Every day of the Christmas octave is filled with meaning that reflects back on the Nativity, not just the birth of Christ but the impact, the reality of the birth. Octaves can be traced back to the Old Testament, Each of these feast days within the octave continues the joys of Christmas Day and helps us in our attempt to understand the mystery of the Incarnation. Read all about the octaves online.
Mary, Mother of God
Today, Jan. 1, the octave of Christmas ends with the celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. It is a holy day of obligation, except the […]
Feast of the Holy Family
The feast of the Holy Family, which is situated appropriately between Christmas and New Year’s Day, serves as a context for the events it bridges: the birth of Christ and the octave of Mary. Living in a loving manner sometimes can be most difficult within the family (the domestic Church), where intimate conflicts yield deep wounds, and where routine and familiarity can breed contempt and complacency. So we look to the Holy Family as models of fraternal love in a world of fractured family life and institutions. You’ll find the entire reflection online.
Tips for Christmas Mass with kids
It’s almost Christmas! Are you excited? Depending on when you attend Christmas Mass and whether you travel, you may be facing a whole different set of challenges. Here are a […]
Five ways to celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas
The feast of St. Nicholas on December sixth is a great time to celebrate the life of the beloved fourth-century bishop. Here’s his fascinating story, and five ways to celebrate with your kids.