Every day of the Christmas octave is filled with meaning that reflects back on the Nativity, not just the birth of Christ but the impact, the reality of the birth. Octaves can be traced back to the Old Testament, Each of these feast days within the octave continues the joys of Christmas Day and helps us in our attempt to understand the mystery of the Incarnation. Read all about the octaves online.
Feast of the Holy Innocents: Part of the Christmas Octave
Baptism of Our Lord
On Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Take some time this month to talk to your kids about their own baptism (even if you’ve told the story before!). Talk about who was there, how their godparents were chosen and the celebration after the ritual. Our kids love to hear fun details — our oldest dropped his pacifier in the font and our youngest howled loudly throughout the blessed event. What a great time to share that Jesus is with us always, even when things don’t go as perfectly as planned. Read the complete reflection online.
Six family traditions for Epiphany
Epiphany is an ancient feast celebrating the appearance or manifestation of God to the whole world. Traditionally celebrated on January 6 (still the practice in some places around the world), the liturgical reforms of 1970 moved Epiphany to the second Sunday of January. Online you’ll find six ways you can celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord with your kids.
Mary, Mother of God
Today, Jan. 1, the octave of Christmas ends with the celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. It is a holy day of obligation, except the […]
How long Is the Christmas season?
While retail stores may be discounting Christmas decorations and putting up Valentine’s Day displays by December 31, Catholics and many other Christian denominations are just getting started on their Christmas […]
