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Hi friend! I'm so very glad that you're thinking about coming to Mass for Christmas! At a time of year when the world seems to focus just a little but more on joy, peace, family, and tradition, there's truly no where better to go than to Mass. I don't know why you haven't been to Mass for a while. Maybe it's because you've been hurt by the Church. Maybe it's because you don't agree with what the Church teaches. Or maybe it's because you've just been busy. But there's a reason why your heart is feeling drawn to come to Mass for Christmas. There's a reason why going to church is part of your Christmas Eve or Christmas day tradition each year, even if it's not for the rest of the year. And it's because of Jesus. With Him, you are home. Just like He met all of humanity in that manger, becoming the poorest of the poor, He wants to meet YOU where you are. Come in your brokenness. Come with your screaming baby. Come in your uncertainty. Come overstimulated. Come sit in the back. Come without a fancy dress. Just come to Him. None of that matters when you're home. And friend, if it's been a while and you've intentionally missed Mass without having serious reason (illness, lack of transportation, caring for a sick loved one, etc.), Scripture makes it clear that we need to be reconciled with Him before we can receive the Eucharist. So if you can, go to confession before you come back to Mass. If you can't make it to confession, while you can't receive the Eucharist, ask Jesus to spiritually come in to your heart. Then, go to confession as soon as possible so you can be fully united to Him and receive the Eucharist once more. He just wants YOU. Come home, friend. We don't need to be perfect. We just need to come home. And that's the beautiful thing- even when the Christmas trees and wreaths are taken down, when the nativity scene is put away, and when the choir stops singing, you can still come home. Because it's not those things that call you home- it's Him. Every day, He's calling you home. If you have questions about coming back to Mass, or you need someone to go with, ask another Catholic friend. We love you. Jesus loves you. Come home.

"Baptism now saves you" is one of the phrases we hear in the rite of Baptism. But why would this be? Isn't it unfair of God to make Baptism a necessity when some people will never even hear about Jesus, let alone know that they should be Baptized? There are so many verses throughout the New Testament that make it clear that Salvation and Baptism go hand in hand... Mark 16:16: "The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned." 1 Peter 3:21: And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, John 3:5: "Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit." (and there are so many more!!) But here's the key: the Catechism says that while God has bound salvation to Baptism, He Himself is not bound by the Sacraments. The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them. Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament. The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are "reborn of water and the Spirit." God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments. (CCC 1257) This means that anyone who, by no fault of their own, is not Baptized, can still go to Heaven if they were fully unaware that they needed to be Baptized. This is why we believe that babies who die before being Baptized, people who have never heard the Gospel, or catechumen who wish to be Baptized but die before receiving the Sacrament, very well still could be saved! God isn't trying to trick us. He wants us in Heaven even more than we want to be there! Baptism isn't optional; it's the ordinary means by which God washes away original sin, rebirths us as His children, and incorporates us into the Body of Christ. This is why Jesus gave us the command to go out and baptize: " Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." (Matt 28:19) So go. Be baptized. Invite others to the Church- to Baptism, as Jesus commanded. It's this incredible gift that God has given to humanity- to be washed by water and filled with the Spirit, granted salvation. To say that Baptism is necessary for salvation is not a death sentence- it's an invitation to eternal life.

So, what's up with all the Catholics celebrating a month early? This isn't the January 1 New Year- it's the Church's liturgical New Year, starting with Advent. Some of us are even having parties. It's a pretty great time! (I promise we're not crazy!) The Church celebrates different moments in the life of Christ and the life of His Church all throughout the year. Reading Scripture each day in the readings that are used for Mass, we are brought through the life of Christ. This "year" begins with preparation for Christ's birth (Advent), a celebration of His birth (Christmas), a time of quiet and reflection (Winter Ordinary Time), a reflection on His life, suffering, and death (Lent), celebration of His Resurrection (Easter), and then more reflection on His life, miracles, and parables (Summer Ordinary Time). With tomorrow being the first Sunday of Advent, it's a new liturgical year as the cycle begins again! So if you have a Catholic friend, this is a great time to text them and wish them a very Happy New Year! Still not sure? Let's chat about it in the comments!

Yesterday, I posted an Instagram reel that was a fun take on a popular trend but essentially had the message, "Instead of telling women that abortion is their only logical option, we should get them the resources, support, and love that they need." Seems simple enough, right? The people in the comments didn't think so. I woke up this morning to comments telling me to "shut up" and that I've been brainwashed, don't care about women, etc. All of which, of course, are not true. That being said, I thought it might be helpful to talk about some of the practical steps we can take when helping women facing an unplanned pregnancy or difficult situation. As much as we love to have conversations and logically convince people to see that abortion is morally incorrect and a grave evil, often it's the practical support that changes hearts and minds and enables a woman to choose life for her baby. Be Positive In most situations, when someone tells you she is pregnant, the proper response is always, "Congratulations! " No matter how a child has come into the world, he or she is still a child and a blessing. Every life is a miracle- no matter what. In cases of rape or incest, "congratulations" may not be the most tactful reaction, even though the child is still a gift. In that case, you could say something like, "I don't know exactly what to say that will help right now. I'm sure this is so overwhelming. I'm here for you and here to help with whatever you need." then, LISTEN! See what she truly needs and how she's doing, and connect her with professional help. Even if you can't be upbeat in every situation, at least be sympathetic. Empower her and let her know that you genuinely believe that she can do this. She can have her baby. And whether she chooses adoption or to raise her child, make sure that she knows you will be with her through it all. Be Available Like anyone in crisis, one moment to the next can be more difficult than another. While you certainly still need to live your own life and take care of your current responsibilities, it's important to let this new mom know that you're there for her- to talk, listen, or be with her. Quality time with supportive friends can do a world of good. Online Resources These are quick articles, helplines, and other resources you can send to any mamma facing an unexpected pregnancy. They provide financial assistance, help with any questions she might have, and so much more. This is an easy way to support someone even when you can't physically be present with her. These links are not categorized or ordered in any particular way. Adopthelp.com Adoption Services Inc. Birthright International Embrace Grace Feeding America College Grants for Single Mothers Maternity Housing Coalition 2-1-1 United Way Sisters of Life Human Defense Initiative Leap for Joy Inc Mercy Housing National Domestic Violence Hotline National Life Center National Safe Haven Alliance Once Upon a Child Option Line Project Cuddle Safe Haven Baby Boxes SNAP The Nurturing Network Rideshare Safety and Sexual Abuse Prevention Sally's Lambs ... and Standing With You has so many more! Accompany Her to Appointments and Classes Medical appointments can be intimidating as is, even without the stress of being a mom without a sound support system. You can help by recommending her a good pro-life ob-gyn, finding parenting classes, offering to accompany her or give her a ride, driving her to appointments, etc. Even if she already has reliable transportation, having someone along to talk to after an appointment can be helpful. Purchase Supplies and Giftcards Purchasing pregnancy or baby supplies, grocery cards, gas cards, or even just providing a meal can mean so much. Financial struggles are one of the biggest reasons for women to feel like abortion is their only option. A few dollars toward groceries or a box or two of diapers can help to relieve that burden. In the past, I've done gift card drives for a mother in need. Things like that that involve numerous people rallying around one mother (even if she chooses to remain anonymous to everyone but you) can be so effective. A meal dropped at her front door, an offer to help set up the baby's crib, or even just a care package full of her favorite treats can mean the world on a difficult day. Provide Financial Assistance This goes along with the gift cards! You can connect women with resources at your parish (ie: Saint Vincent de Paul Society), or other community resources that provide grants to those in need. Some of the online resources listed above also have financial assistance programs. Provide Shelter Not everyone has the space or capacity to safely bring another person into their home. But when a pregnant woman needs a place to stay to escape an abusive situation or unsupportive home, there are options. If she is facing homelessness, many communities have programs where churches take turns hosting people while they get back on their feet and find a new place to stay. Some places (though more urban areas than rural ones) have maternity homes where women can have a safe place to stay for the duration of their pregnancy and a few months after birth. Connect Her with Local Resources Think food pantries, pregnancy care centers, reliable doctors, affordable clothing options for maternity and baby clothes, etc. Pregnancy Care Centers are also a fantastic option. Many have programs that allow women to attend parenting classes in exchange for free clothing, supplies, and other resources. They're a great place to turn if you don't know how to help a woman in a particular situation or don't feel equipped to help meet her specific needs.

If you are a baptized Christian, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in you. At Baptism, we become temples of the Holy Spirit by the grace of God. "Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte "a new creature," an adopted son of God, who has become a "partaker of the divine nature," member of Christ and coheir with him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit." (CCC 1265) And what is a Temple? A temple is traditionally defined as a building or sacred place where God's presence dwells.  And YOU, my friend, are a Sacred place where God chooses to dwell. With that being said, we need to live like it!! 🔥 Live in the knowledge that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is within you (Romans 8:11) and live out the call to holiness and life of virtue.  🔥 Pray with the Holy Spirit, even when you don't feel like you have words. (Romans 8:26) 🔥 Be open to the promptings, gifts, and charisms of the Holy Spirit (CCC 951). 🔥 Care for your body just as you would care for the Church- with reverence and love.  🔥 Just as Jesus was filled with zeal for the Father's House in the Temple, is filled with zeal for YOU as a Temple of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 69:9, John 2:17). He loves you and wants you to be treated- and to treat yourself- with reverence.  🔥 Participate in the Sacraments so that you are enriched with the special strength of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1285). 🔥 Glorify God in your body- in all that you think, do, and say- in every relationship, situation, and time in your life.  “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:19–20).  Pray for yourself. Pray for the Church. Pray for an outpouring of the knowledge of your life in the Spirit. Live as a Temple.

I struggle to pray the Rosary, and I don't know exactly why. Maybe it's because my mind wanders. Or maybe because, in my mind, twenty minutes feels like an eternity when I have twenty other things to do. It might be because I know I'll fall asleep. But, more likely than not, it's because I feel like I'm not doing it right. I was thinking about it today- when Our Lady appeared at Fatima, it's said that she told the children to "pray the Rosary every day to bring peace to the world." Notice, however, that Mamma Mary didn't tell them to pray the Rosary perfectly. She didn't tell them that the way they were doing it was only half way. She didn't tell them that they weren't enough because they struggled or weren't perfect. Mary just wanted them to be close to Jesus. She wanted their effort- for them to pray and intercede for one another and for the world. But we should still try our best to pray the Rosary as often as possible and try to stay focused on Jesus and His Mother when doing so. If you're anything like me and you find yourself struggling to pray the Rosary, here are some ideas... If you fall asleep while praying: use a YouTube video or the Hallow app to pray along pray while you're driving, cleaning, or going for a walk pray with another person If you get distracted while praying: pray a Scriptural Rosary name a new prayer intention before each Hail Mary pray one decade at a time, five times per day If you forget to pray the Rosary: text a friend each day when you've prayed to keep each other accountable pray with someone else commit to praying for someone's intentions each day in a specific way pair your prayer with another routine (coffee, commute, daily Mass, bedtime, etc.) Have more ideas? Leave them in the comments! Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

YES!! The answer is yes. 100%. Absolutely. Today's Gospel had me thinking about the healing ministry of the Apostles. Jesus literally told His disciples to "take nothing for your journey and heal the sick..."So are we called to do that too? Yes- without a doubt. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is "intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness" (CCC 1511) and may certainly bring about physical or emotional healing! In addition to this, we are called as Christians to pray and intercede for those who are sick that they might be healed. The Catechism (1506-1513) says: We share in Jesus' ministry of compassion and healing. The Lord renews this mission: "In my name... They will lay hands on the sick and they will recover." These signs and healings demonstrate that Jesus is truly the God who saves. The Holy Spirit gives the charism of healing to manifest the power of the Risen Lord The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. Jesus says, "...whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it." (Jn 14:12-14) If this is true, then when we pray for healing in Jesus' name, we can have faith that, in God's timing, He will do it. We can pray with faith and expectation, always in submission to God’s perfect will. Though not every single person we pray for will be healed at that moment or in the way that we expect, Jesus can and wants to heal them. He knows what they need for their body, soul, and salvation. Friends, I've seen miracles. I saw a woman get up and walk who hadn't walked for a long time, my own dislocated knee shifted back into place, and a woman held her arm over her head when she could barely move it before. And this is just a tiny glimpse. Pray for healing in the name of Jesus. Intercede for your Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Let the Holy Spirit work through you.

In the last year or so, and more specifically in this last week, I've discovered a love for the Catechism. What a blessing it is to have a text that contains a summary and explanation of all that Christ's Church teaches!! I was never quite sure what the Catechism was- what the purpose of it was- why we needed it if it wasn't the Bible. The Catechism is not here for us to read instead of the Bible- rather, it serves as a companion to the Christian life, summarizing the teachings of the faith that comes from Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium in a way that is easy to comprehend. In a word, it makes the faith accessible. The great depths of knowledge that are found in this text are simply remarkable. Reading so much for class in this last week has opened my eyes to the Catechism and how useful it is in explaining the faith. There are lines I've found myself nodding along with- "Oh. So THAT'S why we do that..." Questions I've never even considered before have been answered. So friend, if you don't yet own a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church , please buy one. It makes a fantastic resource for apologetics and evangelization, is a key tool for catechists, as well as those learning the faith even for the first time, and is a great book to take to adoration with you. Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 1 "God, infinitely perfect and blessed  in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man .  He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church.  To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit ,  his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life." Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 739 "Because the Holy Spirit is the anointing of Christ, it is Christ who, as the head of the Body, pours out the Spirit among his members to nourish, heal, and organize them in their mutual functions, to give them life , send them to bear witness , and associate them to his self- offering  to the Father and to his intercession for the whole world. Through the Church's sacraments, Christ communicates his Holy and sanctifying Spirit to the members of his Body." Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 789 "The comparison of the Church with the body casts light on the intimate bond between Christ and his Church . Not only is she gathered around him; she is united in him, in his body. Three aspects of the Church as the Body of Christ are to be more specifically noted: the unity  of all her members with each other as a result of their union with Christ; Christ as head of the Body ; and the Church as bride of Christ." Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 104 "In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, "but as what it really is, the word of God". "In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them ." Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 3 "Those who with God's help have welcomed Christ's call and freely responded to it are urged on by love of Christ to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world.  This treasure, received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors . All Christ's faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer." If you've read parts of the Catechisn- what's one paragraph you're loving right now?

I used to be so afraid of the end of the world. and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. In 2020, I remember sitting in my bedroom watching Catholic YouTube (because what else was there to do during COVID?!) and over and over again seeing these fear-mongering “prophecy” videos. I was so scared that all of a sudden something would happen, everything would burst into flames, and everything would be in even more chaos. I'd be so uneasy when I'd hear verses like Revelation 22:20, Titus 2:13, and today's first reading. “Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (1 Thes 5:1-3) But I was listening to the readings this morning and realized that every time I thought about the end of the world, I never thought of the point of it. See, the Church does teach that there will be a time of tribulation before the Second Coming of Christ.  "before Christ’s second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers" (CCC 675) But I think sometimes people overlook what comes after that time of tribulation. This makes sense... we're so focused on suffering that we miss the glory. Fear has no power in the presence of Christ. When Jesus comes back, it won't be a day of sadness or fear. And now- I actually look forward to it. I can say "Come Lord Jesus!!" and mean it- not be stuck in "well.... Yes Jesus, come, but just not yet." If I could go back and tell myself anything, I'd say to #1 , look for the fruits of the Spirit, and #2 , look for a motive- is this person posting this because it will get more views? Or are they truly seeking to educate and inform the faithful on ACTUAL Church teaching, approved by the Magisterium, and not unapproved private revelation? Our God is a God of love. When He returns to bring us to Himself- whether at the end of time or at the end of our earthly lives- if we are living our lives with Him, we have no need to be afraid. When you're presented with the opportunity to discuss the Second Coming whether it's online or in everyday conversation, please, please know what the Church truly teaches and how to convey it with love, not fear. It will save so, so many hearts from fear. A bride has been waiting for her groom for the last 2000 years- and finally- FINALLY- He will have returned. Think of the indescribable joy... So friends, when you're thinking or talking about the end of the world and the second coming of Christ, keep in mind WHO it is that will return. It's Jesus- our King. Our Love. Our Bridegroom. He should be the focus. Be not afraid.

This question is one that a lot of people wonder about- so let's break it down. Matthew 23:8-10 does say "Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven," when translated into English. In this verse, Jesus was emphasizing that no one has ultimate authority but God alone, not saying that we literally can call no one our father. We know this because there are MANY verses in the Biblical texts, including the New Testament, where people other than God alone are referred to as "Father" For example... 1 Corinthians 4:15, Paul refers to himself as a spiritual father. In Acts 7:2, Stephen refers to "our Father Abraham." And there are so many more examples of this. The point that Jesus was making was that our spiritual leaders, earthly fathers, and teachers, are not to REPLACE God, but rather to lead us to Him with humility and gentleness! It was also to discourage the Scribes and Pharisees from their prideful view that they were the ultimate judges and authority. This teaching is why, though priests are spiritual fathers, just as the apostles were to the Early Church, they are NOT God, and they are NOT perfect! God is our Father, and He's entrusted our care to His Shepherds and spiritual Fathers on earth. Have more questions about the priesthood,

I saw a comment on someone’s post that said, “I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts.” and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it... Because here’s the thing: Our thoughts don't have the power to change things directly. Thinking ≠ Interceding. The Saints in Heaven- our Cloud of Witnesses that we hear about in the 2nd reading today- are they in Heaven just THINKING about us? No. They're praying. our Father listens to His Children's cries. Prayer changes things. Pleading with the King of the Universe has power because no one will be healed because you thought of them. People will be healed because you prayed for them. So yes- when someone asks for prayers, you can totally think about them- but let those thoughts lead you to prayer. Prayer is powerful.

"What is a Holy Day of Obligation?" Holy Days of Obligations are solemnities in the Church calendar that are to be treated with the same obligation as a Sunday Mass. This means that we are to treat those days as days of rest and attend Mass on those days, as we would on Sundays. "When are they?" In The United States...Jan. 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God; Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter, the Solemnity of the Ascension; Aug 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Nov 1, the Solemnity of All Saints; Dec 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception; December 25, the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ "What do I have to do on one?" Treat it like a Sunday! Go to Mass, of course. Make an effort to rest- even if you can't skip work or school. If you want, you could learn about the solemnity being celebrated, make special meals that relate to the celebration, or take the day off of work or school to make it a true day of rest. "Can I miss it for work?" Try your absolute hardest not to! Plan to have the day or shift off, or try to flex your time so you can attend Mass. Many parishes offer both morning and evening Mass times so those who are working can make it. If there is some reason why it's absolutely impossible (ie: you're performing surgery on someone, your car broke down and you're stranded on the side of the road, you or your family member have a contagious illness, etc.) then Jesus knows your heart and intentions- but you should always TRY your best to get to Mass. "What about my/my child's sport practice?" Sports are optional activities and should never take precedence over Mass. "My parents won't take me. What do I do?" You can try to respectfully explain to your parents why you, as Catholics, need to attend Mass. If they still won't take you, you can try going with a friend or another family member (with permission, of course!). If you have NO WAY of getting to Mass, then it would not be sinful for you not to attend- the culpability would lie with those who kept you from going. What other questions do you have about Holy Days of Obligation? Ask away in the comments!