In this devotional icon of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, we see Mary as Mother and Queen who is offering her gifts of contemplation to all Catholics who are dedicated to the interior life of prayer as modeled by her presence and honored in the Carmelite Order. Both Mary and the Christ Child are holding the small Brown Scapular which is explained in the linked article (click here!).
Bake Sale today, after all masses. It’s not too late to come pick up some goodies for your holiday party or family.All proceeds benefit Christo Rey High School.
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Bake Sale this weekend after Masses. Proceeds benefit Cristo Rey High School.
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Our Lady of Guadalupe has always held a special, sacred place in my heart. There’s something about her gaze—so full of love and strength—that invites us to draw near, to rest in her gentle embrace. She didn’t come to Juan Diego in splendor or wealth; she appeared in humility, meeting him on a quiet hillside, in his own language, with the warmth of a mother who sees her children as they are. Her words, her presence, they’re a constant reminder that we are deeply known and fiercely loved, no matter where we find ourselves in life.
In those moments when life feels heavy or uncertain, I often find myself turning to her. I think of her words to Juan Diego: “Am I not here, I who am your mother?” She reminds us that she is always with us, holding us tenderly under her mantle, protecting us from the fears that can sometimes overwhelm us. Her love isn’t distant or conditional—it’s a mother’s love, unwavering and always available. She sees our struggles, hears our whispered prayers, and lovingly brings them to her Son, interceding on our behalf with a heart full of compassion.
As her feast day draws near, I find myself reflecting on the peace she brings, the comfort she offers, and the powerful way she draws us closer to Jesus. Her image, her presence in our lives, is a call to trust, to surrender, and to let her lead us toward a deeper faith. Today, let’s honor her by opening our hearts to her love and letting that love inspire us to reach out to others in kindness and compassion. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. 🌹
Shared from Brick House in the City
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How is your shalom?
The word shalom (peace) was (and is) used in Hebrew-speaking cultures in many ways. It is a greeting and a goodbye, a “how are you?” and a blessing. When David comes to see how his brothers are faring on the front lines, he asks after their “shalom.”
It is not only a world-bending “peace on earth” being offered in Jesus’ coming, but a daily experience of this wholeness, flourishing, restoration to exactly how things are meant to be. It *is* world-bending, to be sure. But it also touches our moments, our inner worlds, our closest relationships.
Where do you find yourself longing for shalom this season? For Jesus’ peace to come right in the midst of your life, your relationships and community, the world? If someone were to ask after your shalom today, how would you respond? What desires and delights and tensions emerge as you consider? How might Advent be a container for those longings?
Hold these things with God this morning. Notice what comes up alongside this desire, this question of shalom. What are the emotions that arise around it? How does it feel in your body? Let what comes, come, and let yourself see and name and wonder about it all with God.
Shalom, friends.
How is your shalom?
Shared from Anam Cara Ministries
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Shalom👋
This week, as we approach the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe- we remember the humble heart of Saint Juan Diego, a simple man who was chosen for an extraordinary mission. Through his encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe, he showed us what it means to be obedient to God’s calling, no matter how unexpected it might be. His tilma, adorned with the miraculous image of Mary, stands as a testament to his unwavering faith and trust.
As we draw closer to the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, may Saint Juan Diego inspire us to embrace humility, courage, and faith. Just as he carried Our Lady’s image, may we carry her love and protection in our hearts. Saint Juan Diego, help us to follow God’s will with the same open and trusting spirit.
Brick House in the City
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““Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28)
Come find rest in Jesus during Adoration today!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament today, every Wednesday 8:30am-3:45pm, benediction at 3:45pm, in the St. Francis Chapel.
In today’s reading Jesus offers an invitation -himself- as a place to rest. He will help us carry what is heavy.
“As we continue to go to Him, we will find that He offers all the grace, patience, and joy we need to give again. He fills our cup. He fills us through the Sacraments, in life-giving conversations, physical rest, and through His Word”.
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Friends, in today’s Gospel (Matthew 18:12–14), Jesus asks: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?” Well, of course not! No self-respecting shepherd would ever think of doing that. If you were a shepherd, you’d cut your losses. That sheep is probably dead anyway if it wandered far enough away.
But we are to understand that God is like that foolish shepherd. God’s love throws caution to the wind to seek out the lost sheep. We might expect God to be good to those who are good, and kind to those who follow his commandments. Those who don’t, who wander away, are simply lost. God might give them a few minutes, but then they’re on their own.
No, God is like this kooky shepherd. God loves irrationally, exuberantly risking it all in order to find the one who wandered away. What good news: God does not love according to a strict justice on our terms but loves in his own extravagant way.
Reflection shared from Bishop Robert Barron
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Today’s feast, a Holy Day of Obligation, The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, recognizes the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, and her coming into the world free from sin.
DID YOU KNOW? -That Mary, the mother of Jesus is the Patron Saint of the United States?
In 1846, the bishops of the United States asked Mary to watch over our country and its people in a special way. They chose this particular title and feast of Mary—her Immaculate Conception, the feast we celebrate today.
Mass Times- 8am and 5pm in the Church
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Love it.
Happy Feast of the Immaculate Mary. On December 8, we honor Mary, our Mother. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic feast celebrating Mary’s conception without sin. May we all come to Mary with open arms and embrace her love, who shows us the way to Jesus.
The Holy Day of obligation will be observed Monday, Dec. 9, at 8 am and 5pm Masses.
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