From the President's Desk - December 29, 2023

Welcome back to Legatus’ From the President’s Desk!

From the President’s Desk is a chance for me to share with you what has held my attention this week. The weekly update will present a selection of observations and news stories focused on Catholic, business, and secular affairs, oriented to inform and empower Catholic professional leaders like you. ??

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??Solemnity of Mary

January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. It has traditionally been a holy day of obligation for Catholics. However, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued the following guidance for 2024:

This year, the obligation to attend Mass on this date is abrogated, in accord with the complementary norm to canon 1246 §2 confirmed for the dioceses of the United States of America.

While not a formal obligation, let’s all plan to get to Mass on Monday, January 1, to observe this important day on our liturgical calendar.

Also, January 1 is the first weekday of 2024. Make a resolution to start attending daily Mass in the new year starting with the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. After all, daily Mass attendance is part of the Tres Magna of Legatus. Need a refresher on Tres Magna and how it can benefit your calling to be an ambassador for Christ in the marketplace? And consider committing to it via our commitment form at this link.

??At Home

This week, my usual On the Road section is being replaced by At Home! It is a joy to be at home for Christmas with my family. Consider the photo a Christmas card from the Henleys!

At Christmas - and ideally throughout the year - the warmth of our homes is a haven for love, laughter, and shared moments that echo the divine love bestowed upon us through the Holy Family. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus reminds us, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." This Christmas, let us gather in His name within the walls of our homes, creating a sanctuary where the bonds of family are strengthened, and the love of Christ shines brightly.

By embracing being together as a family, we can honor the example of the Holy Family cultivating the true spirit of Christmas: celebrating the birth of Jesus and the humility of His entrance into the world.

??2024: A Normal Economy?

It may be possible in 2024. Axios has an interesting piece about the topic. From the story:

This forecast of a normal economy — simultaneously dodging the pain of high inflation, high interest rates, and high unemployment — isn't some remote pipe dream. It's the answer you get when you ask all kinds of decision-makers what they think is most likely.

There are more details in the piece; continue reading at this link. ??

??More Detailed Economic Predictions

S&P Global Market Intelligence has 10 predictions for the economy in 2024. You can read all of them here.

The prediction about global growth got my attention. This chat from the post outlines where growth may be headed in 2024.

We have 12 months to see how this all pans out. Let me know what you think 2024 has in store for the economy!

???When Christmas Is Tough

For some, Christmas can be a challenging time emotionally and spiritually. I saw this great video by Father Mike Schmitz that explains how Christmas can help us conquer grief and struggle. Well worth watching and perhaps sharing with others who need a boost this Christmastide.

Thank you for reading, and be on the lookout for our next From the President’s Desk!

Stephen Henley