Advent is a time of New Beginnings, to turnover a New Leaf, to be renewed, blessed, and to change our hearts and minds to work for the good of all in Christ. Our Catholic Faith has some remarkable ways of growing spiritually, as this Advent we seek to put our hearts in motion. Yes, our hearts and minds must be in synch with Christ at all times, otherwise we lose our way very quickly.

The First Sunday of Advent is a time of waiting and hope. We look forward to Jesus coming again, and we remember His birth in Bethlehem. Advent reminds us to be ready, not just for Christmas, but for the day when Christ will return. It is a season to pray, watch, and live in the light of the Lord. This First Sunday begins the season of preparation for Christmas. During Advent, we focus on Jesus and try to set aside distractions. Though holiday activities can be busy, Advent reminds us to keep what matters most which is our faith and relationship with Christ, at the center. We are called to "walk in the light of the Lord" with hope through repentance and trust in God.

The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus is the true King. His rule is not about power or wealth. It is about love, mercy, and peace. He leads us by giving His life for us. This feast helps us see what real kingship means in God's eyes. We remember that Jesus is the head of all creation. Everything belongs to Him. Yet He chooses to care for us as a shepherd would care for his sheep. Today calls us to follow His way of kindness and service. This feast also gives us hope. Christ's kingdom is not broken or temporary. It is forever, and He invites us to be part of it. When we live in His love, we share in the joy of His kingdom, both now and in the life to come. The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus is a different kind of king.

The final day of the liturgical year is upon us. The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. This culmination of all the events surrounding our viewfinder of the liturgical year that leads us to realize more profoundly what it means to declare Christ the King of the Universe and to be his disciple. How can it be that the Church calls us to receiving Christ as king, when most of the kings depicted in sacred scripture were corrupted, diabolical, barbaric and not interested in giving away any semblance of power to a Deity. What is it about Christ as king, that he leads us with attributes of love, accountability, charity, forgiveness while being humbled, and a servant leader?

A November to Remember allows us to reflect and pray whole-heartily for the souls of the faithful departed. The Corporal Works of Mercy are a necessary part of living our faith practically in response to the Gospel. The Church teaches through these corporal works great compassion and Christ-like behavior.

The readings this Sunday encourage reflection. They ask people to think about justice, hard work, and staying strong in faith. These lessons are important in everyday life. Take some time to reflect on these messages. The readings teach us to be just, work hard, and stay faithful and through them we are remind that God's justice and rewards are certain, and we must survive trials with faith. God reminds us that He sees all and will bring justice. The first reading warns that the wicked will be punished, but those who honor God will be blessed.

Today the Church celebrates the dedication of the Basilica St. John Lateran in Rome as the church gifted to the Church by Constantine in 313 A.D. It was under the reign of Constantine as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, that Christianity under the universality of the Catholic Church became legalized and began to flourish. Today we honor the fact that this church becomes the cathedral Church of Rome where the Pope of the Universal Church is also the Bishop of Rome.

Did you know that we are God’s building and Jesus Christ is our foundation? That is what today’s readings tell us. If we do not build upon the foundation of Jesus with the bricks and tools that are from God, our construction of our relationship with God and with others will form cracks, it will weaken and even collapse. We are told that we are God’s temple because the Holy Spirit dwells in us because of our baptism. Sometimes the doors to our temples are closed because we close our hearts to others by denying them the opportunity to experience the Holy Spirit by not reaching out to them.

Many of us have questions about death and what happens after we die. We may feel unsure, afraid, or curious. The Church gives us hope through the promise of eternal life. All Souls Day is a time to remember those who have died and to pray for them. Love does not end with death. When we pray for the dead, we are showing love and trust in God’s mercy. We believe that our prayers can help those who have died. This is not just a nice idea. It is part of what we believe as Catholics. This practice goes back many centuries. It reminds us that we are still connected to our loved ones. Some people do not understand about purgatory, what it is or may have a wrong idea about it.

Dear St. Catherine Laboure Family,

Today we celebrate All Soul’s Day, as a way to commemorate the Faithful Departed. The Church has a long tradition of commemorating the dead, because one of the corporal works of mercy, and our Christian responsibility, is to bury the dead. We bury the dead by offering proper Christian burial that includes a funeral mass. And proper burial in a cemetery. Hopefully we had given the opportunity for the dying person to receive the final sacraments of the Church with Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum, Food for the Journey, by receiving the Eucharist.