Off the Shelf 099 – Fr. Mark Toups We haven’t dived into our Thanksgiving feasts yet but this week we are going to talk about
My strawberry-blond, freckled-faced, non-stop mother, Jeannine, was the youngest of four and as such was hopelessly spoiled. Nicknamed “Peaches,” she was a very welcome addition
Recently before the start of Mass, I was going over the readings. Though I don’t normally pay attention to the reflection above the first reading,
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service has ended, that
I recently realized how I naturally put on the classical, jazz or fado (traditional Portuguese music) radio stations in my car, without any sacrifice at
On a plane ride a few weeks ago, I found myself seated next to the founder of a Protestant church. He laughed because he was
We all have things that regularly appear in our prayer petitions. Some are wants, some needs, and some are desires. As the saying goes,
It came earlier than usual this year. Typically the “lake effect” snow doesn’t hit until January and then comes regularly through April. It takes the
In the Christmas classic, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the residents of Whoville wake up on Christmas morning to find none of their Christmas
Almost 25 years ago, I spent Christmas with a family who had one son who was adored by everyone. However, that Christmas there was another
It’s that time of year, Advent; time to begin making out our lists for family, friends, and even ourselves. The cards, the presents, the food
We all have our own thoughts about the season preceding Christmas. Some of these thoughts might be grounded in solid theological understanding, after all, it
As children, many of us enjoyed carefully studying the Highlights pages to find the hidden objects. I remember diligently seeking for each one until
Of all the holidays, Christmas is my favorite. I love the beauty, the joy, the peace, and the good will that seem to shine just
The Advent liturgy offers us a time of spiritual reflection, an opportunity to seriously reflect on Sacred Scripture. As we set aside the heightened activity
Before becoming Catholic I had never before heard of Advent. After reading about it I was blown away yet again by the beauty of
One day in December, our new priest led an Advent reflection in the school gym and asked the students, “Who is waiting for the birth of a new
The Advent season is now upon us. Most people around us seem to be hurrying about looking for the perfect gift, putting up decorations, and
Next Sunday, November 27, marks the beginning of Advent, the season of hopeful, joyful longing as we wait for the birth of our Lord. This
The Mercy of God is a mystery. Even for someone like me who has had it poured into my life for the last five years.
[Editor’s Note: This article was first published on Catholic Stand, December 6, 2014. We are republishing here for your holiday enjoyment.] With Christmas coming up
[Editor’s Note: This article was first published on Catholic Stand, December 2, 2014. We are republishing here for your holiday enjoyment.] So much popular Christmas
The Gospel for next Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, is the meeting between Our Lady and her elderly pregnant cousin Elizabeth. Mary set out
Advent and Christmas are very special seasons, and offer terrific opportunities to grow in and live our faith as Catholics. Often though, both seasons
