, Catholic-school principals were already discussing plans for opening schools in August. The work continued throughout the summer. “Return to Learn” plans were written, rewritten and modified as new regulations appeared. We opened all the Catholic schools with four diocesan-wide goals:

In the wake of announcements from multiple pharmaceutical companies about safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, many are expressing ethical doubts about whether it is OK to take these vaccines. Do Catholics have a moral duty to decline an inoculation if it was unethically produced using a cell line that came from an abortion?

COLORADO SPRINGS. Bishop Michael Sheridan issued a pastoral letter on the Eucharist dated Dec. 18 titled “A Hunger for the Bread of Life.” The letter outlines the factors that should be considered in attending Mass during the pandemic, including health concerns.

In the garden, it’s time for resting. Our chores have simplified and those glorious snowflakes are, once again, coming for a visit. Winter finds us admiring red and golden trunks and twigs. Our eyes are drawn to dried berries, shapely branches and our beloved “ever”greens.

NEW YORK. The most entertaining Stone Age family since the Flintstones returns to the big screen in “The Croods: A New Age” (PG, Universal), a delightful animated comedy suitable for almost all ages.

This follow-up to the 2013 original is based on a story by that film’s co-directors and screenwriters, Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco. Joel Crawford takes the helm from them with gusto, and the result is a sequel that ramps up the humor and vibrancy while preserving key lessons about family and tolerance.

Separation. It is a reality of life that most of us have encountered in some form in 2020. Whether we have been separated from our families, friends or loved ones, found ourselves removed from our regular routines or felt the symptoms of disconnection from others that manifest spiritually and emotionally, separation has been a prominent feature of this year.