Understanding the Year of Faith

The following is an excerpt from the UCCSB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) website.
The upcoming Year of Faith is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world” (Porta Fidei 6). In other words, the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him. The “door of faith” is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and his Church. 




Here are some wonderful links about the Year of Faith, which the Catholic church which extends from October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013.

Links to further understanding the Year of Faith.
USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website) 

Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City Year of Faith message from the Bishop 

What is the Year of Faith and how do we observe it?

Facing the day with Mary

Today, when I awoke, I asked Mary to help me through this day. I didn't want to be crabby and well, just no fun to be around. I wanted to be the best I could be for my family. After being up the majority of the night with one of my little guys, I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through the day. It might sound a bit dramatic but sometimes, in motherhood, you are so exhausted and you think to yourself, "how will I do this?" It's amazing how just my little prayer to the Blessed Mother very early this morning has made it so this day has turned out well. It's through God's grace and Mary's example that we can stay on the path of joyful motherhood. Try asking Mary for help today. We all have our struggles in motherhood. It's nice to know that she is there comforting us.

The feast of the Epiphany

January 6th marks the feast of the Epiphany. Have you ever seen the following posted above the door frame in someone's house? 20+C+M+B+12. The following document written by Father Richard Lonsdale and found on silk.net, explains what these numbers mean and how you can incorporate this tradition into your own home. Run to the store and grab some chalk to help your kids further understand the feast of the Epiphany.

EPIPHANY HOME BLESSING

The Holy Family welcomed the Magi on Epiphany. There is a beautiful tradition that has been inspired by this event. Take some chalk and either have it blessed by your pastor or say your own blessing over it with your family. Ask God to welcome strangers to your home during the coming year. Finally write these numbers and letters over the front door of your home:
20 + C + M + B + the last digits of the current year.
The letters represent the traditional names of the Wise Men--Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.

MYRRH AND FRANKINCENSE

The gifts brought by the Magi were both appropriate and expensive. The value of gold is obvious but what of the other presents? Myrrh is an aromatic substance made from the sap of Myrtle balsam trees found in India, Africa and Saudi Arabia. It is a natural antiseptic and useful as a medicine. Egyptians used myrrh for embalming mummies. It is now used for toothpaste and mouthwash.
Incense is a hardened gum that also comes from trees found in the same areas. The word "Frank" comes from an old French word that means "marked." It is a stamp that the incense is "free" from contaminants or "pure". (Franking is still used for free mail rights given to members of Congress.) Incense was used primarily to cover up the smells caused by animal sacrifices. Hence it was connected with worship.

Related: Resources on Sunday Readings - Clipart, homelies, articles, coloring pages, music: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

© 2000 by Father Richard Lonsdale.