By Kathy Gaito Prayer, fasting and almsgiving (assisting the needy) are synonymous with the Lenten season which this year began on March 6, Ash Wednesday. While these Lenten practices are a way for us to reconnect with our spiritual relationship with God, they should also be viewed as a stepping stone for us to continue to grow in faith throughout the year. When we decide to continue on our Lenten journey even after our Easter celebrations have come to a close, we strengthen our connection to God and others. Make time in your day to pray a few minutes longer when poss...

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  The Fourth Sunday of Advent   Goal for the Week…  Welcome our Savior into the World! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16   This last week of advent is one that calls for a big change in all of us.  Christmas takes place at the beginning of the week so we shift from contemplation and preparation to complete celebration and JOY!   *How will you express your joy this week? *How will this week be d...

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advent, reflections, 2018

The Third Sunday of Advent:  Gaudete Sunday Rejoice in the Lord, always: again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near. Goal for the Week… Spread Christian JOY! This is the week to express our joy at the coming of our Savior.  If we truly believe in the “gift of Christmas”- that Christ came into OUR WORLD as a baby-grew up like we did in human form-experienced the joys and sufferings we all do as human beings-then this is the Sunday set aside by the Church for us to express our excitement.  The excitement that comes along with re...

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advent, reflections, 2018, gaudette

Goal for the Week…  Let’s use technology to enhance our Advent preparation! Sometimes we hold the answers to our deepest Spiritual questions right in the palm of our hand. That being said take a look at what we hold in our hands most of the day- our cell phones.  Their use is no longer just as a phone, most of us use them to text, get directions, google facts, stream news, watch movies, facetime, tweet, take photos and so much more.  They assist us with numerous tasks throughout the day to make our lives physically easier.   ...

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The First Sunday of Advent: Goal for the Week… Let’s gain some perspective! Ready or not Advent has begun! It is now December and we all find ourselves looking ahead to the Christmas Season remembering all the preparation and work that is involved in making it special for our family and friends. Planning ahead has become an obsession in our culture. Decorations, cards and gifts are available two or three months in advance so that consumers can be prepared for the holiday or celebration. We have been conditioned to believe that the more we do in advance th...

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