December 25th- Christmas Day 2017 (Begin this day by asking the Holy Spirit for a heightened awareness of Christ’s presence). Christmas invites us to recognize what it means to be most deeply human. Whether by welcoming people who have no one to share this feast with to our tables; or …

ADVENT 2017 Friday, November 24th through January 1st Live Nativity at St. Francis Seraph St. Francis Seraph Nativity exhibit at Christian Moerlein Taproom Map Monday, November 27th through Friday, January 5th “At the Manger” Créche display at the University of Dayton Map Friday, December 1st –Sunday, January 7th Nativity Set …

By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Republican lawmakers joined President Donald Trump in cheering passage of the most significant overhaul of the federal tax system in three decades even as the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ domestic policy committee called on the president to work with Congress to fix “unacceptable …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Darrin Zammit Lupi, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Foreign trips, a focus on the rights and needs of migrants and refugees and a Synod of Bishops dedicated to young people all are on the 2018 calendar for Pope Francis. His activities and the passions that …

In Today’s Video thoughts from Father Alex McCullough and his reflections on ordination and the priesthood.

IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Cardinal Bernard F. Law, who had been one of the United States’ most powerful and respected bishops until his legacy was blemished by the devastating sexual abuse of minors by priests in his Archdiocese of Boston, died early Dec. 20 in Rome …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Francois Gloutnay, Presence By Francois Gloutnay MONTREAL (CNS) — For sculptor Sylvette Chanel, Advent is the busiest time of the year. She is among the few people left who keeps alive the ancient New France craft of making and repairing wax Jesus figures for Nativity scenes. This art …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Family Theater Product By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton and St. John Paul II’s mentor, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski. The pope approved the decrees recognizing their heroic virtues during an audience Dec. 18 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect …

By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Nativity scene and Christmas tree, like those displayed in St. Peter’s Square, are visible reminders of God’s benevolence and closeness to all men and women, Pope Francis said. The traditional Christmas displays are “the signs of the heavenly Father’s compassion, of his participation and …

Each year the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has a toy drive for children from newborn through 12 years old. In today’s A picture says a thousand words, a look at the Joy of Giving. Many toys were in other offices in boxes and bags. Tis the Season of Joy!