By Effie Caldarola Catholic News Service Waiting isn’t easy, and yet Advent asks of us just that: to wait on the Lord. Sometimes in this busy world, we need some help to put ourselves in a waiting frame of mind. Brew a cup of tea, settle into a comfortable chair and let a good spiritual […]
Advent wisdom — St. Edith Stein: rediscover a place of rest
By Lindsey Weishar Catholic News Service The second reading for the Third Sunday of Advent is a place of personal resonance: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: I believe in St. Nicholas, the birth of Jesus and Santa Claus!
EMBRACING FAMILY By Sarah and David Herrmann Many parents ask us questions, and we share faith-based parenting advice, based on Love and Logic and the Preventive System of St. John Bosco (Reason, Religion, Loving Kindness). We’d like to share some of these with you. Note: This article combines historical truths and Catholic teaching. It was […]
We need a little Christmas … after Christmas
By Anna Weaver Hawaii Catholic Herald I’ll admit, seasonal creep has been creeping up on me despite my best intentions. While I write this just before Thanksgiving, I still have fall decorations up and they’ll stay up through Turkey Day. But I’m well into Christmas gift shopping, I have my Christmas cards, and I have […]
Other Advent traditions (besides the wreath and calendar)
Learn more about this season of preparation and anticipation By Anna Weaver Hawaii Catholic Herald Most Catholics are familiar with Advent’s four Sundays, marked with purple and rose candles on an Advent wreath and the opening of doors on Advent calendars. But there are still some more obscure prayers, practices and facts about this season […]
Advent Calendar 2020
We’ve curated a digital Advent Calendar to keep you inspired and learning more this Advent season. There’s an assortment of Catholic content from across the web to enjoy including: – Videos on the saints whose feast days fall during Advent – Local Christmas videos – A reflection for each Sunday of Advent – Videos to […]
Photo: Christmas lights
A volunteer hangs Advent lights on Holy Trinity Church in Kuliouou on Dec. 1 to the delight of commuters along Kalanianaole Highway. “Seeing a church with lights reminds me of the reason for the season,” said one. Lights went up on the trees and walls of the parish property. According to the pastor, Capuchin Franciscan […]
Sarah and David Hermann: Be present during the Advent season
EMBRACING FAMILY We prepare for basketball games and marathons, tests and job interview, birthdays and Thanksgiving dinner, Santa and Christmas. Preparing for sports events takes grit, perseverance and even pain. Preparing for birthdays and Thanksgiving dinner remind us to be grateful for every gift God has given us, to truly treasure our family and friends, […]
Advent matters
By Deacon Greg Kandra Catholic News Service Christmas is still weeks away, and already we’re exhausted. We’ve heard too much Mariah, endured too much tinsel, watched too many Hallmark specials, been bombarded with too many ads for champagne and candy and cars. The calendar is out of whack. Black Friday actually began on a Monday, […]
Prayers at the Advent wreath
FIRST SUNDAY On the first Sunday of Advent, the family gathers to bless the wreath. The Leader, usually the father, sprinkles the wreath with holy water. Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord. All: Who made heaven and earth. Leader: Let us pray. O God, all things are made holy by your […]