Parishes throughout the New York City area are providing an opportunity for Catholics to go to confession on Dec. 16 on what is called “Reconciliation Monday.”
Advent
The Three Comings of Christ During Advent
Advent is a time of waiting and expectation, and the violet color that priests wear at Mass during this liturgical season is a symbol of deep longing for the coming of Christ into our lives.
Pope Urges Display of Nativity Scenes in Both Public and Private
In a document signed in the city where the Nativity crèche was born, Pope Francis on the first Sunday of Advent urged Christians to keep the “beautiful family tradition” of preparing these scenes in the days before Christmas, but also to keep the custom of setting them up in the workplace, in schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares.
Advent – Living the Faith
Dear Editor: During Advent, we are told to prepare for the coming of the Lord and not to let that day overtake us by surprise. I just heard a homily where the celebrant mentioned everything from trimming trees, shopping, preparing meals, being kind to one another and living the Faith in order to prepare for the Lord’s coming.
Advent Is a Time to Rejoice and Repent
THE SECOND READING from St. Paul to the Philippians begins with the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
The Advent of Christmas
IN THE LINER notes of an album, musicians usually thank their colleagues, staff, and family for their talent and support. But on the back cover of Grammy nominee Matt Maher’s new record “The Advent of Christmas,” the singer-songwriter expresses an unusual sentiment of gratitude: “Thanks to the red cardinal that kept showing up during the making of this record.”
Advent – An Invitation To Practice Hospitality
Yes, as we go through life waiting for history’s final moment, we have a responsibility to welcome one another, to take care of each other, especially those who are most vulnerable. They are the face of Jesus Christ among us.
Making Room ‘At the Inn’ of Our Hearts for Others
The ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’ slogan reminds us that sometimes the commercial side of the season could leave Jesus ‘no room at the inn’ of our lives. Caring for others during this joyful season could be a very good way to ‘Keep Christ in Christmas.’
Advent Is the Time to Focus on Vigilance and Prayer, Pope Says
Christians can turn Christmas into a “pagan” or “mundane” holiday by focusing on the gifts and the tree rather than on the birth of Jesus and his promise to come again, Pope Francis said.
The Graced Days of Advent
Advent is a time of grace, called “Kairos,” a Greek word which means a graced time. As we have begun Advent, we recognize that it is our preparation time for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
