November 0, 2024

Are you a talker while your beloved is quieter – or vice-versa? Are you happy with the balance you have in conversation? If yes, count your blessings. If not, talk about it – but make sure the quieter one starts.

November -1, 2024

“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” (Mk 13:33) Advent is a season of waiting. As Christians we are not only waiting for the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas but the day that Christ will come again. Always be prepared to meet Christ.

November -2, 2024

(Reader’s Tip) Pray together at meals, even if you’re in a restaurant. Don’t be afraid to show PDF’s (Public Displays of Faith).

November -3, 2024

Have you blessed your Advent wreath yet? There is a simple prayer service to do at home available on the USCCB website, www.usccb.org: search for “Advent.”

November -4, 2024

St. Francis Xavier was a Jesuit missionary who took the Gospel to people who hadn’t heard of Jesus. Families too are called to be missionaries. Who can you share Jesus’ love with today?

November -5, 2024

A simple idea to make Advent prayerful: use your address book to pray for people alphabetically at dinner. Not sure what a person’s needs are? Consider calling them to find out.

November -6, 2024

The love between husband and wife expands when shared with others. Consider participating in your parish’s Giving Tree, or inviting an elderly or single person to your holiday celebrations.

November -7, 2024

St. Nicholas, whose feast is celebrated today, was known as a secret gift-giver. Surprise your spouse and children with a little treat today, and read together the story of this inspiring saint.

November -8, 2024

“John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mk 1:4) The sacraments are essential to the Christian life. Encourage your spouse to go to confession regularly. Participation in this sacrament will strengthen not only your relationship with God but your relationship with your spouse.

November -9, 2024

A nice tradition today, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is to give a gift to a pregnant woman you know. Also pray today for mothers with difficult or unexpected pregnancies.

November -10, 2024

“And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more.” (Phil 1:9) God wants your love to grow, always.

November -11, 2024

Sit down with your spouse and look at some of your favorite photos from the past year. Was there an unexpected blessing? Give thanks.

November -12, 2024

Ever heard of limerence? It’s a physical feeling of infatuation for another, like a crush. Although limerence can lead to committed love, it typically has a shelf life of 2-3 years. That’s why couples must transition to a more lasting love. Nurture romance but rely on enduring friendship.

November -13, 2024

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas. Celebrate by eating cuisine from Mexico, where she appeared to St. Juan Diego. Or learn a prayer in Spanish.

November -14, 2024

If you haven’t hung up your Christmas lights, today’s a great day to do it! (Feast of St. Lucy, whose name means “light.”) How can you be more of a light to your spouse?

November -15, 2024

“He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted.” (Is 61:1) Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, reminds us of God’s gift of joy (“gaudium” in Latin) no matter what trials we are experiencing in our family.

November -16, 2024

“The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son.” (Lk 1:57) Elizabeth waited a long time to have a child. Do you know anyone hoping to have a child? Pray for them. God willing, their time will come. If not, may they be mothers and fathers in other ways.

November -17, 2024

Reconciliation is crucial in every marriage. Does your parish have an Advent Penance Service? Make plans to receive the Sacrament of Penance as a family before Christmas.

November -18, 2024

The “O Antiphons” begin today, best known from the hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Today’s is “O Wisdom of our God Most High.” Find them all on the USCCB website (search “Advent”) and pray them as a family this week to prepare for Christ’s birth.

November -19, 2024

Walk or drive around your neighborhood and look at the Christmas lights. How has your spouse been a light when you were going through a dark time?

November -20, 2024

“I was a stranger and you made me welcome.” (Mt. 25:38) Who is the last stranger who visited your home? How would you rate your family’s hospitality? Who will be the next guest?

November -21, 2024

The intensity of this time right before Christmas can be fun but also draining. When you feel stressed, keep repeating the mantra, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” If you keep this in mind, what’s important and what isn’t will sort itself out.

November -22, 2024

“For nothing will be impossible for God.” (Lk 1:37) Christ became man to save us. Do not doubt that He can work wonders for and through you.

November -23, 2024

As we wait for Christmas, it’s a good time to develop the virtue of patience. Focus on being patient today, especially with your family members. Offer up the frustrations that come from things not going the way you had planned.

November -24, 2024

During the upcoming Christmas season many travel to be with family. If you’re traveling or receiving visitors this Christmas, remember that it’s not just about presents but presence with others.

November -25, 2024

The prayer from the Christmas novena to St. Andrew is perfect for today, especially at Midnight Mass: “Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.” Into darkness and cold comes the true Light of the world!

November -26, 2024

Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. Rejoice with your family today at the best gift the world has ever received, Jesus Christ our Savior. Alleluia!

November -27, 2024

Don’t put away your Christmas decorations yet! Remember that Christmas isn’t just a day, but a whole season. So keep singing those Christmas carols and rejoicing in the birth of Our Lord.

November -28, 2024

The Christmas season can be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones, feel alone, have no children, etc. Can you reach out today to someone and share the joy of Christmas with them?

November -29, 2024

Today we celebrate the Holy Family: Joseph, Mary and Jesus. They are powerful intercessors for marriages and families! Pray to them today, and consider placing an image of the Holy Family in your home.

November -30, 2024

When you meet at the end of your workday, connect with your spouse before beginning that evening’s chores and activities. Catch up on each other’s days, take a walk, say some prayers…fifteen minutes together can make a world of difference.

October 0, 2024

Are you a talker while your beloved is quieter – or vice-versa? Are you happy with the balance you have in conversation? If yes, count your blessings. If not, talk about it – but make sure the quieter one starts.

October -1, 2024

“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” (Mk 13:33) Advent is a season of waiting. As Christians we are not only waiting for the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas but the day that Christ will come again. Always be prepared to meet Christ.

October -2, 2024

(Reader’s Tip) Pray together at meals, even if you’re in a restaurant. Don’t be afraid to show PDF’s (Public Displays of Faith).

October -3, 2024

Have you blessed your Advent wreath yet? There is a simple prayer service to do at home available on the USCCB website, www.usccb.org: search for “Advent.”

October -4, 2024

St. Francis Xavier was a Jesuit missionary who took the Gospel to people who hadn’t heard of Jesus. Families too are called to be missionaries. Who can you share Jesus’ love with today?

October -5, 2024

A simple idea to make Advent prayerful: use your address book to pray for people alphabetically at dinner. Not sure what a person’s needs are? Consider calling them to find out.

October -6, 2024

The love between husband and wife expands when shared with others. Consider participating in your parish’s Giving Tree, or inviting an elderly or single person to your holiday celebrations.

October -7, 2024

St. Nicholas, whose feast is celebrated today, was known as a secret gift-giver. Surprise your spouse and children with a little treat today, and read together the story of this inspiring saint.

October -8, 2024

“John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mk 1:4) The sacraments are essential to the Christian life. Encourage your spouse to go to confession regularly. Participation in this sacrament will strengthen not only your relationship with God but your relationship with your spouse.

October -9, 2024

A nice tradition today, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is to give a gift to a pregnant woman you know. Also pray today for mothers with difficult or unexpected pregnancies.

October -10, 2024

“And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more.” (Phil 1:9) God wants your love to grow, always.

October -11, 2024

Sit down with your spouse and look at some of your favorite photos from the past year. Was there an unexpected blessing? Give thanks.

October -12, 2024

Ever heard of limerence? It’s a physical feeling of infatuation for another, like a crush. Although limerence can lead to committed love, it typically has a shelf life of 2-3 years. That’s why couples must transition to a more lasting love. Nurture romance but rely on enduring friendship.

October -13, 2024

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas. Celebrate by eating cuisine from Mexico, where she appeared to St. Juan Diego. Or learn a prayer in Spanish.

October -14, 2024

If you haven’t hung up your Christmas lights, today’s a great day to do it! (Feast of St. Lucy, whose name means “light.”) How can you be more of a light to your spouse?

October -15, 2024

“He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted.” (Is 61:1) Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, reminds us of God’s gift of joy (“gaudium” in Latin) no matter what trials we are experiencing in our family.

October -16, 2024

“The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son.” (Lk 1:57) Elizabeth waited a long time to have a child. Do you know anyone hoping to have a child? Pray for them. God willing, their time will come. If not, may they be mothers and fathers in other ways.

October -17, 2024

Reconciliation is crucial in every marriage. Does your parish have an Advent Penance Service? Make plans to receive the Sacrament of Penance as a family before Christmas.

October -18, 2024

The “O Antiphons” begin today, best known from the hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Today’s is “O Wisdom of our God Most High.” Find them all on the USCCB website (search “Advent”) and pray them as a family this week to prepare for Christ’s birth.

October -19, 2024

Walk or drive around your neighborhood and look at the Christmas lights. How has your spouse been a light when you were going through a dark time?

October -20, 2024

“I was a stranger and you made me welcome.” (Mt. 25:38) Who is the last stranger who visited your home? How would you rate your family’s hospitality? Who will be the next guest?

October -21, 2024

The intensity of this time right before Christmas can be fun but also draining. When you feel stressed, keep repeating the mantra, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” If you keep this in mind, what’s important and what isn’t will sort itself out.

October -22, 2024

“For nothing will be impossible for God.” (Lk 1:37) Christ became man to save us. Do not doubt that He can work wonders for and through you.

October -23, 2024

As we wait for Christmas, it’s a good time to develop the virtue of patience. Focus on being patient today, especially with your family members. Offer up the frustrations that come from things not going the way you had planned.

October -24, 2024

During the upcoming Christmas season many travel to be with family. If you’re traveling or receiving visitors this Christmas, remember that it’s not just about presents but presence with others.

October -25, 2024

The prayer from the Christmas novena to St. Andrew is perfect for today, especially at Midnight Mass: “Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.” Into darkness and cold comes the true Light of the world!

October -26, 2024

Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. Rejoice with your family today at the best gift the world has ever received, Jesus Christ our Savior. Alleluia!

October -27, 2024

Don’t put away your Christmas decorations yet! Remember that Christmas isn’t just a day, but a whole season. So keep singing those Christmas carols and rejoicing in the birth of Our Lord.

October -28, 2024

The Christmas season can be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones, feel alone, have no children, etc. Can you reach out today to someone and share the joy of Christmas with them?

October -29, 2024

Today we celebrate the Holy Family: Joseph, Mary and Jesus. They are powerful intercessors for marriages and families! Pray to them today, and consider placing an image of the Holy Family in your home.

October -30, 2024

When you meet at the end of your workday, connect with your spouse before beginning that evening’s chores and activities. Catch up on each other’s days, take a walk, say some prayers…fifteen minutes together can make a world of difference.