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Today’s entry on the xt3 Christmastide calendar listed alternative ways to ring in the New Year. The Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, is one of four U.S. venues who made the list. 

A humorous look at resolutions.

That’s because the center is offering a way to ring in the New Year Catholic-style — by treating yourself to spiritual renewal in 2009. The New Year’s Eve retreat is a chance to discover anew inner resources for your life. There will be time for Scripture and personal reflection and fellowship. Shirley Cunningham, author of “Chasing God” and founding board member of the Arizona Ecumenical Institute for Spiritual Directors training program, will facilitate the retreat. 

If the retreat doesn’t fit into your schedule, click here for ideas on personal spiritual renewal in the New Year. 

I’ve read in various bulletins that parishes throughout the diocese are holding some sort of New Year’s bash as well. These events appear to be socially-based though.

One parish in Melbourne, Australia had a similar idea. Xt3 said that parish is holding a New Year’s Mass, dinner and dance in honor of a long-time parish priest who is either retiring or being re-assigned. “It’s the end of an era,” according to the archdiocese Web site.