As I begin writing this piece, I am suddenly aware of the fact that this will raise some eyebrows, but here goes: Where has the awe and devotion gone at Mass? A picture is worth a thousand words, but as Jesus well understood, a story can often get one’s point across very effectively. My sto...

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November/December 2023 Four County Catholic "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."   My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we approach Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas I am reminded of the above verse from the Gospel of Luke which ...

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Bishop

Heavenly Creator, In this season of gratitude and abundance, we give You thanks for our many blessings as we pray for all who struggle with hunger and want. Be with them in the dark of night, when all hope seems lost. Keep their faith strong as they await relief. Let Your goodness flow thr...

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Since the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7, the entire month is dedicated to celebrating the Holy Rosary. But how did this extra-liturgical devotion become the most popular Catholic devotion? A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ROSARY According to legend, St. Dominic&...

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In a previous column titled “Got time to pray?” we discussed a few ideas for people who are short on time but recognize the need for prayer. But perhaps you’ve finally reached a place where you’re able to dedicate more time to prayer or even participate in a retreat. How bles...

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WASHINGTON - Each year on September 1, the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day of prayer also marks the beginning of a month-long ecumenical awareness initiative known as the “Season of Creation,” which concludes on October 4 with ...

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So often I hear people say: “Oh, I wish I could make a retreat, but my schedule makes that impossible or ...” You can insert your own explanation for not making a personal retreat, and it may sound valid. However, so often people don’t make retreats because “I wouldn’t ...

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If there were a poster child for the power of prayer, it would be St. Monica, whose feast day we celebrate on Aug. 27. Through her unceasing prayers and unfailing example of how to live a Christ-like life, St. Monica brought about the conversion of both her husband, Patricius, and her son, Augu...

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What is the Assumption? The first name of this solemnity was the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Later, its name in the East carried over, the Dormition (or Falling Asleep) of Mary. In the West, it became known as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This solemnity celebrates the fact that Ma...

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Dear Friends,  Last week, members of the Executive Team for the National Eucharistic Revival gathered to prayerfully prepare and plan for the Year of Mission, which launches at the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis next July 2024 and culminates in 2025, the...

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