For many if not most people, 2017 was a year of trials, disasters, and fear, and many of us find it difficult to perceive much change in the new year. But as Christians, we are called to be a people of hope, and there are things that we can do to bring more light to ourselves and to those around us!  In 2018, let's open up to #aNewBeginningWithJesus. If you start every day with a quick prayer, then you’ve changed the whole day already!...

I remember a clever Jesse Tree that my Mom made when I was growing up. My favorite ornament (representing Adam and Eve) was a little plastic apple core that had once been on a child’s play necklace. There was also a Noah’s ark, Jacob’s ladder, Moses’ burning bush, and Joseph’s coat of many colors, as well as symbols for Ruth, Samuel, David, etc. I really liked it, but there was one problem.I was always wondering, “What does this have to do with Christmas?&rdqu...

Dear Friend,Have you ever asked your mom about the day you were born?  How she felt when she first saw you? My Mother, Mary, had some awesome things happen to her before I was born! It was all part of my Father’s plan to send me to save everyone—all of mankind—from sin. My Mother, Mary, was chosen by my heavenly Father to be my Mother. Her “yes” to the angel’s message would change her life forever! With it would come a lot of challenges. Soon enough I was...

Dear Friend,Have you ever had a hard time learning something? Sometimes, no matter how hard you study, you still might not get the grade you hope for. Maybe the person next to you doesn’t even have to study to get an A+. I see more than just grades. I know what effort you put into your work.Or perhaps you know someone who’s a good athlete and makes lots of goals. Maybe you go to every practice and try very hard, but you just don’t shine as much on the field. I see the true effo...

This great missionary was born at Xavier Castle in Spain in 1506. He went to the University of Paris when he was eighteen. Here he met Saint Ignatius Loyola, who was about to start the Society of Jesus. Saint Ignatius tried to get Francis to join him. At first the happy-go-lucky young man would not think of it. Saint Ignatius repeated to him the words of Jesus in the Gospel: "What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" At last, Francis sa...

Do you have family members who are away from the Church and are not sure what to say to them when they are home for Christmas?I've been there. I was an atheist for over ten years. But every year, I went to Christmas Mass with my family. I am not sure why. Sometimes I felt annoyed during the homilies or unmoved by the liturgy, but there were other times when I felt something stir within me. Granted, I never felt motivated enough to return to the Church after attending a Ch...

by Geraldine Ann Marshall (author of Spider’s Gift: A Christmas Story)Creator of all, thank you for everyday miracles: for spider webs shining with rainbows, for golden honey on warm biscuits, and for cricket symphonies. And thank you for the greatest miracle of all: the birth, life, death, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus. Help us to know your miracles in our lives and to share our gifts with everyone we meet. (Spider’s Gift: A Christmas Story)In Advent, we are waiting: waiting f...

So Thanksgiving is almost upon us, a time to express gratitude to God in the company of family and friends. But in a time of deep divisions between people, holidays that bring us together can also tear us apart. Here are three tips for surviving and thriving this Thanksgiving: Take the high road. You will never, ever regret it. Even when someone seems to be baiting you, be graceful, change the subject, acknowledge that they have a right to their opinion. Avoid alcohol. Drinking only intensifies ...

How do I make an Advent Wreath?  If your family doesn’t already follow this tradition, why not start? You can buy Advent wreaths, but all you really need are three purple candles and a pink one. Place them in a circle and arrange some pine branches and pine cones around them. Or, you can make safe “candles” with toilet paper (cardboard) rolls and tissue paper – don’t light these! All you need to do is paint three of the toilet paper rolls purple and one of them...

With so much tragedy and anxiety in the world, it’s more important than ever to remember that God is with us through everything. We’re not alone. But sometimes the same routine prayers don’t seem to make a difference. Perhaps this is a good time for you to try a different form of prayer, for a different season of life. Vocal prayer is what we’re all most used to. We say words to God, either from an established prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.) or simply speaking to God...