Christmas is coming, and ads are everywhere. My social media feed is full of gift suggestions that make me wonder who they think I’m buying gifts for this year.

During Advent, let us allow the Lord to break through barriers that prevent us from receiving and giving love. This can happen when we make an unburdening confession of our sins.

Father R. Aaron Wessman, the first vicar general and director of formation for the Glenmary Home Missioners, spoke with OSV News’ Charlie Camosy about the history and mission of the organization as well as its recent work in assisting victims of Hurricane Helene.

Pray today and this week about how God is calling you to witness to Advent, to observe Advent, to pray this Advent. Seriously. For without Advent, it is impossible to truly understand Christmas. 

It’s important to share in a spirit of generosity during the Christmas season. It’s just that we need to re-examine what it means to be truly generous.

As our Catholic funeral liturgy reminds us, for God’s faithful “life is changed, not ended” with bodily death; and by analogy we can also conclude that although the love of spouses may be changed into something different from specifically married love, this does not mean that this love no longer exists.

I like to think that God is waiting, trusting, walking with us, even when we feel we aren’t doing anything significant for the world.

This Advent presents an opportunity to increase our desire to emulate this great saint so loved by Our Lady and Our Savior.

Thanksgiving is one of those few national holidays when a semi-religious sentiment is allowed.

Food can serve as a powerful force for forging deeper connections. Through the rituals of cooking and eating, we feed our friendships, creating lasting memories one bite at a time.