I recently came across a beautiful prayer composed by St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta entitled, Jesus, My Patient, which was included on the back of a funeral program of a former nurse, Martha Rooney. The prayer has been used by her Sisters of Charity in their care for the sick, poor, and dying.

This weekend’s readings are filled with inspiration and instruction, and offers us great words of encouragement! Isaiah reminds us that we no longer walk in darkness. For us, the ‘great light’ he speaks of is Jesus Christ.

I am pleased to report that Cardinal Sean has recently approved our Parish Pastoral Plan that our Parish Plan Writing Team has been working on for about two years. This is a key part of the Disciples in Mission pastoral planning process that calls every parish / collaborative to determine 3 – 5 pastoral priorities that will focus on the mission of evangelization, which is to form committed disciples of Jesus who truly know Him, love Him, and who seek to draw others into closer relationship with Him and His Church.

Some programs and workshops being offered to the general public in our area often sound interesting and harmless.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution? One resolution some people have chosen is to build into their lives time to be quiet and reflective, and thereby create more focus on what they’re doing in the course of their day, rather than merely run from one event to the next often at a frantic pace.

I hope you enjoy the gift book we’re passing out this Christmas, Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly. The book will help you explore your soul-potential and inspire you to collaborate with God in every-day life.

During this season, we’ll probably hear more than once the familiar song: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” But, for some among us, it’s really not. If anything, they might say just the opposite. That’s because this time of year is very difficult for them. There are a number of circumstances which can make it so.

Here is a beautiful poem about the significance of the Christmas greetings we exchange during this season.

About 10 years ago, an article in the Boston Globe by Martha Irvine spoke about how some companies are urging employees to unplug for periods of time – no cellphone, no tablet, no laptop.

This painting is called The Annunciation by Henry Tanner and is on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It depicts Mary’s encounter with the Angel Gabriel when she was told that God had chosen her to be the mother of the Promised Messiah – Jesus.

Thanksgiving is a time we "count our blessings" and offer due thanks to God for them. One perspective on a fitting response to God's greatest gift to us - our life, is provided by Swiss theologian and Catholic priest, Hans Urs Von Balthasar (1905 - 1988), who is considered one of the most important Roman Catholic theologians of the 20th century. He wrote, "What you are is God's gift to you. What you become is your gift to God."

Are you surprised that our Catholic Bishops have something to say about topical social issues, some of which are matters promoted by Democrats and others promoted by Republicans? The Church does not align with a particular political candidate or party, but it can speak about social issues that impact the welfare of our society.

1. Order a meal delivery for a neighbor or friend who is having a hard time.

2. Buy coffee or a drink for the person in line behind you at a drive-thru.

3. Smile at everyone you encounter for a day. (with your eyes)

4. Donate your time, treasures or talents to a local charity.