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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Blessed Virgin Mary | Catholic | Christmas Season
Alleluia! Jesus is born! The Emmanuel is here! Christmas has always been an important date on my calendar. Growing up, I used to celebrate it surrounded by family and friends, prayers, and good food. Christmas novenas were a tradition in my family as well. We used to gather with our neighbors for novenas in preparation for Christmas. At church, I loved all the happy songs of praise and the bright decorations. The lights at night made me think of how Jesus brought light to the world when He was born. Ultimately it has always been a magical season for me.
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Advent | Almsgiving | corporal works of mercy | family prayer
The Corporal Works of Mercy—feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, and shelter the homeless—can all be categorized with one powerful word: Almsgiving. We often associate that word with Lent, but the truth is people and organizations who serve those in need require assistance all year long. As Christians, we must love and care for those in our society who are in most need. That is why it is important to continue the practice of almsgiving year-round. On the Feast Day of Saint Stephen, we remember his role not only as the first Christian martyr but also as one of the first deacons! As a deacon, Saint Stephen was charged with giving alms to the poor and serving those in most need. On the Feast of Saint Stephen, December 26, make time to reflect upon how you can best serve our brothers and sisters in need.
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Family Activities | celebrating Christmas | family prayer
Most of us are familiar with the Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and how it represents symbols of Catechism for the early Christians with the gifts that God gave to us. From the partridge representing Jesus Himself, each day brings numbered gifts to represent various elements of our faith. I think that it's helpful to dig deeper into these Gifts of our Faith and to see how they apply to us individually while introducing key feast days within the season of Christmas. We can use these gifts from God as a journey in gratefulness and faith-building prompts to pray in the new year ahead!
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Advent | Blessed Virgin Mary | true meaning of Christmas
Today the Catholic Church celebrates the fourth Sunday of Advent, and, beginning with this evening's Vigil Mass, Christmas Eve. We hope you have found many ways to share The Gift of Prayer with your family this Advent season.
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Christmas Season | Church family | family prayer
"Something has changed within me...something I can't explain." Those are some of the first words from one of my favorite Broadway songs, "Gravity," from the musical Wicked— about sums up what happened to me seven years ago on Christmas.
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