Christmas Day is right around the corner.  For many of us, it’ll be quieter and smaller than normal, but the beauty of the Church’s feasts is that they’re fundamentally the same in gatherings of one or one hundred and in America, China, or anywhere you may find yourself.

card by Olivier Heitz

Tis the season we all come together around a beautifully lit tree to pray before a nativity scene. Some of us even have a family Advent wreath, sing Christmas carols and more. But it is our unique family traditions that truly imprint the magic and beauty of the season on our hearts. Our instructors share some of their treasures: live nativities, ornament exchanges, old fashioned pictures, Jesus' stocking, Christmas book a day, and more. All of these make their Christmas season a time apart from time, a moment that will remain with them forever. They invite you to start your own traditions too!

It is my favorite time of the year!!!  Also, this year being a Catholic has its perks because the year 2020 is over and we have moved into the New year already!  We begin our church year with the beautiful liturgical season of Advent.  When we went to church this past Sunday, we saw we have changed from green to purple!   We prepare ourselves for the Lord by staying awake and being ready.  We try to make this liturgical season a special season in our home.  We do special things, and we celebrate the beautiful saints of the season. 

Sometimes I will be the only church that somebody will know!  You say, what?  Yes, that is true, I, and you, may be the only church that somebody will ever know.  As I read through the readings today on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, this thought began to develop within my heart.  

“Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:6.
Archbishop Chaput asked three things from the Community: do something for families, share the beauty of the liturgy and teach on the Jewish roots of our faith.

Christian and I took the first one to heart: do something for families.

Christine Meert's picture

“Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God.  Do all that you do with love!”  

This is one of my favorite quotes of one of my most favorite saints…St. Thérèse of Lisieux.  I would be amiss if I did not take some time to reflect on this beautiful saint during the week in which we celebrate her feast day, on October 1.   

As you know, I promised going on a little journey with Mary and some of my favorite mysteries of the Rosary.  This week I want to take us into my favorite mystery of the sorrowful mysteries.  I certainly do not want to overlook the importance of any of the mysteries, but there is certainly one that speaks most clearly to me and allows me to enter in more deeply.