This week, on Thursday, December 8, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Not only is this a great feast of our Lady in its own right, but it is under the title of her Immaculate Conception that the United States is dedicated to our Lady as our patroness – it is our national feast day.

Here are 7 things you need to know about the teaching and the way we celebrate it. (Read more…)

As we know, a new Church Year has commenced as we have entered the season of Advent.  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.  It reminds us that we can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us.  (Read more…)

Today is the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year and we gather to celebrate this great feast of Christ the King. The Church wants us to reflect upon what the whole of all creation is ultimately about. Our Faith tells us that Christ will return to establish the Kingdom of God and when that time comes, the world as we know it will be transformed. This is not something to be feared but rather something we long for because it means the complete fulfillment of God’s will. (Read more…)

In addition to “transitional deacons” who are in formation for the priesthood, the Catholic Church provides an opportunity for men to serve as Permanent Deacons.  Those men who are called to the Permanent Deaconate can be married, and they are ordained usually after a period of five years of training and formation.  Many permanent deacons have secular jobs to support their families, and strive to balance family, Church, work, and other responsibilities.

Deacons can: Preside at baptisms and marriages. (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, permanent deacons, 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…)