The initiative started three years ago when Father Michael Perry, pastor of Our Lady of Refuge, Flatbush, noticed that the Christmas tree that once adorned Grand Army Plaza was replaced with cones of lights
Advent
Advent: A Time to Give More, Consume Less
ADVENT IS A time of waiting and preparation through prayer and reflection – a time of anticipation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
For What Are We Preparing This Advent?
Once again, the Church year has begun with the season of Advent. This is a time of hope, of preparation, of expectation. Despite all past mistakes – globally, nationally or personally – we can open ourselves to a spiritual renewal. We are reminded once again that the coming of God into the world through Christ did not happen in a perfect world.
In What Direction Are We Going?
Here we are at Advent’s door and we hear a clear call, an imminent command to turn to God and away from injustices.
Christmas Mass Listings
Listing of Christmas Masses in Brooklyn and Queens.
Students Bring Real Life to Nativity Scene
Parishioners saw Scripture come to life Saturday, Dec. 5 as students from Our Lady of Fatima School, Jackson Heights, portrayed a retelling of the Nativity story.
The Vatican Christmas Stamp Features 15th Century Painting
This year’s Vatican Christmas stamps feature a 15th-century manuscript illumination of the Holy Family. The special edition stamps went on sale Nov. 19 in two denominations of 80 euro cents and 95 euro cents in sheets of 10.
NYC Choir CD Offers Sacred Sounds of Season
The secular world ignores Advent, begins celebrating Christmas the day after Halloween and packs up the holiday before the New Year, Paul J. Murray said. He decided to make a CD recording of his choir singing sacred Advent and Christmas music.
Jesus: Dark Stranger or Bright Brother?
It is hardly the biggest surprise in the world, but one that we forget so frequently that it would be funny if it were not so sad: Jesus is on our side. He is no one of whom to be afraid. In Advent, when we confront the fact that the Second Coming is closer now than ever before, we start to think about the end of the world and do so with discomfort. Do we forget so easily the one with whom we are dealing? I’m afraid we do.
Message of Advent Is That Good Will Win
One of the eighth-grade Confirmation students that I teach religion to made a startling statement. She said, “I think there is more evil in the world than good. Look at all the wars, all the hatred, all the killing.” I had to agree that this is how it appears. But I noted that often only negative events get into the news, not the myriad acts of love and service many people perform daily.