Catholic Fire

1. Believe is one Christmas movie I am looking forward to viewing this year . It opens in theaters on Dec. 2. Here is a review from  Variety , Here is a brief synopsis from the website. For years, the small town of Grundy, Va. has relied on the Peyton family to provide the highlight of the year—the annual Christmas pageant. When Matthew Peyton (Ryan O’Quinn) inherits the family business, the responsibility of the Christmas pageant also falls on his shoulders. But as financial hardships fall on the town, Matthew finds himself overwhelmed. As his business profits plummet and his workers begin to strike, Matthew is forced to make a decision between selling the family business and cancelling the beloved pageant or sticking out hardships despite his rapidly declining popularity in the community. Through chance events, Matthew meets Clarence (Issac Ryan Brown), a boy who believes in miracles, and his mother Sharon (Danielle Nicolet). His newfound friends impact Matthew’s life in a ...

The word Advent comes from the Latin word advenio, which means "to come to," and denotes the coming of Christ. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and souls for the Savior’s three comings: (1) the Lord's coming into the world as the incarnate God of love at Christmas, (2) Christ’s coming in Holy Communion and through grace, and (3) His final coming as judge, at death and at the end of the world. In her inspirational book, Advent with St. Teresa of Calcutta: Daily Meditations , author Heidi Hess Saxton presents twenty-eight daily meditations based on the wisdom of St. Teresa of Calcutta as it relates to each day’s Scripture readings. With an Introduction written by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle and a Foreword by Bishop Robert Barron, this beautiful devotional assists us in entering into the peace, joy, and love of this liturgical season. The book is divided into six sections: each of the four weeks of Advent, the Christmas week through Epiphany, and the feasts days a...

1. I love food, but need to consistently eat healthy food. Once in awhile, I sneak in some sweets, which puts weight on. Above are two dishes I made for supper tonight: my favorite tossed salad with Italian chicken vegetable soup. I used mostly organic or non-GMO ingredients in everything. My husband loved it! If you would like the recipes, just email me with "Recipes" in the subject line at jean.heimann@gmail.com and I will be happy to share them with you.  2. With winter in full force, I have been drinking more tea lately: Roobois, Ginger, and Cinnamon.  Here are some ideas for healthy hot, delicious drinks to warm you up.  3. What did you do for fun over the holidays? I celebrated with family at Christmas and several friends at a New Year's Eve Party. I also went to see  Star Wars: The Force Awakens . Who can resist a new episode of Star Wars ? I don't understand all the fuss about Carrie Fisher's appearance. Of course she no long...

I wish you all a blessed and a very Merry Christmas! I pray that the coming of the Infant Savior Jesus will fill your hearts with His peace, joy, and love. Jean Here is some beautiful music that will warm your heart and nourish your soul: Adrianne Price -- Adeste Fideles (O Come all you Faithful): Kitty Cleveland -- O Holy Night: Sissel Kyrkjebø -- Pie Jesu (Merciful Lord): Lyrics translated to English: Merciful Lord Merciful Lord, merciful Lord merciful Lord, merciful Lord who lifted the world’s sins grant them peace, grant them peace Merciful Lord, merciful Lord merciful Lord, merciful Lord who lifted the world’s sins grant them peace, grant them peace God’s Lamb, God’s Lamb, God’s Lamb, God’s Lamb who lifted the world’s sins grant them peace, grant them peace Everlasting Everlasting Peace Pentatonix -- Joy to the World

1. Christmas is coming soon. Are you ready? It seems like Advent has flown by. I was on a really good schedule of going to Mass daily, praying my Rosary, and going to Confession weekly. I was caught up with my writing, my housework, and working out daily at the gym when all of a sudden I had an accident. I carelessly tripped over the cord to my laptop and landed on my knees on the floor. My system was jolted -- I threw my back out, ended up with bruised knees, neck pain, headaches, and more. It's not something you want to experience at any time, but especially not right before Christmas. I have been in a lot of pain, but have been offering it up. Of course I went to the chiropractor and have been icing myself down, but I believe that God can use my pain to bring souls to Him during this Christmas season. This pain can be used for good purposes. Perhaps he also wants me to slow down, to do less, and pray more. Drawing nearer to him and preparing our hearts for his coming is what...

Opening Prayer (for each day) Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment At which the Son of God was born Of a most pure Virgin At a stable at midnight in Bethlehem In the piercing cold At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, To hear my prayers and grant my desires (Mention your intentions here). Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother. December 16: O Shepherd that rulest Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep, come to guide and comfort us. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be. December 17: O Wisdom that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence! Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be. December 18: O Adonai, and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him the law in Sinai, come to redeem us with ...

Here are five great gifts for Christmas: 1. The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross b y Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle In this candid, astonishing autobiographical account, this soft-spoken, delicate, and devout Catholic media celebrity reveals the shocking struggles she has tackled in life. She became engaged to a drug addict who held her against her will, threatening harm to her family. She faced miscarriages, abuse, serious illness, divorce, financial difficulties, custody battles, and single motherhood – all with great inner strength and tremendous courage. Through God’s providence, she met Mother Teresa, the spiritual guide who shepherded her through some of these trials and helped her heal. 2 . True Radiance  Finding Grace in the Second Half of Life  by Lisa Mladinich True Radiance is a beautiful book written for women  in the second half of their lives, which is intended to: guide them to grat...

1. Attend daily Mass and the sacrament of Reconciliation with your family as often as possible. 2. Attend fewer Christmas parties and spend more time in prayer. Pray the Rosary with the family or spend an hour each week in Eucharistic Adoration together. Light a candle for the Blessed Virgin Mary on her feast days. 3. Laugh. Find humor in the events of your everyday life. Watch classic comedies with clean humor. 3. Buy fewer Christmas presents for family. Instead teach them the real meaning of Christmas by giving more of your time, talents, and money to those who need it. Volunteer at the soup kitchen or the homeless shelter. Collect food, toys, coats, and other articles for the needy. 4. Use an Advent calendar and a wreath to mark this time of preparation. Pray Advent prayers with the family when you light up the candle on the wreath. Sing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" throughout Advent. Pray the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at this time. 5. Take prayer...

By Jean M. Heimann Christmas is the origin of Christian evangelization in the world because the primary Eucharistic event of our faith is the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s Living Word made flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary and it is He offers Himself to us Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. As we gaze upon the Babe in the manger and as we receive Him in Holy Communion, let us be ever aware of our mission to be witnesses to God’s life-giving love in the world. How do we evangelize at Christmas as Catholics? There are thousands of little ways we can share our faith and draw others to the Good News. Here are some of the ways I like to evangelize. Continue Reading.

The Birth of Jesus is one of the favorite themes for artists of all times. Geniuses like El Greco, Rubens and Murillo have tried to represent the Holy Family. - Via Rome Reports.

The tradition of setting up nativity scenes was actually born in Italy, thanks to St. Francis of Assisi. So, it doesn't get more Italian than this: A nativity scene, shepherds and all, made out of pasta. It's just one of hundreds of original designs, on display at a yearly Christmas exhibit titled "100 Nativity Sets.” MARIA MENAGLIA 100 Presepi (Rome) "This year we have 212 of them on display. They are all new and they came from 42 different countries. From Italy alone, we have some from 14 regions. They represent all the culture of the world.” Even though the exhibit is based in Europe, Latin American has a strong presence. Countries like Mexico, Colombia and Peru put forth their best work for the show. Displays like these prove that a tradition that started centuries ago, is still very much alive today on a global scale. MARIA MENAGLIA 100 Presepi (Rome) "In the 60's this tradition was dying in Italy. The Christmas tree was more fashionable...

The following Christmas Novena begins December 16 and is prayed for nine consecutive days. It  is suggested for private use with the family. The three leader parts, Father, Eldest Child and Mother may be adjusted to fit your family situation or to use in a classroom, parish or prayer group. The Christmas Novena All: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. + Our Father... Hail Mary... Father: O Lord, Open my lips. All: And my mouth shall proclaim Your praise. Father: O God, come to my assistance. All: O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. Father: The Lord our Coming King, hasten to adore. All: The Lord our Coming King, hasten to adore. Eldest child: Rejoice, O Daughter of Sion, and exult, O Daughter of Jerusalem. All: The Lord our Coming King, hasten to adore. Eldest child: Behold...

12/26/2013 Before the Nativity scene, may we pray in a particular way for those suffering persecution for the faith. ~ Pope Fancis 12/25/2013 Christ comes among us at Christmas: it is the perfect time for a personal encounter with the Lord. ~ Pope Fancis

Christmas is a time for friends and family.  So it makes sense that Pope Francis visited Benedict XVI, to wish him a Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas -It's great to see that you're doing so well -Thank You -Merry Christmas At 86, the Pope emeritus looked healthy and alert. He carried a black cane to help him move along. Together with Pope Francis, they walked into the Mater Ecclesiae chapel, where they stood and prayed. After talking for a few minutes, Pope Francis individually meet the group of consecrated women who live at the former monastery and help care for Benedict XVI. Just like old friends, after a good conversation and a warm embrace, the Pope Emeritus walked to the door to thank his guests for the Christmas visit, waiting outside to make sure his friend and Pope, took off safely.

In his daily morning Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis talked about what it really means to prepare for Christmas. Amid all the parties and celebrations, he said, there must be room for God. POPE FRANCIS "Is there a place for the Lord, or is there only room for parties, shopping and noise? Is our soul wide open, just like our Holy Mother Church and Our Lady? Or is our soul closed off, with a 'Do not Disturb' sign at the door? Now, let's repeat our call to the Lord many times, 'Come, Lord Jesus! May our souls not turn into a soul that reads: Do not disturb!" The Pope then added that God isn't just present during Christmas, but rather every single day. He then emphasized that to feel the presence of God, one must first open the door. SUMMARY OF POPE'S MASS (Source: Vatican Radio) "Pope Francis celebrated Mass on Monday morning in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. He focused his remarks after the readings of th...

For about three hours, Pope Francis visited the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome. It was a his way of wishing the young patients a Merry Christmas. Some waited for the Pope right at the entrance and others in their hospital rooms. "You're all great..." The Pope thanked the doctors and all the caregivers at the hospital. He said their work is much more than just work. Above all else, he said, it represents hope. Then came the moment to directly greet the children and their families. The Pope went by himself, without his team and without photographers. Then these two patients decided to take the lead of the tour. They took Pope Francis by the hand, to the hospital's chapel. POPE FRANCIS "Thank you for [sharing] your dreams and your prayers [with me] in this basket. Thank you very much! Together, we will give this to Jesus. He knows what's deep in your heart. Especially with you children, Jesus has a special bond: He is always close to ...

The Scandinavian island nation of Iceland celebrates its national patron, St. Thorlak Thorhallsson , on Dec. 23. Although Iceland's national assembly declared him a saint in 1198, only five years after his death, this “unofficial” canonization did not become an official part of the Church's liturgical calendar until Pope John Paul II confirmed him as the country's patron in January 1984. Thorlak was born in 1133, less than two centuries after German and Norwegian missionaries began the first effective evangelization of Iceland. The pagan nation's conversion had involved a dramatic national struggle, as many Icelanders clung fiercely to their ancestral religion despite its customs of idol worship and infanticide. The Catholic Church in Iceland had solidly established its presence by the time of Thorlak's birth. However, it had fallen into some disarray, particularly due to local clergy disregarding the rule of clerical celibacy, selling church positions for...

I came "Home" for Christmas many years ago and it was the happiest Christmas of my life! In different parts of the globe, it's the same story that's being heard over and over again. Distanced Catholics are going back to Church and embracing their faith. Some call it the 'Francis effect' others say it's the result of the  New Evangelization. Either way, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales is jumping on board with an initiative called: 'Come Home for Christmas.' It's website www.comehomeforchristmas.co.uk encourages Catholics who never or rarely attend Mass, to go back and rediscover their faith.  It includes the personal stories of Catholics who for different reasons, distanced themselves from the Church for months, years or even decades...but eventually they all decided to go back. Every person brings a unique story. In an increasingly secular country like the UK, Bishops want to invite their flock, young and ol...

"Thank you.” With joy and much enthusiasm, children belonging to Italy's Catholic Action group welcomed Pope Francis. Their meeting was noticeable because the Pope excelled in this environment. He asked the children to become "living rocks, united to Christ.” He also told them that "the birth of Jesus is not a fairytale.” The Pope greeted each child individually. They all gave the Pope a gift. He listened closely to their explanations as they sang along Christmas carols. A young girl from the Piedmont region, where the Pope's parents were born, took him several traditional foods. "We're from Piedmont, close to your grandparents' house. This is a small gift.” "No, this is a big gift!” Some of the children even used this time to give him a Christmas and a birthday present. Pope Francis turned 77 on December 17. The kids gave the Pope a new pair of shoes. They also gave him pasta, but they told him it was a work of art. The Pope th...