The first two weeks of the new Trump administration have been two steps forward and one step backward when it comes to Catholic values. With breakneck speed, President Trump has been handing out Sharpies used to sign all the executive orders being implemented early on in the administration.

As the U.S. embarks on Catholic Schools Week, the importance of a faith-based education cannot be overstated. The steady enrollment numbers of students within the Diocese of Brooklyn backs that conviction. According to the Catholic Schools of Brooklyn and Queens, Catholic academies and school communities within the diocese educate over 30,000 students in the two boroughs from early childhood through high school.

The devastation of the Southern California wildfires has put many aid organizations, including Catholic charitable groups, into action mode to help the more than 30,000 displaced residents. The Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton wildfires have forced most residents to evacuate from areas like Pacific Palisades.

Monday, Jan. 20, is a national trifecta for America. First, it’s a national holiday celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. Second, it’s Inauguration Day for President Donald Trump. And third, Notre Dame is playing in the NCAA football national championship against Ohio State University.

The Jubilee Year 2025 represents a significant moment of grace, renewal, and spiritual opportunity for Catholics worldwide. Rooted in the biblical tradition of jubilee as a time of restoration and liberation, this holy year calls all believers to a deeper encounter with God and their neighbor. With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” Pope Francis invites the faithful to rediscover the transformative power of God’s mercy and to live out their faith in acts of charity, justice, and solidarity.

We gather in the radiant light of Christmas, celebrating the profound mystery of the Incarnation — God taking on human flesh. The second person of the Most Blessed Trinity, the Son of God, is born into our fallen yet redeemed world. Amidst the joy of this sacred season, let us reflect on one of his titles proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah: Christ, the “Prince of Peace.”

It’s amazing how some things haven’t changed during the Advent season. More than 2,000 years ago, a young couple traveled to a strange land. The woman was pregnant, and the husband was a humble carpenter. The town of Bethlehem was not so welcoming to the newly arrived migrants. There were no accommodations for them, so they had to find a manger for Mary to welcome the first arrival of Jesus.

As we pulled out the Thanksgiving leftovers for a weekend meal, we found ourselves preparing to celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. As much of 2024 time seems to be accelerated at a far quicker pace than years past, we need to set aside some time for personal reflection of the reason for the season.

Black Catholic History Month is celebrated every November in the United States to honor the significant contributions of black Catholics to the Church and to remember the rich history, faith, and resilience of black Catholics in the face of historical challenges.

Greetings on Thanksgiving Day. While a slight majority of the nation may be thankful this year, given the election results earlier this month, it may not be a topic you wish to explore.