This week's prayer is so simple and easy, yet often overlooked - it's time to bless our children! If you don't have children around, consider using the blessing for other loved ones. It's power is astonishing. (Click here for Children's Blessing) 

Is it still looking a lot like Christmas? It should be! We're in the midst of the beautiful Christmas season, so it's time to be celebrating! Our Magi are getting closer to the Nativity scene, our Christmas lights are sparkling, and we're sharing gifts and stories throughout these 12 days. We're also getting ready for our Epiphany party! If you haven't celebrated Epiphany before, consider trying it this year over the weekend of January 6th. (Click here for some Epiphany party ideas.)
 

We love celebrating throughout the 12 days of Christmas. It is a lovely season to celebrate our faith. Use your white or gold candle for the Christmas season. (Click here to learn more about the Christmas season)

These lovely candles are  available for purchase through Wolfe's Baldwin Brass Center Ordering candles from this link  financially supports this site. Thank you!

• Sunday, December 30 is the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in which Jesus grew in wisdom and faith.
   
• Monday, December 31 is the memorial of St. Sylvester I, the 4th century pope who witnessed the horrendous persecutions of the Roman emperor Diocletian, saw Constantine's legalization of Christianity, and supported the teachings from the Council of Nicea, from which we received the Nicene Creed .
   
• Tuesday, January 1 is the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. It is also the world day of prayer for peace.
   
• Wednesday, January 2 is the memorial of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen, who were friends in school during the 4th century A.D., and were known for their holiness and intellectual greatness. Both men became  bishops and Doctors of the Church.
   
• Thursday, January 3 we celebrate the Most Holy Name of Jesus. When we say His name, it should always be with love and respect. Is that how you usually hear and use His name?
   
• Friday, January 4 is the memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the widow and mother of five children who was baptized Episcopalian, converted to Catholicism as an adult, and went on to found the first Catholic school in Maryland (1808) and a religious community of sisters.
   
• Saturday, January 5 is the memorial of St. John Neumann, an American bishop who strongly believed in the importance of education. During the mid-19th century he organized the building of many parishes and schools, and particularly served immigrants. 

A solemnity is a day of greatest importance. The celebration starts the evening before the actual solemnity. Easter is our most important solemnity. A feast is the next most important day. It commemorates Mary, the apostles, martyrs and other saints, and the events associated with them. Mass readings often reflect the special feast day. A memorial is a special day, but often an optional celebration. The scripture readings for Mass may or may not be specially selected for the memorial.
 

Enjoy celebrating all Twelve Days of Christmas!

After an Advent season full of anticipation, we aren't satisfied celebrating Christmas just one day. For more details about the special days of Christmas and the celebrations associated with them, click here.
 

Family life - the path of true love!

Many of us have spent the holidays immersed in family life. There may have been times of joy, but possibly also times of tension. Our scripture readings for this Sunday never guarantee an easy family life. However, they do show us that, with effort, family life can reflect the love of God.

Sirach outlines the duties of parents and children. The basis for the behavior of both is mutual respect, no matter what. Every kindness we show to our family, even when it is difficult, is a reflection of God's love for each of us.

Paul's letter to the Colossians is a straightforward guide to family happiness. Paul describes behaviors which allow forgiveness and reconciliation. He encourages compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and, most importantly, forgiveness and thankfulness. How many families are separated by grievances, communication failures, stubbornness, pride, and a refusal to forgive? Paul reminds us that only love and reconciliation will bring us true peace; that includes submission to one another and true love of one another. Maybe if we submit more and balk less we will experience more peaceful lives.

The Gospel of Matthew shows us a most amazing man, St. Joseph. He lives his faith and guides his family according to that faith. It seems so many fathers today have turned over the duties of passing on the faith to their wives. Yet study after study shows us that it is the faith of the father that often determines the faith behaviors of children. Our scriptures remind us that teaching our children is the mutual responsibility of two loving parents. Through them God's love can come into the world.
 

Lectionary readings for the 2nd Week of Christmas: