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Since 2013, the U.S. Catholic bishops have also invited the faithful to join in the 9 Days for Life novena ahead of the day of prayer, with the goal of ending abortion. This year’s novena will take place Jan. 16-Jan. 24, surrounding the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.

With the Christmas Season behind us, Catholics now enter into a period referred to as “Ordinary Time” in the Church’s liturgy. In our vernacular usage, the word "ordinary" describes what is commonplace, "everyday" or without uniqueness or special distinction.

With the Christmas Season behind us, Catholics now enter into a period referred to as “Ordinary Time” in the Church’s liturgy. In our vernacular usage, the word "ordinary" describes what is commonplace, "everyday" or without uniqueness or special distinction.

The current wildfires devastating the Los Angeles region of California (Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Pasadena, San Fernando, Hollywood Hills, Lidia, etc.) have caused widespread evacuations and incomprehensible damage and destruction. Families and residents there have lost virtually everything. Our hearts cannot help but feel the unimaginable and unrelenting devastation of this disaster.

The current wildfires devastating the Los Angeles region of California (Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Pasadena, San Fernando, Hollywood Hills, Lidia, etc.) have caused widespread evacuations and incomprehensible damage and destruction.

My heartfelt appreciation to all the clergy and faithful of the Diocese for their beautiful Christmas cards, greetings, prayers, and many kindnesses this Christmas.. I am so grateful for your thoughtfulness! May the Jubilee Year ahead bring you good health, much happiness, and the blessings of hope!

The Masses began with the Bishop standing near the doors leading into the churches where he read a section of the Jubilee Decree, Spes Non Confundit (Hope does not disappoint). Once inside, he went to the baptismal font where he said a prayer and led the congregation in the renewal of their baptismal promises. The congregation was then sprinkled with holy water.

THE WORD “ADVENT” COMES FROM THE LATIN TERM ADVENTUS, literally meaning “coming to.” The four weeks of the season of Advent before Christmas create a unique season of hope-filled preparation for all of us in the Catholic Christian community — although it can easily be missed by society at large as simply an extended, early celebration of Christmas. True enough, Christ has come, and we should rejoice in his Incarnation every day of our lives. But Advent gives us all time for a prayerful “retelling” of the story of the “Hope of Israel.” We prepare ourselves for the commemoration of Christ’s coming in history in Bethlehem, his coming in mystery each day in the Church and the sacraments, and his coming in majesty at the end of time.

In anticipation of the ordinary Holy Year that the Church will begin celebrating at Christmas this year, our Holy Father has chosen as its theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” In his 2022 letter announcing the 2025 Holy Year, Pope Francis wrote: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire.”

The word “advent” comes from the Latin term adventus, literally meaning “coming to.” The four weeks of the season of Advent before Christmas create a unique season of hope-filled preparation for all of us in the Catholic Christian community — although it can easily be missed by society at large as simply an extended, early celebration of Christmas. True enough, Christ has come, and we should rejoice in his Incarnation every day of our lives. But Advent gives us all time for a prayerful “retelling” of the story of the “Hope of Israel.”