Where the Rubber Hits the Road

Francis visits Benedict XVI for Christmas | National Catholic Reporter

Here's an interesting story from the Holy Post discussing the fact that 1/3 of all Canadians state that they intend to go to Church this Christmas. A poster going by the handle of Whistlerskier responded with a different framing of this stat, pointing out that fully 2 in 3 Canadians didn't plan on going to Church. I wrote in response with how I viewed the issue as a Catholic priest. Do you agree with my answer? Whistlerskier Or to put it another way...." 2 in 3 Canadians don't plan on attending religious services this Christmas". Fr_ Tim Whistler: You are 100% correct. Let's also admit that of the 33% who will show up in a Church this Christmas that the majority of them are not regular church attenders. Personally I look upon such stats as both a challenge and an opportunity. A challenge in as much as it reminds me of the work of evangelization that needs to be accomplished by all serious Christians throughout the other 364 days of the year to bring peo...

Derailing Christmas Dinner Arguments - The Daily Beast

Francis: “Make room for Jesus at Christmas instead of parties and shopping" - Vatican Insider

www.ncregister.com/images/documents/AdventGuides1201.pdf

I thought this was really thought provoking, so wanted to pass it along.  There is merit in the suggestions. Letter from Jesus about Christmas  --       It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.  How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day.  If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.      Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and  put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn  If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.    ...

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Here is an English translation of this short French article: There will be no Christmas decorations in the Service Canada Centres this year . T hese decorations are prohibited. This is stipulated in a note circulated in early November by the Senior Executive Service of Canada, Marc Simoneau. According to press reports , the Christmas wreaths, trees and other symbols of the Nativity must be absent from public areas in the service centers. Officials explained that the measure is to avoid complaints about religious beliefs. There are 118 centers in federal services in Quebec. Centres de Service Canada - Les décorations de Noël interdites

I should have sent this letter to Santa when I was a kid!!

Letter from Jesus about Christmas -- It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape v...