Bishop John Noonan calls for faithful service in annual letter
As the Christmas season draws to a close, Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando has issued a letter urging Catholics to embrace their role as witnesses of Christ in the new year. In his message, Bishop Noonan reflects on the significance of being called “beloved” and encourages the faithful to carry forward God’s covenant by serving others and living out their faith.
“We are near the end of the Christmas season. We are called, as Jesus’ destiny, to carry on His mission, to accommodate God’s people, no matter where we encounter one another, and be His light. We are called, as Jesus is called from the Heavens at His Baptism, beloved!” he wrote.
Bishop Noonan highlighted that being named “beloved” signifies a special relationship with God that extends through all ages. He explained that this calling should shape personal resolutions for 2026 beyond self-improvement or material success.
“As we live within this new year, 2026, what then would be our New Year’s resolution? Easily, we might say, ‘to better ourselves.’ Before we draw that general conclusion, let us be reminded of the Holy Family to whom we are born and our mission to lead others to God all our days,” he stated.
He emphasized that health, education, and financial stability can have deeper meaning when viewed through one’s calling as beloved by God. The bishop encouraged integrating these goals into efforts aimed at furthering God’s kingdom on earth.
Bishop Noonan also pointed to the importance of baptism in uniting believers with Christ and giving them life. Quoting Pope Leo XIV: “The Sacrament of Baptism renounces a culture of death which includes ‘indifference, contempt for others, drug use, the pursuit of an easy life, sexuality turned into entertainment and the objectification of the human person, injustice,’ etc.” The bishop continued with Pope Leo’s words: “‘It is the light of Christ, dead and risen, that we commit to keeping alive, nourishing this light by listening to the word of God and by regular participation in the Eucharist.'”
He invited parishioners in 2026 to focus on spiritual health by studying scripture and participating in sacraments. He encouraged acts such as supporting Catholic Charities or parish food banks for those in need.
“Now is the time to remember those who are in need… Now is the time to honor the dignity of each person as a child of God… Now is the time to dedicate each day to glorify God upon our arising and at rest,” Bishop Noonan wrote.
Concluding his letter with another quote from Pope Leo XIV: “We become authentic Christians when we allow ourselves to be personally touched in our daily lives by the Word and witness of Jesus. In the midst of your tribulations… may your hearts be established in Him who is ‘the Way, the Truth, and the Life,’…”
The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968. It encompasses Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter,and Volusia Counties; it currently includes 79 parishes along with missions,basilicas,and schools under Bishop John Noonan’s leadership.
“If we live as authentic Christians,” Bishop Noonan concluded,”2026 will be a very good year.”
