Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Bishop's Column: Finding Joy and Balance in Leisure

Posted on July 21, 2024 in: Reflections

Bishop's Column: Finding Joy and Balance in Leisure

July/August 2024 Four County Catholic


“Through leisure, man rediscovers himself and finds again his true face, his true self, created in the image and likeness of God.”
– Pope John Paul II, Laborem Exercens, 1981

 

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we enter summertime, synonymous with relaxation and leisure, it's important to reflect on the significance of these moments. Leisure is not merely a time to escape our responsibilities but a God-given opportunity to restore our spirits and strengthen our relationships. Just as the seasons change, bringing different rhythms and opportunities, so too do the seasons of our lives call us to different ways of engaging with the world and with God.

In the summer of 1975, during my first assignment as a priest, my pastor pointed out an ad in the local paper: “Golf pro giving six lessons for one dollar apiece.” He suggested it would be a good opportunity to get outside, learn a new skill, and bond with the community. I signed up and found myself among recently retired senior citizens. Despite the age gap, we bonded over our shared eagerness to learn.

At the final lesson, the pro set up a putting challenge: “If you make this putt, Father Cote, you’ll see me in church next Sunday.” With a prayer and steady hand, I made the shot. True to his word, the golf pro was in the pews that Sunday, showing me the power of leisure and recreation in building community and witnessing to our faith.

God’s goodness and care for us are evident in the cycles of nature and the rhythm of our lives. Each season offers unique blessings and opportunities for growth. Summer, with its longer days and warmer weather, invites us to step outside our routines and embrace the world in a more leisurely and contemplative manner. It’s a time to appreciate the beauty of creation, to nurture our relationships, and to find joy in simple pleasures.

The concept of leisure is deeply rooted in our faith tradition. In the Bible, we see Jesus taking time to withdraw from the crowds, to pray, and to rest. These moments of retreat were essential for Him to fulfill His mission. Likewise, we need times of rest and recreation to recharge our spirits and maintain our well-being. Leisure, when embraced in a healthy and purposeful way, can be a source of joy and renewal.

One way to use our leisure time for good is by engaging in activities that foster physical, mental, and spiritual health. This might include spending time in nature, reading, exercising, or participating in hobbies that bring us joy. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with loved ones, strengthening our bonds through shared experiences and quality time together.

Additionally, leisure can be a time for spiritual growth. Taking a break from our busy schedules allows us to reflect on our lives, pray, and deepen our relationship with God. Consider setting aside time for a retreat, attending a spiritual workshop, or simply dedicating a few quiet moments each day to prayer and meditation. These practices can help us better understand God’s presence in our lives and His loving care for us.

In his book Leisure: The Basis of Culture, Catholic philosopher Josef Pieper wrote, “Leisure is the basis of culture. It allows us to see beyond the immediate, the useful, and the urgent to the eternal, the true, and the beautiful. Leisure is an attitude of the mind and a condition of the soul that fosters a capacity to perceive the reality of the world.”

As we enjoy the gifts of summer, let us also remember to be joyful in the Lord. St. Paul’s words to the Philippians resonate deeply: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and when we approach our leisure with a heart full of gratitude and joy, we witness to the world the goodness of God.

May this summer be a time of rest, renewal, and rejoicing for all of us. Let us embrace leisure not just as a break from work but as a sacred time to grow closer to God, to our loved ones, and to ourselves. In doing so, we honor the rhythms of life that God has so lovingly designed for our well-being and happiness.

Yours in the peace of Christ,

Michael R. Cote
Bishop of Norwich

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Candles, Prayers, and Healing: The Blessing of Throats Explained
Each year on February 3, the Feast of St. Blaise, Catholics come together for the beautiful and unique tradition of the Blessing of Throats. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder of God’s care for us — both body and soul. St. Blaise, a 4th-century bishop and martyr, is known for a pretty amazing story. One day, he saved a young boy who was choking on a fishbone. This miracle led to his reputation as the patron saint of throat ailments. Over the centuries, people have turned to him for help with illnesses, trusting in his intercession and God’s ...

Read More

Archbishop Coyne Reflects on the Baptism of the Lord: "Don't Ever Apologize for Being Catholic"
This past Sunday, Archbishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich, delivered an inspiring homily at the Baptism of the Lord Mass. In his message, he urged the faithful to embrace their identity as Catholics with confidence and joy, reminding them, "Don't ever apologize for being Catholic." Archbishop Coyne drew meaningful connections between the baptism of Jesus and our own call to live as beloved children of God. He reflected on the feast's profound significance, encouraging the community to proclaim the Good News boldly...

Read More

The Transformative Power of Catholic Education
I recently attended a reunion of my high school class. Most of the men I hadn’t seen in over a half-century. We reminisced about our high school experience, the great times, the great and not-so-great teachers, and the good and bad of attending an all-boys high school. But what we all remembered most was the wonderful academic environment created by the Vincentians who administered the school. We attended St. John's Preparatory School, which at the time was located on Lewis Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York. “The Prep” w...

Read More

The Four Loves and Our Faith

Posted on February 05, 2025 in: Reflections

25

The Four Loves and Our Faith
As we turn the calendar toward Valentine’s Day, our thoughts are often drawn to images of romantic love — heartfelt exchanges, sweet moments with loved ones, and a world draped in pink and red. Yet, C.S. Lewis invites us to broaden our understanding of love beyond romance alone. His book The Four Loves is a profound meditation on the complex, nuanced nature of love, dividing it into four distinct categories: affection, friendship, romantic love and charity. Each offers us a different glimpse into the heart of God and provides a pathway toward living a fuller, mo...

Read More

Celebrating the Four Loves with Children

Posted on February 04, 2025 in: Reflections

11

Celebrating the Four Loves with Children
Valentine’s Day fills our children’s world with hearts, sweets and fun, but it also offers us a chance to teach them about love through our faith. Instead of focusing only on romance, we can use this holiday to explore love’s many dimensions, helping our children grow in their understanding of true, faith-centered love. The Simple Love of Family (Storge) Affection, or storge, is the love we find in the day-to-day moments shared with family. Remind your children that love isn’t just grand gestures; it’s in the small acts of care we show ...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
The Four Loves and Our Faith
Witnessing Hope — My First March For Life
Celebrating the Four Loves with Children
CNA Explains: How Are ‘Low-Gluten’ Communion Hosts Made for Mass?
A Month of Compassion: Film Events to Support St. Vincent de Paul Place
Calendar of Events

 

Celebrating 150 Years: St. Joseph School Honors Faith, Family, and Tradition
Religious Icons: Hope & Faith Video Series
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Click to view album: Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW) 46th Annual Layette
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294