Advent and Christmas offer a needed break from the noise of the current clerical abuse crisis, Church divisions, and secular obsessions with politics. It’s a
When I was a college student with budget issues, I was always looking for a more reasonable lease. Often I would sign a nine-month contract and
I do not usually associate Advent and suffering. I typically think of Advent as a time of joy, a celebration of Jesus coming to us
More than just preparing for the Nativity of Christ at Christmas, the Church reminds us that during Advent we are also to prepare for Christ’s
Looking for a good history book on an obscure topic in Church History? I can’t think of a better book to suit that bill than
Off the Shelf 102 – Father William P. Saunders We are in full Advent prep mode and I have a great book to share with
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the
For those with a special devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle provides the perfect opportunity to journey through the season with Our
Advent is traditionally a time of quiet reflection as we prepare our hearts to embrace the Christ Child once again. Two new Advent devotionals for
Advent has arrived, and now we look forward to celebrating the birth of the Messiah. We also prepare in anticipation for his second coming which
Excitement is in the air as the “holiday season” begins. Around the same time as the reunions and feasts of Thanksgiving, Christmas lights begin to
Catholics can rightfully wish each other “Happy New Year!” on Sunday, December 2nd, because it is the beginning of a new liturgical year in the
One filled with joy preaches without preaching. —St. Teresa of Calcutta Happy New Year! No, I’m not a month early. For Catholics who try to
As you read this you probably either A) have not dived into your Thanksgiving feast or B) just finished. You’re probably also going to say….really
Off the Shelf 099 – Fr. Mark Toups We haven’t dived into our Thanksgiving feasts yet but this week we are going to talk about
My strawberry-blond, freckled-faced, non-stop mother, Jeannine, was the youngest of four and as such was hopelessly spoiled. Nicknamed “Peaches,” she was a very welcome addition
Recently before the start of Mass, I was going over the readings. Though I don’t normally pay attention to the reflection above the first reading,
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service has ended, that
I recently realized how I naturally put on the classical, jazz or fado (traditional Portuguese music) radio stations in my car, without any sacrifice at
On a plane ride a few weeks ago, I found myself seated next to the founder of a Protestant church. He laughed because he was
We all have things that regularly appear in our prayer petitions. Some are wants, some needs, and some are desires. As the saying goes,
It came earlier than usual this year. Typically the “lake effect” snow doesn’t hit until January and then comes regularly through April. It takes the