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The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God On January 1, Catholics honor Mary’s unique role in salvation history with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation. This feast underscores Mary’s title as Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” a doctrine officially declared at the Council of Ephesus in 431. At the close of the council, the faithful filled the streets, joyfully proclaiming, “Praised be the Theotokos!” Mary’s title as “Mother of God” is rooted in the Incarnation, where, as St. Paul teaches: “...

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The Jubilee Year is a sacred time of renewal, grace, and joy proclaimed by the Church every 25 years. For 2025, Pope Francis has announced the Jubilee Year under the theme “Spes Non Confundit” (Hope Does Not Disappoint), taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Rom 5:5). In his papal bull of proclamation, the Holy Father invites all Catholics to embrace this year as a time of profound encounter with God’s mercy and hope, symbolized by the opening of Holy Doors in cathedrals and churches around the world. The Jubilee Year offers an invitation to...

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The Office of Faith Events brightened the season by making their annual Christmas visit to the Sisters in Baltic. The day was filled with festive joy and the warmth of community as they shared in a timeless tradition of a Christmas Carol sing. Between songs, a special touch was added with Christmas sharing questions, sparking heartfelt memories and laughter. A favorite question, “What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?” brought delightful responses from the Sisters, including cherished memories of a cowgirl outfit, a Chatty Cathy doll, and Ra...

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Archbishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich, shares a heartfelt message this Christmas. He reflects on the blessings of the season and the anticipation of a new chapter for the Diocese. He acknowledges this time of transition, encouraging prayers and preparation as we await the appointment of a new bishop. Highlighting the importance of peace, Archbishop Coyne calls on the faithful to remember those affected by conflict and war. "Pray for peace, especially in places of Africa where war is raging, the Holy Land and Ukraine," h...

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We are all given special talents and gifts from God. One of my special gifts is the ability to rest. I can sit down and fall asleep faster than anyone. At night, my head barely touches the pillow, and I am at rest. I see this as a sign of God’s love. Being able to rest allows us to receive God and receiving Him gives us true rest. As St. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” We all need time to rest in our lives. Even God rested on the seventh day of creation. That is why Sunday sho...

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