Contrary to what marketers and corporations may imply, the actual Christmas season begins with the vigil Mass on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on the Sunday after Epiphany. The Twelve Feast Days of Christmas include several important saints, solemnities, and memorials during this period.
As Pope Francis became the first pope to celebrate Mass on the French island of Corsica Dec. 15, the usual excitement of an open-air Mass with the pope was combined with the flair and pageantry of a Renaissance fair.
Children often look high and low to spot their Elf on Shelf dolls during this time of year, but one entrepreneur took the concept to the next level. Erica Campbell, owner and designer of the “Be a Heart” brand and mother to an 11-month-old girl, created Mary on the Mantel to provide comfort to kids and teach them about their faith.
Advent is upon us, and parishes have placed their wreaths with four candles on the altar in keeping with the Catholic Church’s teachings. But there are many Catholics unaware of the significance of their deeper meaning.
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 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.
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.
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.
THE SECOND READING from St. Paul to the Philippians begins with the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
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.”
