A New Years Note from Director of the UCC, Fr. Jamie Baca, CSP

December 30, 2020

Wishing you a Blessed Happy New Year!

For many of us, the changing of the calendar this year will be very welcome. It was a year that will be remembered for a pandemic, tragedy, and division, but the gift was in the response of service and sacrifice by many people that sustained us through a difficult time.

Reflecting on this past year, I think of the UCC staff, student leaders and volunteers who worked hard to ensure that our student ministries would continue virtually. I also think of the devotion of medical personnel, first responders, storekeepers and supermarket workers, schoolteachers, facility personnel, transport workers and others who have kept our communities operating and safe. These are the people who brought blessings to the year. They met this challenge generously by answering the call given to each of us: to share God’s love and mercy with those we encounter to preserve the common good. Also, I think of the dedication of our faithful community members and UCLA students, many in uncertain financial situations, who continued to offer needed assistance to the UCC, recognizing the importance of our mission and commitment to the student community. The courage, perseverance, and faith we see in the acts of these people are things to carry with us into the 2021 new year.

As the new year begins, on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, let us resolve to enter it mindful of the blessings we have received from God and let us ask Him to guide us in witnessing to the Good News of Jesus in our world seeking the good in others, and striving where we can to help make the lives of others better.
Know God is always with us. That is our hope; that is what we celebrate at Christmas. During this New Year, 2021, may this truth rest in your hearts and always bring you peace and blessings. God bless you always.

Fr. Jamie Baca, CSP
Director