As we prepare for Christmas, enjoy the journey through Advent with these reflections by women who’s vocation is in the church. First Week of Advent Advent Reflection for December 1 – First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 2:1-5/Romans 13-11-14/Matthew 24:37-44 Invitation to Prayer: As we begin the Advent journey, let us …

***Click on Parish Name for Map Cathedral of St Peter in Chains., 325 W 8th St., Cincinnati OH 45202; (513) 421-5354 Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve: at 3:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. w/Archbishop Robert G. Casey(Carols at 9:30 p.m.) Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day at 10:00 a.m. w/Archbishop …

By Courtney Mares Shrewsbury, England, Dec 17, 2019 / 02:06 pm (CNA).- Gavin Ashenden, a former Honorary Chaplain to the Queen in the Church of England who was consecrated a bishop in a Continuing Anglican ecclesial community, will be received into the Catholic Church on Sunday. He will receive confirmation …

By Christine Rousselle Washington D.C., Dec 16, 2019 / 03:10 pm (CNA).- A new analysis from the Pew Research Center shows that many Catholic priests are holding to Pope Francis’ advice to keep their homilies on the shorter side, especially compared to Protestant denominations. An analysis of nearly 50,000 sermons, …

By Mary Farrow Washington D.C., Dec 17, 2019 / 03:06 am (CNA).- It all started with a Twitter rant. A single Catholic in D.C. (CNA’s Christine Rousselle, to be exact) sounded off in personal disappointment about a speed dating event that she was attending at a local parish. Per the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The traditional visit of bishops to Rome to report on their dioceses is about more than just keeping things in order; rather, it is a manifestation of their communion with Christ and his vicar on earth, the pope, …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Dec 5, 2019 / 10:40 am (CNA).- Ahead of the Vatican Christmas tree lighting Dec. 5, Pope Francis expressed hope that the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will serve as a reminder of what Christmas is truly about. A nativity scene “is a genuine …

Pope Francis has written an Apostolic Letter on the meaning and importance of the nativity scene. He signed the Letter during his visit on Sunday afternoon to the Italian town of Greccio. By Vatican News Greccio is the mountain village where Saint Francis of Assisi created the first crib scene …

In the waning days of December, some non-Christians celebrate the winter solstice instead of Christmas. The connection between the two observances is worth reflecting on this Advent Season. The winter solstice, which will occur on December 21, marks the longest night of the year. After that, the nights grow shorter …

IMAGE: CNS screen grab/Vatican News By Natalie Hoefer INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — Outside, a cold drizzle dampened Indianapolis Nov. 21. Inside the city’s convention center, however, it seemed as if the pure joy and enthusiasm of 20,000 people — mostly high school youths — would have held off the damp chill …