December 31, 2012 (Monday). 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Last Day of the Year
The Holy Family — Bidding Prayers
On the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, Catholics honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and ask a blessing on every family.
30 December 2012. Sunday. Feast of the Holy Family
Inspiration for Christian families
29 Dec. 2012. Saturday. 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
The Fall and the Rising
28 December. Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs
Herod’s cruelty. Joseph’s dream. God’s providence
27 December 2012. Thursday. Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
Unless the Word was made flesh and lived among us
26 December. Wednesday. Feast of Saint Stephen, the first Christian Martyr
“Do not charge them with this sin”
Christmas Day — Bidding prayers
Christians around the world today gather to celebrate the Saviour’s birth, the One whose life, death and resurrection brings salvation to all.
25 December 2012. Tuesday. Christmas Mass during the Day
Light into the Darkness
24 December 2012. Monday. Midnight Mass
Grafted to the Tree of Life
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Bidding Prayers
With Christmas Eve just one day away, the Church gathers to make its final preparations to greet the Infant King.
23 December 2012. 4th Sunday in Advent
Elizabeth praises Mary’s faith. Mary replies with the Magnificat.
22 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent– Saturday
Lk 1:46ff. Mary’s hymn of praise and thanksgiving, the Magnificat.
21 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Friday
Luke 1:39ff. The shared joy of Mary and Elizabeth: sharing of faith at the Visitation.
20 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Thursday
Lk 1:26ff. The angelic annunciation to Mary, who will conceive and give birth to Jesus.
19 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Wednesday
Lk 1:5ff. The destiny of John, the long-awaited son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
18 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Tuesday
Mt 1:18ff. Joseph learns the origins of Jesus, who “will save his people from their sins. ”
17 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Monday
Mt 1:1ff The genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Third Sunday of Advent — Bidding prayers
We’re over half way through Advent. Traditionally today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing’. We celebrate today because the Lord’s coming is nearer.