The Holy Father´s Week: December 14, 2009
A report on Benedict XVI´s messages and activities.

December 14 -- Saint John of the Cross
Priest and Doctor of the Church.

My Present for Jesus? A Heart Filled with Love
Challenge: Examine your attitudes to see if your actions really do speak of love for Christ, or if your own interests are ruling my life.

Holy Gospel: December 14
“By what authority are you doing these things?" (Matthew 21: 23-27)

Charity for All
Challenge: Perform a special act of charity today.

December 13 -- Saint Lucy
Virgin and Martyr.

Holy Gospel: December 13
“Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” (Luke 3:10-18)

December 12 -- Our Lady of Guadalupe
Empress of the Americas

Our Response to Joy
Challenge: Do something concrete to help defend the lives of unborn children.

Holy Gospel: December 12
"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord." (Luke 1: 26-38)

Jesse Who?
How much attention do you pay to the hymns you sing? Who is Jesse, exactly, and what does he have to do with Christmas?

A Lesson about the Heart
Challenge: Strive to interpret the actions of others in a positive way, excusing any defects you may perceive.

December 11 -- Saint María Maravillas de Jesús
Professed Nun of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.

Holy Gospel: December 11
"Wisdom is vindicated by her works." (Matthew 11: 16-19)

Senators Vote Against Restrictions on Abortion Funding in Healthcare Bill
Majority of Catholic Senators Choose Planned Parenthood Concerns over Bishops

December 10 -- Saint Miltiades
Pope

A Kingdom for the Violent?
Challenge: Offer today’s trials to God. They’re nothing in comparison to the heavenly reward.

Holy Gospel: December 10
"Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist." (Matthew 11: 11-15)

The Yoke of Love
Challenge: Imitate Jesus’ loving humility in your own life today.

December 9 -- Saint Juan Diego Cuautlatoatzin
Saint Juan Diego was a poor Mexican Indian.

Holy Gospel: December 9
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28-30)

Modern-Day Abolitionists Fight Slavery
Human trafficking is growing, but so are efforts to fight it.

‘Manhattan Declaration’
Christians unite on call to Conscience Statement.

Venerable Karol Wojtyla?
Congregation reportedly recommends next step toward Pope John Paul II’s canonization.

Vatican Reschedules Midnight Mass
Mass for the Solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity in St. Peter’s Basilica to be held at 10 p.m. instead of midnight.

A Simple Guide to Christian Meditation
Your meditation can be divided into 4 steps – the four “C”s: Concentrate, Consider, Converse, Commit. Father John Bartunek explains.

The Holy Father´s Week: December 7, 2009
A report on Benedict XVI´s messages and activities.

The School of Words
Are you at a loss for ways to improve or change your spiritual life? The answer might be much easier than you ever imagined.

The Priest's Bride
Why priests should not get married.

Homophobia: Who's Afraid of Whom?
Are Christians Really Afraid of Homosexuality, or Are Homosexuals Afraid of Christianity?