How to Celebrate the New Year with the Mother of God

Mary, Mother of God

Your New Year’s Resolutions can be fortified to last the whole year through by asking for the intercession of the Mother of God on New Year’s Day. As January dawns with new beginnings – that new calendar, those new goals for personal fitness, the new hopes and dreams for our jobs and families – placing those aspirations before the Spouse … Read More

Christmas Season Prayers and Activities// Special Advent & Christmas Newsletter

Christmas Season

There are several Christmas Season Ideas and Activities in our special Advent and Christmas Newsletter. Let’s celebrate this most wonderful time of year. You’ll find something for everyone in the newsletter: Why the month of December honors the Immaculate Conception The life of St. Nicholas through a traditional poem. 2 Easy Advent DIY Projects to celebrate the season Special Events … Read More

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year// Father Byrd’s Christmas Letter

“To celebrate the [Christmas]  season we have to prepare for the season,” Father Jerry Byrd (first Sunday of Advent homily on Nov. 27, 2022)   Please find Father Jerry Byrd’s Christmas Letter to you about how to prepare for this  “most wonderful time of the year,” by focusing on the essential elements of the Christmas season.   The Most Wonderful … Read More

Advent and the Jesse Tree // Catholic Christmas Traditions

Jesse Tree, Advent, stained glass, Chartes Cathedral, France

The Jesse Tree helps prepare us for Advent by journeying through the people on Jesus’s family tree. We find all the broken traits of humanity in Christ’s family tree — that birthed the most pure Saviour of the world. Many of them are  troubled characters. Some of them are amazing and steadfast. All of them played a role to bring … Read More

Advent Begins with Christmas Anticipation // A Prayer

Christmas anticipation prayer

The Christmas Anticipation Prayer places us at the “hour and moment” when Christ was born. The prayer reminds us of St. Ignatius’ method of meditation. St. Ignatius taught us to place ourselves in the Gospels, as if we were actually there. Then he asks us to see what Christ tells us, how we would respond, and what we desire. The … Read More

The Best Tips for Pro-Life Ministry // Interview

pro life ministry

The best advice for pro-life ministry is often about helping someone to use their talents and voice for the unborn. Tim O’Donnell, a professor of philosophy and ethics,  gives some of his best tips to help others get involved in pro-life events. A professor of philosophy and ethics, O’Donnell has been praying outside abortion clinics and taking part in the … Read More

St. Michael the Archangel// He Fights for You

st. michael the archangel

St. Michael the archangel is unstoppable. His appearance throughout history and the battles he fought and won for the salvation of souls inspires wonder and awe. No one is sure what he looks like – being pure angelic spirit– but St. Michael the Archangel’s likeness seems to be known by all. Sacred Scripture documents his existence, mentioning him in the Bible … Read More

A Mighty Presence: CCJC students receive the Sacrament of Confirmation

It was a very special night for students and family from the Catholic Community of Jennings County. Archbishop Charles Thompson confirmed the students at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on Sept. 21. Archbishop Thompson said the Holy Spirit is essential and represents the “the perfect communion of love,” with the Holy Trinity. “We are blessed here tonight,” he … Read More