Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What’s in a Name?

The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. At this Name, all the powers of heaven—and even those of hell—bow in reverence. As St. Paul teaches, it is a Name above every other name: infinitely holy, wonderful, revered, and powerful.


It is remarkable that God not only reveals His Name to us, but invites us to call upon it, pray through it, and keep it close to our hearts. When we hold this Name in our minds, on our lips, and within our prayer, we carry a shield and a sword that no evil can overcome.


Good News for 2026!

This e-newsletter is filled with uplifting resources and upcoming events to enrich your new year.


On December 16, 2025 the Holy See announced the appointment of the Rev. Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez, LL.B., J.C.D. as Sixth Bishop of Palm Beach. Let us joyfully welcome our new bishop to our diocesan family! Please see details below.


In our Special Events section, the Catholic Men for Jesus Florida will host its 25th Annual Men’s Rally at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius of Loyola. All men of the diocese are warmly encouraged to attend—and to bring sons and grandsons. What better way to share the faith with the young men of our community? Details and registration are available below.


In the For Your Marriage section, married couples are invited to register for the upcoming Marriage Tune-Up Weekend Retreats, sponsored by the Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation & Youth Ministry. Reservations are now open for both the English and Spanish retreat weekends. Space is limited and fills quickly—see the details below.


We have also added the 42nd Annual Anniversary Masses, celebrated by Bishop Gerald Barbarito, to our list of events. This beautiful celebration honors couples celebrating 25 or more years of marriage. Additional information can be found below.


In our Liturgical Living section, deepen your appreciation of this beautiful season. As God reveals Himself anew in the celebrations of Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, you’ll find helpful resources to share with family and friends.


We pray that this year brings peace and joy to your homes, families, and parish communities. May God bless you abundantly in 2026.


Happy New Year to you and yours!


Cathy, Deacon Louie, Maria, Liliana, Andy,

Cindy, Rosario, and Beth


Share this email with everyone!

Together let us build, unite, and grow our Church.


We’d love to hear from you! Let us know how we can better support you and your parish in our shared mission of evangelization—to bring others to an encounter with Christ and into deepen appreciation for our rich Catholic faith.


Contact us anytime at: family@diocesepb.org

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BISHOP EMERITUS

THANK YOU BISHOP BARBARITO

The Diocese of Palm Beach is forever grateful to Bishop Barbarito for his more than 22 years of paternal leadership. Bishop Barbarito has been a diligent shepherd teaching our community to live the truth in Love by his example and encouragement. He is an inspiration for devotion to our Blessed Mother teaching us to walk hand in hand with her to Christ our Lord. Thank you for your continuous support and love through these many years.

JOY OF THE FAMILY BLOG

SECOND STAR TO THE RIGHT


Author: Andy Baker, Faith & Family Formation, Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator, Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation & Youth Ministry - Diocese of Palm Beach

Spiritually Healthy in 2026

Is it time to integrate prayer into your daily routine?

Try a Novena!

A novena is a nine-day prayer that you typically say to a specific saint for a special intention. Some novenas are said in one day, or over nine months, but typically you repeat them over nine consecutive days. Some people add on extra practices like fasting or acts of service to deepen their novena experience!

The practice of praying a novena for nine days goes far back in both Jewish and Christian traditions. In the Bible, the number nine is associated with suffering, purification, and new beginnings. One of the first novenas was when Mary and the disciples waited and prayed for the Holy Spirit for nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost. When you pray a novena, you’re entering into a long and powerful tradition of praying for nine days!"

Resources: https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/about-novenas.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqokuIY7kfy7ciFF392lGkvV4vkiXmMxctu5ANpsp4kKox

https://catholicnovenaapp.com/list-of-all-novenas/

God reveals himself to us

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord


Epiphany is an ancient feast that celebrates God’s manifestation to the whole world. Although it has traditionally been observed on January 6, the 1970 liturgical reforms moved the celebration to the first Sunday of January in many places. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord commemorates Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River and provides a meaningful opportunity to teach children about the significance of baptism and to form family traditions. This feast also marks the official end of the Christmas season.


Epiphany reminds us that God’s light is for everyone. Just as the Magi followed a star to find Jesus, we are invited to notice the signs of God’s presence in our own lives and to seek Him with open hearts.


At the Baptism of the Lord, Jesus steps into the Jordan to stand with us, showing that God enters our humanity fully and lovingly. As the Father calls Jesus “my beloved,” we remember that through our own baptism we, too, are claimed as God’s beloved children.


These feasts close the Christmas season with a simple message: God reveals Himself to us, walks with us, and invites us to live each day as people who carry His light into the world. Click on the images below to explore!

Sources https://www.catholicicing.com/epiphany-house-blessing-with-chalk/

https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/epiphany

https://catholicprintableclub.com/how-to-celebrate-the-baptism-of-the-lord-sunday-after-epiphany/

Have a good marriage but wonder if it could be better?

Make 2026 The Best Year Yet!

Reservations OPEN - Sign up early! Spots fill quickly! Click on flyers to register.

Spanish: January 24-25, 2026 - English: February 14-15, 2026

Just added! Our 42nd Anniversary Masses! See details on flyer.

The Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation & Youth Ministry (MFLFFYM) is here to encourage couples at all stages of life to understand and live God’s plan for a happy, holy marriage by providing educational and spiritual resources.

Keynote Speaker

Monsignor James Patrick Shea

Catholic Men for Jesus Florida

25th Annual Men's Rally

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Cathedral of St. Ignatius - Palm Beach Gardens.


Monsignor James Patrick Shea, president of the University of Mary since 2009, became the youngest college president in the U.S. at age 34. A native of North Dakota and priest of the Diocese of Bismarck, he has a rich educational background, including degrees from the Catholic University of America and studies at Harvard and the Vatican. Deeply committed to the education and formation of young people, Monsignor Shea is a priest of the Diocese of Bismarck. He was recently a keynote speaker at the National Eucharistic Congress.

For Young Adults .... Events and Resources

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We believe that it all starts with the family, the domestic church.

Our goal in the Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth & Young Adult Ministry (MFLFFYM for short!) is to support parishes, parents & families in their journey of faith as they live out their God-given call with others. 

Ready To Cast Out Into The Deep?

Every Catholic should consider their vocation as a call for their life.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, the Diocese of Palm Beach joyfully announces the Ordination of Rev. Mr. Alpha Jorge Jedidiah Preble to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Click on Events Button for details.

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