Christmas must not be confused with “ephemeral things” that reduce the celebration of Christ’s birth “to a merely sentimental or consumerist festival,” the pope said Dec. 23 during his weekly general audience.
Christmas ‘hijacked’ by consumerist mentality, pope says
New Jersey parishes find creative new ways to engage Catholics this Christmas
Tickets for Masses, virtual holiday concerts, video Christmas cards, and drive-by Nativity scenes: It’s beginning to look a lot like a different sort of Christmas.
Learn from times of crisis, avoid conflict, pope tells Curia officials
Crises are a normal part of life, including the life of faith, and must be accepted as challenges to discern and to change, leaving behind what is not essential, Pope Francis said Dec. 21.
Sacred Scripture needs to be respected, valued, Vatican says
The Vatican has issued recommendations for the Jan. 24 celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God, including do’s and don’ts about using sacred Scripture.
Meditating with Giorgione’s painting ‘The Adoration of the Shepherds’
Art invites us to look at Scripture in new ways. Nativity scenes usually focus on the Holy Family, but this painting focuses on the shepherds, centered in the middle of the painting.
Contemplating the closeness of the Incarnation in a year of separation
“How could we possibly find God in the suffering of separation, especially in a season that for many us is often spent in closeness with others?”
Sweet Christmas cookie tradition connects members of Alexandria community
For nearly 30 years, the Cookie Connection tradition has brought Christmas cheer to the homebound or those unable to bake. This year, however, the tradition changed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Eden Valley, Watkins parishes to host outdoor Nativity story
The churches of St. Anthony in Watkins and Assumption in Eden Valley will host an outdoor depiction of the Nativity story. “The Story of Jesus’ Birth: A Drive Through Christmas Event,” will be held at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 23.