An Approach to Global Prayer
Are the Old Ways Better Ways?
Are the Old Ways Better Ways? Story by Joe Pisani Several years ago while I was driving through the North Country of New Hampshire, I stopped at an antiques shop in a small town and spent the afternoon rummaging through all kinds of treasures from the past — colonial era tools, vintage cribbage boards, folk [...]
Kruidnoten Cookies for the Feast of St. Nicholas
By Michelle DiFranco In the Netherlands today, the feast of St. Nicholas is still celebrated with the arrival of “Sinterklaas.” And along with the festivities of the beloved Dutch holiday come plenty of sweet treats, including Kruidnoten, which are little bite-sized cookies made with cinnamon and other sweet spices. It is held by many that [...]
Make This Gingerbread Cookie Wreath
By Evelyn Barella Symbolism of the Advent Wreath The wreath, a circle, expresses God’s unending eternity. Evergreens symbolize God’s changelessness and our immortal soul. Three candles are purple, symbolizing that Advent is a season of waiting, expectation and preparation. The pink candle represents joy and hope in awaiting Jesus’ birth. The light radiating from the [...]
Marriage: A Day at a Time and a Prayer at a Time
Story By Joe Pisani When I was in church recently, a couple renewed their marriage vows on their 61st anniversary. There was a blessing, there was applause, and I suspect there was some envy and confusion. How does a marriage last that long? I doubt there’s no one who can make marriage look easy, but [...]
Preparing Our Hearts To Receive Jesus: Praying During Advent
By Sister Ann Shields 1st Sunday of Advent: November 28 In this first week of Advent, let us focus on preparing our hearts and souls for the great feast of Christmas. We are, in a certain way, invited to the celebration of his birth-day as we attend Midnight Mass or the Mass on Christmas morning. [...]
Starry Night Christmas Punch Recipe
By Michelle DiFranco It’s the official drink of the “Please join us for refreshments after Mass” Catholic fellowship hour. Its translucent color has earned a reputation for satisfying the eye in contrast to its environment – the pale yellow cinder block walls and brown tiles of the church basement. It’s the one “refreshment” that sits [...]
Swap Gift-giving For Giving Together
By Cynthia Kaan Are you and your group of friends just starting out and wondering if you can afford to do a gift exchange? Why not try this — do away with friend gifts altogether! Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas without material gifting. 1. Adopt a family together. Why not grab an angel or [...]
Bow Down: The Meaning Of The Christmas Crèche
By Sister Ann Shield The word was made flesh. The very source of life, the creator of all things of us sent his son in the likeness of sinful man. The Father sent his Son in human flesh to dwell among us that we might draw near to God. Do we? Often, I hear people [...]
How Can I De-stress This Christmas?
God loves us so much that he decided not just to save us, but to do it by becoming one of us. Although we know that Jesus — God among us — is the reason for the season, it’s easy to get caught up in parties, gifts, greeting cards and baking. Here are a few [...]