Start Your New Year ...

visiting a few new(er) blogs:

Sister Jocelyn Veritas, who previously blogged about her experiences of immediate preparation for perpetual profession as part of an international program for Daughters of Saint Paul, has returned to blogging. Visit her here as she blogs about her ministry and life in Rome serving at the heart of the Church and her Pauline community.

Sister Mary Peter, also a Daughter of Saint Paul, has launched a blog at "PR Woman for Christ."

Both are definitely worth visiting!

Happy Birthday, Jesus, and Merry Christmas, All!

"I have come that you may have life,

and have it to the full!"

Come, Lord Jesus, be born in our hearts.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 24, 2006 - The Fourth Week of Advent (a short one)

Gaudete! Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice, God is near!

Emmanuel,

God-is-with-us,

is among and within us.

Celebrate

with joy

the coming

of

our

God!

Photo courtesy of S.Claire Joy.

Second Sunday of Advent

This Advent images comes courtesy of the SCC Generalate website.

Today's liturgy reminds us of the messenger in the desert calling out to the people of the times to prepare the way for the One who is to come.

Today we receive the message, the invitation. Are we ready, willing, and able to accept the invitation? Are we prepared to prepare the way for the One who is already among us in each other, the One whose coming we celebrate on Christmas?

Today my family remembers in a special way my Dad who eight years ago today closed his eyes to this chapter of life and opened them to eternal life. In so many ways, it seems like only yesterday and in others ways like an eternity. I still miss my Dad so much. Join me in praying that he will rest in peace and enjoy the full reward of his earthly journey.

National Weekend of Prayer

This weekend, December 9 - 10, has been selected across the United States as a national weekend of prayer to end the genocide in Darfur.


Click here to learn more about the grave situation and the urgent need for an end to the conflict and violence.

"Juan, you are my ambassador..."

Today is the feast of Our Lady's chosen one, San Juan Diego. As I decided what image to post in honor of Juan Diego today, I realized that the life of Juan Diego and the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe are not separable so the two images naturally go together. This particular rendering of the image struck me as blending traditional and non-traditional elements that draw one's attention to Juan Diego in ways that other portrayals don't do as clearly.

On the hill of Tepeyac, our Lady chose the most humble of men to be her ambassador, to carry her message to the elite of the day, the Bishop.

Who is it that Our Lady chooses today to be her ambassador, to carry her message to the people of this day?

Is it you and me whom Our Lady asks to bear witness? Are we able to demonstrate the faith and perseverance that the humble Juan bore in his day?

Blessed San Juan Diego,

pray for us,

that we may be made worthy

of the promises of Christ

and His Blessed Mother Mary!

Special blessings for all who hold San Juan Diego as patron and intercessor,

including the people of Mision San Juan Diego, Arlington Heights, IL,

and all parishes and centers dedicated to the heritage and faith of San Juan Diego.

Come and See!

Click here to view an invitation to "Come and See" the lives of the Sisters of Christian Charity.

First Sunday of Advent

Daughters of Saint Paul - Live and In Concert!

I just returned home from a most enjoyable afternoon at one of the Daughters of Saint Paul Christmas Concerts. If you are in the area of any of their remaining concerts for the season, I urge you to treat yourself to a beautiful, inspiring, and uplifting time!

On Wednesday, December 6th, they have a concert in Philadelphia (their first one in that area). Contact the Pauline Book and Media Center in Philadelphia for more information.

They conclude the week with concerts in Boston on Saturday and Sunday.

As always, it was a real treat to greet fellow bloggers and friends Sister Anne Joan as well as Sister Kathryn James. Sister Anne's rendition of "O Holy Night!" was crystal - absolutely beautiful!! That's it on the details for now, in case you have the opportunity to hear the concert in person.

What a blessed start to Advent!

In Remembrance

Ita, Maura, Jean, and Dorothy,

pray for us and grant

that we may do all that is ours to do in our daily lives

to stand with the poor,

oppressed,

marginalized, and exploited

in witness to the Gospel of Jesus!

Martyrs of El Salvador and all Central America, pray for us!

Blessed Are They Who Blog

Thanks to Susan Rose, csjp, be sure to check out Blessed Are They Who Blog on the Diocese of San Jose's Liturgy Resource website.
Definitely worth reading!

National Catholic AIDS Network

This is a really strong network of people involved in ministry to those affected by or living with HIV/AIDS. If you aren't familiar with their work, I recommend visiting their website. They enjoy a lot of support from leading Catholic bishops, including Cardinal George of Chicago.

Remembering World AIDS Day...

I am remembering those who've completed this chapter of life:
Patrick
Raul
Jorge
Michael
Arthur
Linda
Ali
David
Wally
... to name but a few.

Who would you like to remember

in a special way today?