|
|
|
|
 |
|
Prepare for Christmas with the
Catholic Apostolate Center
Advent. How much do you know about it? For many the foundations of its customs and traditions are not well known. Did you know that Advent is not only a time that prepares us to celebrate the first coming of Christ at Christmas, but also for the second coming of the Messiah at the end of time? Want to know where Advent Wreaths come from? What about the Mexican tradition of the Posada? You can find answers to those questions, along with videos from Salt+Light Television and the Archdiocese of Washington, daily reflections from the USCCB, and more at our new Advent Resource Page! Advent offers a time to be in reflective waiting, opening our hearts to the coming of the Lord. The Sacrament of Reconciliation can assist us in more fully being able to receive Christ. On the Advent Resource Page you can find extensive resources on this sacrament, from guides for Confession to Frequently Asked Questions to examinations of conscience for people from all walks of life. However you go about preparing for the coming of Christ, the Catholic Apostolate Center has resources to help strengthen your traditions, grow closer to God, and share your faith with others.
"Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit, the day of salvation, peace and reconciliation: the great season of Advent. This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced to see. This is the season that the church has always celebrated with special solemnity. We too should always observe it with faith and love, offering praise and thanksgiving to the Father for the mercy and love he has shown us in this mystery."
-St. Charles Borromeo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Universal call to Holiness- Vocations in the 21st Century
Our webinar series concludes appropriately with the Consecrated Life. In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vatican II document Lumen Gentium and in preparation for the Year of Consecrated Life, this three part series of webinars has discussed the impact of those in consecrated life and laity, and their c hallenges today. Click on the below link to register today.
|
|
See Us at the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Congress!
We are pleased to announce our growing involvement and presence at the Mid-Atlantic Congress taking place in Baltimore, MD, on February 12-14. This is a great opportunity for Church leaders at all levels of parish, diocesan, and education ministries to come together, share, learn, and network. If you're interested in registering see the link below.
This year we are fortunate enough to offer four different presentations at the Mid-Atlantic Congress in collaboration with our partners at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archdiocese of Washington:
- On Thursday, February 12, join Catholic Apostolate Center Director Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C with Dr. Peter Murphy and Jeannine Marino of the USCCB, as they will be discussing the Pastoral Planning Guide for the New Evangelization.
- Later that evening, join our young adult staff and Jonathan Lewis of the Archdiocese of Washington with their presentation Be an Apostle: How to be a Witness to the Faith.
- Friday, February 13, Fr. Frank Donio and Catholic Apostolate Center Advisor Barbara McCrabb will be speaking on Moving Church from Maintenance to Mission through Co-Responsibility.
- Finally, on Saturday, February 14, join Catholic Apostolate Center Advisors Dr. Susan Timoney and Don McCrabb with their presentation on Pope Francis and the Call to Witness.
Please come and visit us at our booth after seeing one of our presentations. Our staff looks forward to meeting you!
|
|
The Year of Consecrated Life
|
From the Ad Infinitum Blog
As we begin Advent
by Rebecca Ruesch
(Originally published on December 2, 2014)
This past Sunday, we celebrated the First Sunday of Advent, the time of preparation for the coming of Christ. This Advent season also signals the beginning of the liturgical New Year. Now, I'm the kind of girl that has been secretly listening to Christmas Carols since mid-November (with headphones and lowered volume so no one knows my secret!) so Advent is one of my favorite times of year. As a little girl, I loved the buildup to Christmas and loved helping my mom prepare our house for the torrent of annual Christmas events. From decorating the tree to baking cookies, I loved it all. Read more
|
|
Recap: Apostolic Journey to Turkey
Pope Francis visited the nation of Turkey at the invitation of the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. After meeting with President Erdoğan and giving a speech calling for greater interfaith cooperation to combat religious fanaticism, he visited the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. There he prayed silently alongside chief Islamic figures, demonstrating a desire for an end to hostilities in the region. Finally, on November 30, he celebrated the feast of St. Andrew by attending an Orthodox liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew, renewing their commitment to reunification. Before leaving, the Pope and the Patriarch signed a Common Declaration solidifying that commitment and calling for an end to fundamentalist violence.
To continue following Pope Francis as he leads the Church in the modern world, take a look at the Center's Pope Francis Portal.
|
|
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Memorial:
December 8
Instituted:
1708 by Pope Clement XI
Quote:
"It is no wonder, then, that the usage prevailed among the holy Fathers whereby they called the mother of God entirely holy and free from all stain of sin, fashioned by the Holy Spirit into a kind of new substance and new creature. Adorned from the first instant of her conception with the splendors of an entirely unique holiness, the Virgin of Nazareth is, on God's command, greeted by an angel messenger as 'full of grace' (Luke 1:28). To the heavenly messenger she replies: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word' (Luke 1:38)" (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 56).
|
Catholic Apostolate Center
A Ministry of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
