Emmanuel: Welcoming God with Us into the Heart of Advent

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Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

A reflection on the Gospel of Matthew 1:18-24

My friends, as we continue our journey through Advent, the Church invites us to look deeply at what it means to welcome Christ into our homes and our hearts right here and right now. Advent isn’t simply a time of waiting; it’s a season of recognizing that God is with us, even before the manger, and even in the messy and mysterious corners of our lives.

Let me begin with a story about a man named Jared. Maybe some of you can relate. Jared never thought of himself as a “church guy,” let alone someone who mentors children. He kept his life tidy and God at a respectful distance — present, but not too close. But when a friend asked him to become part of the “Big Brother” program as a mentor to Marcus, a quiet twelve-year-old whose father wasn’t around, Jared’s first instinct was to say no. He wasn’t good with kids, and his own childhood wounds still hurt. Despite his hesitation, he said yes.

Their first meetings were awkward and silent. Jared wondered if he was wasting anyone’s time. But gradually, things shifted. They fixed bikes together, swapped jokes, and looked at books about dinosaurs; and one evening, Marcus looked up at him and asked, “Why do you care?” Jared answered honestly: “I needed someone once too. And I think God cares, even when it’s hard to feel it.”

By stepping out of his comfort zone, Jared discovered something remarkable — Marcus found steadiness and friendship, and Jared’s own heart began to heal. Through his willingness to show up, with all his doubts, both Jared and Marcus were changed. God was with them — present in every hesitant step, every awkward pause, and every act of uncertain kindness.

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How to Prepare for Those Who Attend Christmas Mass

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By: John Tuttle

Years ago, a copy of a Chicago Tribune magazine arrived at our house. It came around the holidays, and in it I read a rather upsetting article. It has stuck with me ever since. If that was the writer’s intent, he certainly succeeded.

In his article “Why I declared war on Christmas”, Christopher Borrelli dismissed any real threat to Christmas with a sizable dollop of sarcasm, yet remained true to his word in that he was “undermining” the authentic meaning of the season. It’s not all about happiness and good feelings. The joy of the season comes from the message of salvation: that there is such a thing as evil in this world and that God is not only more powerful than it, He comes to vanquish the devil, sin, and death. That is where the Christian’s joy comes from.

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The Simple Catholic Sunday Funnies: Episode 24

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Welcome to another The Simple Catholic Sunday Funnies! Growing up, one of my favorite parts of Sunday was flipping to the comics section of the newspaper: a little pocket of humor, color, and light-heartedness to start the week.

Now, in that same spirit, I’m excited to share this weekly collection of wholesome, funny Catholic comic strips. Thanks to the incredible talents of artists like Father Alvaro Comics, The Catholic Cartoonist, Sam Estrada, Tomics, and Fr. Michael DeBlanc. These comics bring a joyful twist to our shared faith, reminding us that laughter is one of God’s great gifts.

Enjoy Catholic comics!

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Walking the Way of Formation: How Pilgrimage Shapes Seminarians

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Sponsored: This article is made possible by Follow My Camino, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

I have felt a deep pull toward pilgrimage for years. There is something powerful about walking ancient paths, praying where saints have prayed, and placing one’s intentions before the Lord in places shaped by centuries of devotion. Yet as a husband and father to four energetic children, long-distance pilgrimages are not possible in this season of life.

Still, God finds a way.
My “micro-pilgrimages” have become unexpected moments of grace: visits to our cathedral, celebrating feast days at home, praying novenas and litanies, and uniting our intentions with the Holy Father. These small steps, taken in the ordinary rhythms of family life, remind me of the truth expressed in the Catechism: “The Church…will receive its perfection only in the glory of heaven, when she will appear in splendor…toward which she is hastening” (CCC 769).

We are all pilgrims, whether we walk the Camino or pray in our living rooms. Some pilgrimages, however, shape a person for life, especially those preparing to become priests. This is why the mission of the Camino Pilgrim Foundation matters so deeply. They provide seminarians with a structured, prayer-filled, and transformative experience along the Camino de Santiago, the kind of formation that can remain with them for decades.

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Rejoicing in Hope: Welcoming Christ with Patience in Our Waiting

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Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

Reflection on the Gospel of Matthew 11:2-11

Today, I want to share with you not just a message, but a story. It’s a story that could belong to any of us. It’s the story of James, a husband and father of three whose life was upended just days before Christmas. For sixteen years, James worked at a factory, building a future for his family. Two days before what should have been a season of joy, his company announced layoffs. Just like that, he was out of a job, his last paycheck barely enough to cover the rent. He watched the lights go up in his neighbors’ windows and heard families sing and celebrate, but instead felt the heavy shroud of anxiety and sadness descend on his home.

Waiting in the Dark: When Advent Feels Heavy Instead of Hopeful

James tried to stay brave for his wife, Amy, and their children: twelve-year-old Allie, who grew serious and careful almost overnight; eight-year-old Ben, still stubborn enough to believe in Christmas magic; and little Sophie, who just wanted her father to smile. But at night, James would lie awake, staring into the darkness, wondering how to say there would be no gifts, not even a tree. He felt a different kind of emptiness, a pressure he’d never known before, questioning not just his future but God’s presence.

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