FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023

LAST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Your Weekly Catholic Roundup of News & Inspiration

Top News

Rhode Island Catholic needs your support in its mission of evangelization

When I succeeded Bishop Tobin as the Bishop of Providence on May 1, I also became the publisher of the Rhode Island Catholic. As I said then, I feel blessed that this venerable, nearly 150-year-old diocesan newspaper has survived and thrived when so many other similar publications across the country have shuttered their operations in recent decades.

Photo Courtesy of Transfiguration Hermitage

Religious Sisters feed the soul with fine baked goods

RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC

By Dan McQuillan, Correspondent

WINDSOR, Maine — Thirteen miles east of Augusta, quietly nestled on a hill in Windsor, Maine sits Transfiguration Hermitage. Situated in a green expanse of woods and quiet streams and blueberry fields, the environment is the perfect backdrop for a community of Benedictine contemplative nuns.

EDITORIAL: End of Liturgical Year Reminds us to Remember Death, Pray for the Dead

RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC

Atop the Via Veneto in Rome sits one of the strangest – and most macabre – displays of baroque architecture dating to the 17th century. The aptly named “bone church,” or Capuchin Church of St. Mary of the Conception, has for centuries captured the intrigue of believers and skeptics alike, if only for its idiosyncrasies.

Conference puts pope's call for 'outgoing theology' into action

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

By Justin McLellan

A conference organized by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America brought together theologians in dialogue with artists, sociologists, historians and others to discuss religious expressions in popular culture.

Baltimore Group Visits Vatican Officials To Advocate For Canonization Of Black Catholics

OSV NEWS

By Christopher Gunty

BALTIMORE — When three members of St. Ann Parish in East Baltimore sat down with leaders of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican in late October to advocate for sainthood for six Black potential saints from the United States, they shared their personal experiences of being Black and Catholic.

Christmas tree arrives in St Peter’s Square

VATICAN NEWS

The 28-meter tall spruce comes from the area of Macra, in the Piedmont region of Italy. This year’s tree will be officially inaugurated with a lighting ceremony on December 9.

Upcoming Events

TONIGHT!

Young Adult Evangelization Kickoff Event!

Holy Hour with Bishop Henning

Friday, December 1 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence

If you are in your 20s or 30s, join us for First Friday devotion with Bishop Henning! The evening will include a Eucharistic Holy Hour with recitation of the Holy Rosary and the sacrament of Confession will also be available. Join us afterward for food and fellowship in the lower Cathedral.

Learn more

TOMORROW!

Cathedral Advent Day of Recollection

Saturday, December 2

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. concluding with the 5 p.m. Mass

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence

Advance registration required

This special Advent Retreat Day will include Reflections - Sacred Scripture, Adoration, Recitation of the Holy Rosary, Confessions, Solemn Vespers - Evening prayer, Holy Mass at 5 p.m. and features speakers Rev. Msgr. Anthony Mancini, Cathedral Rector, and Sister Elizabeth Castro, HMSP. Our theme will be: "The coming of Jesus at Christmas and the Mercy of God"

Learn more

Novena a Nuestras Sra. de Guadalupe/Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe

El 2 de diciembre/Beginning Saturday, December 2

El 2 de diciembre empezaremos con la Novena a Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe, donde el Sr. Obispo Richard Henning estará visitando distintas parroquias durante la Novena, las fechas están en el flyer adjunto.

On December 2, we will begin with the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe, where Bishop Richard G. Henning will be visiting nine different parishes in the Diocese of Providence during the Novena. Find all dates and locations below.

Horario y más/Schedule and more

TOMORROW!

Catholic High School Placement Test

Sat., December 2

Are you ready to take the next step on your educational journey? 2024 High School Placement Testing is Sat., Dec. 2. 8th grade students are encouraged to take this test at their first choice school. Please contact the individual school to confirm test date/time. Follow this link for High Schools contact info and codes, catholicschools.org/schoolfinder.

Learn more

Collection for our Retired Religious

Sat., and Sun., December 9-10, 2023

Please give to those who have given a lifetime. The Retirement Fund for Religious, held annually each December, provides support for thousands of elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. By 2025, it is projected that religious past age 70 will outnumber those under age 70 by four to one.

Learn more about the retirement funding shortage and how you can make a difference in the life of an elderly religious by visiting retiredreligious.org This fund helps religious communities care for senior members—today and tomorrow.

The Sounds of the Season Concert

Sun., December 10, 2023 at 3 p.m.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence

The Gregorian Concert Choir and Festival Orchestra, led by Msgr. Anthony Mancini, Cathedral Rector, will present a concert entitled “The Sounds of the Season” at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence on Sunday, December 10 at 3 p.m. The concert, featuring the music of Advent and Christmas, will benefit the Diocese of Providence “Keep the Heat On” fund which assists poor and low income families with utility expenses. Tickets for the concert may be purchased by calling the cathedral office at 401-331-2434. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the concert.

Las Mañanitas a la Virgen de Guadalupe with Bishop Henning/"Las Mañanitas" to Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Richard G. Henning

12 de diciembre, 7 a.m./December 12 at 7 a.m.

Catedral de los Santos Pedro y Pablo, Providencia/Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence

7:00am Las Mañanitas

Todos están invitados a reunirse en la Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo, Providence, el martes 12 de diciembre a partir de las 7 a.m. para cantar las Mañanitas a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, junto al Obispo Richard G. Henning. Cantaremos y daremos una serenata a nuestra Madre cuando salga el sol en su día festivo, también nos uniremos al Obispo Henning en oración.

Sobre Las Mañanitas

“Las Mañanitas” es una canción tradicional mexicana de cumpleaños que cantaremos para honrar a la Virgen en su día festivo. La Virgen de Guadalupe, la Patrona de toda América y ocupa un lugar especial en los corazones de los católicos hispanos y latinos, así como de la Iglesia.

7:00am Las Mañanitas

All are invited to gather at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence, on Tuesday, December 12, beginning at 7 a.m. to sing the Mañanitas to Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Richard G. Henning. We will sing and serenade our Mother when the sun rises on her feast day. We will also join Bishop Henning in prayer.

About Las Mañanitas

“Las Mañanitas” is a traditional Mexican birthday song that we will sing to honor the Virgin on her holiday. The Virgin of Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of all America, occupies a special place in the hearts of Hispanic and Latino Catholics, as well as the Church.

Horario y más/Schedule and more

"Frassati"

A discernment group for young men ages 17-28

Tues., December 12 at 7 p.m.

Our Lady of Providence Seminary, 485 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence

Are you discerning the priesthood? Or do you know a young man discerning the priesthood? The Vocations Office is hosting "Frassati," a discernment group for young men ages 17-28 every second Tuesday of the month. This is an evening of prayer and fraternity for high school and college-aged men who are discerning God's will.

For more information, contact Father Ryan Simas, 401-331-1316 or

fathersimas@gmail.com.

Misa Diocesana Guadalupana/Guadalupana Diocesan Mass

Martes 12 de diciembre 7:00 p.m./Tuesday, December 12, 7:00 p.m.

La Misa diocesana Guadalupana se llevará a cabo el martes 12 de diciembre a las 7:00 pm en la Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo, el Obispo de la Diócesis de Providence, Richard G. Henning ser el Celebrante y el Homilsta. Comenzaremos con el rezo del Rosario a las 5:30 pm y habrá confesiones y una serenata a la Virgen previo a la Misa. ¡Pasa la voz, invita a un familiar o amistad!

The diocesan Guadalupana Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, will be the Celebrant and Homilist. We will begin with the Holy Rosary at 5:30 pm and there will be confessions and a serenade to the Virgin prior to the Mass. Spread the word, and invite a family member or friend!

Horario y más/Schedule and more

Celebration of Christmas at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

Join us for the Celebration of Christmas in the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul!

Can't join us in person? Watch the live stream of the following Holy Masses on diocesan YouTube channel, youtube.com/DioceseofProvidenceRI:

Dec. 24 at 11 p.m.: “A Concert of Christmas Meditations" with the Gregorian Concert Choir & Festival Orchestra under the direction of Rev. Msgr. Anthony Mancini and Mr. Philip Faraone, Organist
Dec. 24 at 12 a.m.: The Solemn Celebration of Midnight Mass with Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, Bishop of Providence
Dec. 25 at 10 a.m.: Christmas morning Mass with Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop Emeritus

Schedule and more

Find All Events

See a full calendar of upcoming events around the Diocese of Providence in the Rhode Island Catholic "Around the Diocese"

See More Events

Grow in Faith

The Season of Advent Begins

Sunday, December 3

Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem. May we let ourselves be drawn by the light of God made man. - Pope Francis

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent is the season leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation...

Photo: Rhode Island Catholic

For you, for Advent

Advent Action for the First Sunday of Advent

Below begins our new weekly Advent video series for you from the Diocese of Providence!

For December 3, the first Sunday of Advent, Deacon Lionel “Bud” Remillard, Assistant Director, Office of Deacons for Diocese of Providence, shares some thoughts on how we can begin to prepare for Christmas during Advent.

This video made possible in part by your donation to the annual Catholic Communication Campaign. Thank you!

Bishop Henning's latest column in Rhode Island Catholic

Starlight

Have you ever noticed the brilliance of the starlight on a clear night in that last hour or two before the dawn? I have strong memories from childhood, being out with my dad on the bay, clutching the thermos and wondering at the vast night. That last hour of night is a time of great stillness, deep quiet, and subtle beauty. Those memories come to my mind each year as we enter the season of Advent.

Pope, struggling with illness, prays for wars to end

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Pope Francis held his weekly general audience Nov. 29, but told the crowd he was still suffering from the flu so an aide read his prepared text.

Click to Watch

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Employment Opportunities

Experience the joy and benefits of combining faith with work and find your next job in the Diocese of Providence. Apply for these career opportunities today:

Director of Planned Giving, Catholic Foundation of RI, Providence, RI
Senior Auditor, Parish Financial Services, Providence, RI
Marriage and Family Life Consultant, Evangelization and Pastoral Planning , Providence, RI
Director of Music Ministry, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Wakefield, RI
More

Additional News

Advent is Here, Christmas is Near!

RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, marks the beginning of the Advent season, which lasts until Christmas Eve! The first Sunday of Advent is when the liturgical year begins and is a time when we prepare and celebrate in anticipation of the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Image Courtesy of Faith and Grace Design Studios

Catholic greeting card business owners filling a spiritual need for others

RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC

By Jennifer Barton, Correspondent

WARWICK — Starting a business is like bringing a child into this world. A spark of an idea is conceived, growing within a person until the day they bring forth a new creation. The business begins in infancy, with each successive step reminiscent of the progression of childhood as the business owner nurtures their new entity into independent adulthood. It is a labor of love, and even more so if the business seeks to glorify God.