The Catholic Connection
December 2016

In This Issue
Archbishop's Tweets

Do you follow Archbishop Kurtz on twitter? Here is a sampling of his tweets this month:

December 12
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Senora de Guadalupe honored at Our Lady of Mercy in Hodgenville. Viva!
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December 11
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Our Lady of Kibeho honored with crown of flowers at St Thomas More Church.
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December 11
@ArchbishopKurtz :
With Fathers of Mercy & faithful of Our Lady of the Cave after Church destroyed by fire. Mass in parish hall.
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December 10
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Tremendous Evening at Brown Theatre -- Angels in Disguise lifting up gift of persons w Down Syndrome.
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December 4
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Great Pastoral visit to St Ambrose for Mass, Confirmation & installing of Fr Ben Brown.
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December 2
@ArchbishopKurtz:
So pleased to join family of St Xavier HS with retired Xavier Brothers.
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December 1
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Ornaments on Tree of Remembrace at Calvary Cemetery are signs to honor our loved ones who died & rejoice in eternal life in Christ Jesus.
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Archlou Happenings:

Be low is a list of upcoming archdiocesan events:


Christmas Blessings
Blessing of a Christmas Tree  
From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers

The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays that depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle that symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany. The lights of the tree are illuminated after the prayer of blessing.

In the home the Christmas tree may be blessed by a parent or another family member, in connection with the evening meal on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time on Christmas Day.

When all have gathered, a suitable song may be sung.

The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply "Amen."

The leader may greet those present in the following words:

Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and  peace into our midst, now and forever.
R/. Amen.

In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing:

My brothers and sisters, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and enlightenment to our minds. With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights... Read More

Archbishop Kurtz's Advent and Christmas Message




Bringing the Gift of Christ to Others
By Sarah Wunderlin

As a child, I was always reminded that it was better to give than to receive. For a long time, however, it was hard for me to understand how anything could be better than opening that American Girl doll or a Sega Genesis on Christmas morning.

The anticipation and excitement of opening presents and having gifts under the tree was amazing and brings wonderful memories that I still cherish to this day.

As I have grown up, my perspective has changed. I am still excited to see gifts under the Christmas tree, but they are the things that I have picked out for loved ones and the excitement of getting to share those with others. The ability to be able to give gifts is something I love about this time of year.

Wrapping something up in pretty paper and having the joy of watching someone else open a gift is now, to me, the best part of Christmas. I look forward to the Christmas season not because I am excited for the things that will be given to me, but for the joy I share with family and friends in giving gifts to others.

In this season of wrapping paper and bows, we can give another kind of gift. This is a gift that you will never see wrapped under the Christmas tree but one that you will see echoed throughout the community. The Catholic Services Appeal is a vital source of funding for more than 100 ministries and services offered throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville.

A donation to the Catholic Services Appeal this Advent season can help our brothers and sisters in need by supporting the work of Catholic Charities, providing formation for our future priests and supporting our young people through youth ministry and Catholic education.

There are so many ways our lives and those of others are enriched through the programs and services supported by the Catholic Services Appeal.

So once the tree is packed up, the wrapping paper is stored away, and the last Christmas cookie is eaten, we are still able to give a gift that keeps on giving by supporting the Catholic Services Appeal.

Through our generosity, we are giving the gift of bringing Christ to others.

To learn more about the 2016 Appeal and to donate please visit archlou.org/csa.

Sarah Wunderlin is Coordinator for Annual Giving for the Archdiocese of Louisville's Office of Mission Advancement.

The Blog Spot

This section will feature local and national blogs that will inspire, teach, and call to action. This month features Busted Halo's 2016 Advent Calendar. Busted Halo is a unique media resource that utilizes a relevant and accessible voice to help people understand the Catholic faith, put it into practice in their everyday lives, and share it with others. Busted Halo's Advent Calendar daily posts will also be shared on Busted Halo's Facebook and Twitter pages.

#AdventJolt
December 13, 2016

Can we all agree that the person who first though of dangling long, fuzzy socks over a fireplace was an arsonist?

- Conan O'Brien

Today's #Microchallenge:

Today, share your... Read More


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