Today is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It is a Holy Day of obligation among the faithful. What better way is there to start the secular New Year than by attending Mass. It really gets the year off on the right foot.
Continue reading “A Holy Day of Obligation”Category: Catholic Faith
The Loss of Holy Innocents
Today within the Church Year is the Feast of Holy Innocents. This day tells us much about the birth of Christ, the Magi and flight into Egypt.
Continue reading “The Loss of Holy Innocents”Saint John the Beloved, Pray for Us
Saint John often is referred to as John the Beloved. It is said he was the apostle most loved by Christ. Why is that?
Continue reading “Saint John the Beloved, Pray for Us”Sharing My ChristMas Supper
While I am sad about certain aspects of the Holiday celebrations this year, I am thrilled that my son and his entire family will be coming home for Christmas Supper. There is nothing more magical than a family gathered round the tree, celebrating the birth of Our Lord.
Continue reading “Sharing My ChristMas Supper”On This Fourth Sunday of Advent
Wow – give me a minute to take pause. Today’s Advent Share marks six years that we have been celebrating Advent together. What a joy that has been! And we’ve had some amazing meals along the way.
Continue reading “On This Fourth Sunday of Advent”The Last Ember Days of Advent
Today is the Winter Solstice and the last of three Ember Days of Advent that are set aside to give thanks to the Lord. I just love how the Lord works behind the scenes the way He does.
Continue reading “The Last Ember Days of Advent”Bundle Up for an Ember Days of Advent
Today is the 2nd Ember Days of Advent. Historically speaking, Ember Days were observed with fasting and abstinence. Since these days of old are no longer celebrated within the Universal Church, here in America it’s purely a personal choice.
Continue reading “Bundle Up for an Ember Days of Advent”Let the Ember Days of Advent Begin
Advent Sunday signals the beginning of a new year within the Church cycle. Therefore, today would be the first Ember Days of that new year. If the term seems strange, there is good reason. Prior to Vatican II, the universal church kept Ember Days.
Continue reading “Let the Ember Days of Advent Begin”Embrace the Third Sunday of Advent
Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. While different Christian denominations have their particular way of observing Advent, and even the colors of the candles vary, I can only speak of my Catholic observances.
Continue reading “Embrace the Third Sunday of Advent”Friday’s Feast for Saint Lucia
The Feast of Saint Lucia, also known as the Festival of Lights (not to be confused with Hanukah) is a beautiful feast best known in Swedish speaking countries. Lucia was one of the earliest Christian Martyrs.
Continue reading “Friday’s Feast for Saint Lucia”Blessed Be The First of Two Feasts
December is overflowing with Heavenly Blessings. Advent is my favorite season of all, preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord. And there are special feasts within the Season to inspire the hearts of man.
Continue reading “Blessed Be The First of Two Feasts”Honoring the Immaculate Conception
Wow, December is truly busy for us. I’m not just talking about the whole commercial aspect that we all feel pressured to submit to, but also the spiritual obligations and callings of the season. Here’s what I mean:
Continue reading “Honoring the Immaculate Conception”This Immaculate Second Sunday of Advent
If this were not a Sunday of Advent, today we would be celebrating the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother. Advent Sunday does take precedence. We shall honor Mary’s conception tomorrow, and attend Mass as a family. After all, it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Continue reading “This Immaculate Second Sunday of Advent”Jolly Old Saint Nick
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! Once upon a time, as part of the Feast of Saint Nicholas, we had an early Christmas Celebration. That way ChristMas – His birth – was all about Him.
Continue reading “Jolly Old Saint Nick”Let The Advent Season Begin
Today marks the New Advent Season, a new year for the Church. Think of this as New Year’s Day for Catholics. It is the first day of Year C in the Gospel Readings for Sunday. Year C is the Gospel of Saint Luke.
Continue reading “Let The Advent Season Begin”
Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen 