Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I have made no secret of my preference to celebrate feast days on their proper calendar days, rather than moving them to a nearby Sunday. This weekend, we mark the liturgical celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord. Normally, though, Epiphany ought to be celebrated on January 6. For some reason, in the United States, this crowning of the Christmas celebrations is transferred to the Sunday after the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. Of course, transferring the feast deprives us of the full twelve days of Christmas! January 6 is the twelfth…read more

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The feast of the Holy Family which we mark today holds a special relevance for us in this year dedicated to St. Joseph. On December 8, which this year was the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX’s proclamation of St. Joseph as universal patron of the Church, Pope Francis declared a year dedicated to St. Joseph, to end Dec. 8, 2021. Early bulletin printing times for Christmas meant that I had written most of my bulletin columns for the month of December prior to Dec. 8. This is my first chance to write since…read more

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   As I write this note, we are not quite at the half-way point of Advent. Early bulletin printing deadlines mean looking a few weeks ahead and anticipating elements of this liturgical season somewhat earlier than normal. This year, though, I find myself very eager for this fourth week of Advent, eager for the celebrations of Christmas. In part, I am eager because this is such a strange time in which to celebrate. The restrictions we observe in an effort to keep everyone safe and healthy seem to collide with the desire of so…read more

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Gaudete Sunday, named for the first Latin word of the introit (or entrance antiphon) for today’s Mass is a day for rejoicing. We are reminded of the words of St. Paul who told the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always, for the Lord is near (Phil. 4). Though the darkest day of the year is approaching, the Church reminds us that the light of the world, Jesus Christ, is coming. Thus, even in darkness, there is cause for rejoicing! Today we join with the Church throughout the world as we rejoice at the…read more

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   December 6, when it does not fall on a Sunday of Advent, is the feast of St. Nicholas. This great bishop and saint was known for his ardent preaching of the Gospel and the pastoral care he gave to the people of his diocese. He most likely attended the First Council of Nicea, which clarified the Church’s teaching that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. St. Nicholas is perhaps best known for his generosity to those in need, and from this habit of sneaking gifts to those in need comes our living…read more