As we know, a new Church Year has commenced as we have entered the season of Advent. As mentioned in the past, integral to the season of Advent is the Advent Wreath which has a long Catholic tradition. The Wreath is displayed prominently in front, on the left side of the Sanctuary. It typically has four candles that are lit progressively during the Sundays of Advent. The first candle is the Prophecy Candle or the Candle of Hope. (Read more…)

On November 22nd throughout America, families will gather around tables to thank God and express their love and gratitude to one another.

I think that Thanksgiving Day should be a holy day in the Church. In many places, church attendance is better on the fourth Thursday of November (Thanksgiving Day) than on the first of November (All Saints Day-a holy day of obligation). And it makes sense. God is the Creator of all and the Author of life. (Read more…)

On November 11th, we celebrate Veterans Day – a time when we pause to reflect and pray for all the dedicated men and women who served our country – especially those who have died. This weekend at all masses we will be observing Veterans Day through special prayers of the Faithful and special blessing for our Veterans.

During this time of continued unrest in our world, we think of those who have left family to protect the freedom we have. (Read more…)

This Sunday begins National Vocation Awareness Week here in the United States. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the need to pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious life and married life. People do not just decide to become priests or religious, it is the result of feeling drawn to the life and the work. It is born from a growing faith and love of Christ and the Church and the conviction that service to the Church through this vocation will not only bring joy but also better the lives of others who are drawn to Christ. (Read more…)

Today as we celebrate World Priest Day, we honor the men who have dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Let me then, today take a few moments and reflect on the priesthood.

Sacramentally there are three key things that only priests can do. Hear confessions and give absolution. Anoint the sick. And most importantly: consecrate the Eucharist.

When you consider those three sacraments, they offer a powerful testament to the meaning of the priesthood. (Read more…)

Catholics throughout the world are invited to recommit themselves to the Church’s missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice by observing World Mission Sunday on October 21st. Instituted for the whole Church by Pope Pius XI in 1926, it is traditionally celebrated on the nexttolast Sunday each October.

Today, let us join our brothers and sisters around the world who gather at the Lord’s Table to celebrate, with great joy, our common vocation as missionaries. Our prayers and concrete gestures of solidarity will help build local churches across the globe. (Read more…)