Grapes of Anticipation 2022

Happy New Year 2022!

Here we are, back at that "blank slate" day, marveling at what could be possible in the year ahead.

Once again, I use the Spanish custom of 12 grapes at New Year to guide my reflections on what I anticipate.

Grape #1: With gladness I look forward to the 30th anniversary of our family's move to Oak Park, fully aware of how much my home has shaped me for the better.

Grape #2: I joyfully look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of starting at Julian in September because of the great impact my Julian years continue to have on me.  The anniversary of my 8th grade graduation, June 8, falls on a Wednesday this year, at 17 years, and that alignment will surely add a special touch to my commemoration.

Grape #3: I look forward to doing my part to celebrate Mom and Dad's 40th wedding anniversary on September 4.

Grape #4: I look forward to participating in the democratic process of the republic with the 2022 elections, with the Illinois primaries moved to a different date, in June, this year.

Grape #5: I look forward to seeing coverage of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Grape #6: I look ahead to finding new books and getting a chance to read.

Grape #7: I'm eager to see the next steps the US Roman Catholic bishops will take in implementing the Eucharistic Revival.

Grape #8: I look forward to more travel, with plans coming together for a family trip in Washington, D.C.

Grape #9: While I'm eager to be part of Open House Chicago 2022, OHC 2021 made me more aware of various sites in Chicagoland. I'm eager to keep exploring throughout the year, including the National Shrine of St. Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini for the Jubilee year marking the 75th anniversary of her canonization.

Grape #10: The St. Augustine Mission anticipates opening its new school in 2022, and I look forward to following the news.

Grape #11: Given that two close college friends married in 2021, I'm looking forward to hearing more about their lives in marriage and what they'll experience throughout 2022 in their first year of marriage.

Grape #12: I eagerly await Confirmation day this year, as I accompany yet another group of students to this important moment in their lives.

So I now commend 2022 to God's grace, as I marvel at seeing God, always constant, at work as the years go by and to see the new ways God's grace flows forth upon us.