Bells of St. Mary's Christmas Play

From the mouths of babes, here is a classic first grade version of the story of Christmas.
Doctrine: Incarnation, liturgical year

Matthew's Begat's

As we prepare for the coming of the awaited Messiah, we consider His genealogy to reflect on God's saving plan being prepared through the generations that preceded the Christ.
Doctrine: Incarnation, Liturgical Year, Scripture

Buenos Dias Paloma Blanca

On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, we recall the apparition of our Blessed Mother to St. Juan Diego, which ultimately resulted in the conversion of nine million Native Americans in Mexico. This song, among others, is popular for today's feast. Here is a translation of the lyrics:
Good morning, White Dove,
today I come to greet you,
greeting your beauty
in your celestial kingdom!

You are mother of the Creator
that enchants my heart,
thanks I give you with love.
Good morning, white dove!

Beautiful girl, holy girl,
your sweet name praised,
because you are so blessed,
that I come to greet you.

Resplendent like the dawn,
pure and sensitive and without stain,
what pleasure my soul receives.
Good morning, white dove!
Doctrine: Liturgical Year, Blessed Virgin Mary, America

The Immaculate Conception

Father Barron has illuminated the richness of our Faith through the Catholicism series. In this story of Our Lady of Lourdes, we hear the revelation of Mary as the Immaculate Conception within years of the dogma's promulgation.
Doctrine: Liturgical Year, Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Conception

Advent Calendar

The season of Advent is upon us! During this holy season, we prepare our hearts for the three comings (“advents”) of Jesus Christ: in His birth on Christmas, at the end of time, and each day in the Eucharist. There are several traditions in the Church that assist us in our preparations. The lighting of the Advent wreath marks the four weeks of Advent. A Jesse tree traces Salvation History through Old Testament stories and figures to prepare for its culmination in the birth of the Messiah. Advent calendars are also another way to anticipate the great feast of Christmas. Yet again, some families place the empty Christmas crib out with pieces of straw, allowing family members who perform good deeds to add straw to the manger to prepare a warm bed for the Christ Child.  Any of these external practices is meant to prepare our hearts for the magnificent reality of the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Advent calendar above provides some daily spiritual food for thought during this time of joyful expectation.

Doctrine: liturgical year, Advent, Jesus Christ