We have entered the “joyful” week of lent!  The fourth Sunday, which in our house is affectionately called, “PINK Sunday!”  Of course, we know that it is Laetare Sunday, but I have a lot of priest friends and I am married to a deacon, and they loudly proclaim that they are wearing rose, NOT pink.  (Of course, I disagree and chalk it up to them being color blind 😊)

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving God who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. God will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.” - St Francis de Sales

I like this quote because it addresses two big spiritual temptations that I always struggle with. 

A little over fifty years ago, Pope Paul VI wrote a document that forever changed the world entitled Humanae Vitae. It may be one of the most controversial documents ever written to date, but it is also one of the most prophetic.This document stated that the Catholic Church, in a time when hormonal birth control was growing in popularity, would stand firm on our teaching that it simply was not acceptable. The Catholic Church stood alone.

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.