Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Jan. 1
This is one of the most significant Marian feast days as it recognizes specifically her role as the mother of the Savior. “Clearly from earliest times the Blessed Virgin is honoured under the title of Mother of God” (Lumen Gentium 66).
Feast of the Holy Innocents, Dec. 28
This feast recognizes all the boys of Bethlehem younger than two who were martyred by King Herod after St. Joseph had been warned to flee with his family to Egypt.
Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr, Dec. 26
Stephen, the namesake for “Stephen ministers” was called as one of the Church’s first seven deacons (Acts 6:1-7) to serve at the altar and serve the people.
Fourth week calls us to await the revelation of Christ Incarnate
The faithful hear the Annunciation in the Gospel. Mary’s example of faith and obedience to God allow her to respond with her fiat.
Santa comes early for diocesan preschool classrooms
Sans the snow and eight tiny reindeer, Christmas came early for children attending the 29 preschools in the Diocese of Phoenix.
The foolish wisdom of the Three Wise Men
“I call them the three fools.”
“What?” I said a little incredulously to Dr. Robbins.
“Yeah, I call them the three fools. After all, who would leave everything that is safe and comfortable to travel in the darkness after a star merely because it promised something better?”
Young women embrace early stages of religious life
Pope Francis offered words of comfort to young adults spending Christmas break or semester break discerning their future.
Charitable giving options abound with year-end perks
Among the 30-some tax credits available in the State of Arizona, Catholics should take note of a trio: tuition, charitable and foster care organizations.
Third week of Advent calls us to rejoice
Beginning Dec. 17, individuals and families might consider adding the “O Antiphons” into regular prayer time.
Pro-life carolers bring message in song to Glendale abortion center
GLENDALE — Singing the classic Christmas carol “Away in a Manger,” a gathering of about 50 men, women and children stood outside Planned Parenthood’s Glendale facility Dec. 9.
