All posts in "SACRAMENTS & SEASONS"
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How to Choose a First Communion Dress

Celebrating the sacrament of First Holy Communion is just that, a beautiful and memorable occasion highlighting the Holy Eucharist and becoming a full participant in the Church.  Along with the spiritual preparation come the other details of the day which include choosing a First Communion Dress and Accessories and coordinating the festivities after the church […]

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Did Your Faith Make it on Your New Year’s Resolution List?

Happy New Year! Making resolutions is the norm this time of year, as we come up with a mental list of areas we want to improve or things we want to accomplish. While losing those stubborn pounds, exercising regularly, and getting to work on time are great resolutions, there’s one more important resolution that belongs […]

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Fourth Week of Advent – The Angel’s Candle

The fourth candle is also called the “Angel’s candle” as we are reminded of the angel of the Lord appearing before a group of shepherds, proclaiming, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, […]

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Third Week of Advent – Pink Candle

The third week of Advent, also known as “Gaudete Sunday,” means we have passed the half-way point and Christmas is drawing near. The word gaudete means “rejoice,” and at this point in our Advent journey our hearts should be filled with joy as we ponder the magnitude of Christ’s birth. We mark this joyful time […]

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Second Week of Advent – Advent Prayer Series

This candle is also called the “Bethlehem candle” and reminds us of Blessed Mary and St. Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem to give birth to our Savior. We recall with awe the words of the Virgin Mary when she learned she would carry the Son of the Most High, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be […]

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Yes, Virginia There Is a St. Nicholas

The feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated on December 6 each year and marks the anniversary of the death of the saint known as the generous gift-giver. Born in the 3rd century, there is not a lot of documented history about St. Nicholas’ life, but after extensive research, historians have been able to amass ample […]

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Advent — How will you spend these four weeks?

What are you doing this November 30 to December 24? Will you be shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, and trying to squeeze in some time sitting by a crackling fire? Like many, you probably have a long list of what needs to get done in time for Christmas Day. The race is on and every minute […]

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Where Does The Nativity Come From Anyway?

Whether it’s a small nativity consisting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child, or an elaborate scene complete with a stable, animals, and the three kings, displaying the nativity scene, or crèche, has long been a Christmas tradition in the Catholic Church.

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All Saints’ Day — Celebrating Our Spiritual “Tour Guides”

True or False: All Saints’ Day is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church? If you guessed true, you’re right! In the United States, the Church celebrates six Holy Days of Obligation—feast days when Catholics are mandated to attend mass. The other five Holy Days of Obligation are: Solemnity of Mary, the Mother […]

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First Communion — A truly beautiful and spiritual gift.

“We received the smaller Baptism version for our daughter and thought it was such a pretty, prayerful, special gift we got it for our God daughter’s First Communion. A truly beautiful and spiritual gift. This will definitely remain a gift option for all our other God daughters.” First Communion Faux Pearl Rosary Bracelet What a […]

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Getting Lassoed At Your Wedding–The History of the Wedding Lasso Rosary

Weddings are ceremonies steeped in tradition. When it comes to planning a wedding, many couples choose to incorporate customs into their religious ceremony that are unique to their culture. While weddings today have long abandoned ancient customs that were once popular (such as Roman brides wearing herbs under their veils as a symbol of fertility) many traditions remain.

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Chalice of Love – Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! There is just something unique and mysterious about mothers. But I didn’t grow up thinking I was going to be unique and mysterious simply because I was a mom. In fact, it was just the opposite for me… I was a Catholic Worker for several years as a […]

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Thoughts for Good Friday – Ready to Walk, Come Rain or Shine

Ready to Walk, Come Rain or Shine Tomorrow is a big day. My children and I will be joining dozens of other Catholic families in walking approximately 14 miles while reflecting on the Via Dolorosa. Fourteen miles to remember the 14 Stations of the Passion of Jesus. For the kids the question on Thursday is: […]

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Leprechauns Know Where the Real Treasure is Located!

My mom is 87 years old and she’s a “leprechaun!” The story starts many years ago… When she had six little kids at home, Mary Costello pulled out a “Wearin’ Green” box every year during this week preceding St. Patrick’s Day. Whether we liked it or not, each of her children wore wide green belts, […]

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Forty Days and Forty Thoughts, Part 2 of 2

In my Sunday School class there’s a little girl who doesn’t say much…ever. When I ran into her at the grocery store after Ash Wednesday, I asked what she was giving up for Lent. She whispered, “All sweets and all desserts.” That’s a tough commitment in the modern world—and she’s only eight years old! Then […]

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Forty Days and Forty Thoughts on the Beauty and Mystery of Lent

Part 1 of 2 of the Mysteries of Lent My son will be confirmed in April. In writing a letter to the bishop to apply for this sacrament he wrote, “I’m proud to be Catholic because the Church speaks up for Truth. We Catholics know why we were made. God made us to know Him, […]

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