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.

In #MeToo movement Catholic Church can play role in discussion, healing

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The wave of accusations of sexual harassment, misconduct and assault from Hollywood to Capitol Hill and many places in between in recent months has been described as a revolution, a moment and a time for national reckoning.

Feast of St. John the Evangelist, Dec. 27

John and his brother, James, Galilean fishermen called the “sons of thunder,” were chosen to be among the Twelve Apostles. John was with Jesus at the Trans-figuration, in the Garden of Gethsemane and on Calvary.

Christians, Muslims join for Christmas Mass in liberated Mosul

MOSUL, Iraq (CNS) — Cries of joy and seasonal hymns once again filled St. Paul Cathedral in Mosul as Christmas Mass was celebrated there for the first time in four years, following the northern Iraqi city’s liberation from Islamic State militants.

Pope: Festivities become a facade when Christ is left out of Christmas

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Only when Christ is the focus of the Christmas season do all the colorful lights, carols, special meals and traditions help create a festive and joyous atmosphere, Pope Francis said.

Young Edmundite priests’ goal is to evangelize with their YouTube show

COLCHESTER, Vt. (CNS) — Fr. Lino Oropeza is a fan of technology. He worked in information technology in his native Venezuela before becoming a priest of the Society of St. Edmund, based at St. Michael’s College in Colchester.

Late Franciscan friar recalled as a ‘light shining in the darkness’

YONKERS, N.Y. (CNS) — At his funeral Mass Dec. 20, Fr. Andrew Apostoli, a co-founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, was remembered for living a life that reflected the gifts of the Holy Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness.

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.

Pope prays for world’s suffering children on Christmas

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Those who recognize the Lord in the baby Jesus in the manger also should recognize his presence in children suffering today because of war, poverty and immigration, Pope Francis said.

Chaplain says 40 years with bowl-bound Badgers ‘a wonderful experience’

He believes a lot of the team's current success is due to the strong spirituality among the coaches and players, starting with the head coach, who is Catholic himself.