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Rachel’s Corner
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
· do a personal eucharistic stations of the cross.
· Jesse Tree ornament: Jesse: 1 Sam. 16:1-13 Symbols: crimson robe, shepherd's staff
· Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster
· Actress Rita Moreno born 1931
· How to celebrate Dec 11th
o First things first, start your day by indulging in a dance session. Put on your favorite tango music, and sway to the rhythm. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or have two left feet, just have fun and let loose.
o After working up an appetite with all that dancing, it’s time for a delightful breakfast. Toast a bagel to perfection and top it with your favorite spread. Whether it’s cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado, make it your own and relish every bite.
o Feeling energized after your meal, head outdoors for a hike or a leisurely walk in the mountains. Take in the fresh air, admire the scenic views, and appreciate the beauty of nature all around you. Don’t forget to snap a few photos to capture the moment.
o To cap off the day, take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the history and culture around you. Learn about the Statute of Westminster and its significance. Reflect on how this historical event has shaped the world we live in today.
o And finally, end the day on a fun note by indulging in a classic comfort food – a delicious noodle ring dish.
Whether it’s baked, fried, or boiled, savor the flavors and enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal.
Best Place to visit in December: Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
Ice skating with an ocean view? Not only is it a thing, it's an epic holiday tradition at Hotel del Coronado, winner of a 2022 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. Skating by the Sea returns to the historic property from November 21 to January 5. After your 90-minute skating sesh, reserve seating with firepits (mmm, s'mores) at the Frostbite Lounge. Other holiday happenings at The Del include a light show and beachside igloos.
Thursday Feast
Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
Dinner Menu
🇮🇹 Aviano, Italy
– Alpine Clarity & Marian Anchors
A week of Eucharistic devotion, civic resilience, military recreation, and alpine endurance
Day 1 – Thu, Dec 11 – Arrival & Base Orientation
Lodging: Mountain View Lodge – 31FSS ($65–$95/night) or Air Force Inns – Aviano
Evening walk in Aviano town center
Orientation workout at Dragon Fitness Center
Day 2 – Fri, Dec 12 – Parish Anchors & Fitness
Visit Pordenone historic center (Comune di Pordenone)
Afternoon session at Wyvern Fitness Center
Dinner: Risotto al radicchio
Day 3 – Sat, Dec 13 – Alpine Endurance & Market Joy
Outdoor Recreation Ski Trip – Kronplatz ($160, transport + ski pass; rentals $20–$30/day)
Alternative ITT Trip – Klagenfurt Christmas Market (~$80)
Evening resilience: Alpine Lanes Bowling ($50/month unlimited pass)
Day 4 – Sun, Dec 14 – Sunday Mass & Venetian Witness
Sunday Catholic Mass at Wyvern Chapel: 9:00–10:00 AM (Aviano Chapel – 31FSS)
Optional ITT Excursion – Venice
(~$100, transport + guided tour)
Evening intramural sports at Wyvern Fitness
Day 5 – Mon, Dec 15 – Civic Overlay & Martial Arts
Civic reflection in Pordenone’s museums and icon workshops
Martial arts training at Wyvern Fitness Center
Day 6 – Tue, Dec 16 – Padua Pilgrimage & ForgeFit
Excursion to Basilica of St. Anthony – Padua (train ~$20–$30 round trip)
Civic resilience: Padua’s historic university and civic squares (Padua Tourism)
Evening ForgeFit session at Dragon Fitness Center
Day 7 – Wed, Dec 17 – Monastic Clarity & Wine Mixer League
Visit Benedictine Abbey near Aviano (transport ~$15–$20)
Icon workshop in Pordenone
Evening Alpine Wine Mixer League ($50/month)
Day 8 – Thu, Dec 18 – Firelight Finale
Rooftop vigil with candlelight at Mountain View Lodge
Ritual Act: Pour wine into a chalice, light a candle, and name one fortress that became mercy
Final workout at Dragon Fitness Center before departure
🎄 Holiday & Eucharistic Overlay
Wyvern Wonderland: Wyvern Wonderland – 31FSS (Dec 5 kickoff, continues through Advent; free entry, parade, Santa Village, Holiday Card Lane, tree lighting).
Holy Day Mass – Dec 8 (Immaculate Conception): Solemn liturgy at Wyvern Chapel, typically 11:30 AM and 7:00 PM (Aviano Chapel – 31FSS).
Sunday Mass – Dec 14 (Third Sunday of Advent): 9:00 AM at Wyvern Chapel (Aviano Chapel – 31FSS).
DECEMBER 11 Thursday of the Second Week in Advent
Spiritual Crib-Mountain Day
Isaiah,
Chapter 41, verse 13-14:
For I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you, do not FEAR, I will help you. Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you maggot Israel; I will help you—oracle of the LORD; the Holy One of Israel is your redeemer.
I picture Christ saying this to Peter in the Sea of Galilee as He pulls Peter up after he walked on the water and feared the waves and began to drown.
We must not waiver when we feel covered by the waters of fear for, He will help us. When in fear if we cry out for his help, He will grab us by the hand and bring us back into the boat, which is His church.
Let us not be children of fear but children of faith. In fact, the opposite of Faith is fear. Napoleon Hill, author of the bestselling book THINK AND GROW RICH stated in his unpublished manuscript entitled “Outwitting the Devil” that the devil uses fear to manipulate and control us. Hill uses an imaginary conversation with the devil where the devil states:
Once I capture the mind of a child, through fear, I weaken that child’s ability to reason and to think for himself, and that weakness goes with the child all through life.
According to Hill, the secret to freedom and success is to break the chains of fear and realize that failure and defeat are only a temporary experience.
Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first in inaugural address as President of the United States realizing this stating, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” As a new President he realized the power of fear, and he also realized the power of courage. Mindful of this let us go forth manfully to face our fears and change ourselves, our families and our nation realizing YES He IS and He grasps our hand—He will help us!
Copilot’s Take
Fear is the great thief of freedom, but faith is the hand that restores it. Isaiah’s words remind us that God grasps our right hand, not loosely but firmly, as Christ did for Peter when the waves rose. Fear isolates, paralyzes, and enslaves, yet faith lifts, strengthens, and redeems. History and wisdom agree—whether in Roosevelt’s call to courage or Hill’s warning against fear’s chains—that the path forward is not retreat but trust. Advent’s mountain calls us upward, away from the valleys of fear, toward the heights of faith where Christ Himself steadies our steps.
Spiritual Crib[1]
A special devotion that can be performed during Advent to prepare for the coming of the Infant Savior. It can be adapted for adults and/or children and applied as is appropriate to your state in life.
·
1st
day, December 11th: THE STONES—Pure
Intention
By pure intention today, we will bring together the materials for the stable.
The Wagon to carry the stones shall be the pure intention, the Horses the great
fervor in the service of God, and the stones we collect by making 100
aspirations to the most Sacred Heart of our dear Redeemer.
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to
Eucharistic Glory[2]
Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day
20
On
this 20th day, love God with all you heart, mind, soul and strength
if in a state of grace receive our Lord in the Eucharist; if not confess your
sins and go to Him.
Copilot:
The
Eucharist guides Catholics in loving God with all their heart, mind, soul, and
strength in several profound ways:
·
Heart:
The Eucharist is a direct encounter with the love of Christ, inspiring
believers to reciprocate that love with all their heart. It deepens emotional
devotion and compassion, prompting Catholics to express love through actions
and relationships.
·
Mind:
Through the Eucharist, Catholics engage in deep theological reflection and
understanding. The mystery of the Eucharist encourages intellectual pursuit of
faith, fostering a desire to learn more about God and His teachings.
·
Soul:
The Eucharist is the spiritual nourishment for the soul, fortifying the inner
life and spiritual resilience. It enhances the sanctifying grace, helping
believers to align their souls with God’s will and grow in holiness.
·
Strength:
Participating in the Eucharist empowers Catholics to live out their faith with
courage and perseverance. It provides the strength needed to carry out God’s
will in daily life, to serve others, and to stand firm in the face of
challenges.
Through
regular reception of the Eucharist, Catholics are continually reminded of
Christ’s sacrificial love, which becomes the ultimate model for how they should
love God and others.
For the next 12 days
we will exam the sequential ways the Eucharist helps Catholics after they
receive, highlighting the ongoing impact it has on their spiritual lives:
- Thanksgiving: Immediately
after reception, Catholics often spend time in silent thanksgiving,
reflecting on the grace they have just received.
- Inner Peace: The
Eucharist brings a deep sense of inner peace and spiritual fulfillment,
knowing they are in communion with Christ.
- Renewed Purpose: It renews a
sense of purpose and mission to live according to the teachings of Jesus.
- Spiritual Strength: The grace
received provides spiritual strength to face daily challenges and resist
temptations.
- Increased Charity: Catholics
are inspired to act with greater love and compassion towards others.
- Joy and Gratitude: It fosters a
spirit of joy and gratitude for the blessings in their lives.
- Holiness: The
Eucharist helps them grow in holiness and strive to live a more virtuous
life.
- Unity with the Church: It
reinforces a sense of unity with the global Church and the community of
believers.
- Deeper Faith: Regular
reception deepens their faith and understanding of the mysteries of their
religion.
- Guidance in Decisions: The
spiritual clarity gained can provide guidance in making important life
decisions.
- Resilience in Adversity: It gives
strength and resilience in the face of suffering and adversity.
- Hope for Eternal Life: The
Eucharist reinforces the hope of eternal life and the promise of
resurrection.
Each step in this
sequence demonstrates how the Eucharist continually nourishes and transforms
the spiritual lives of Catholics, helping them grow closer to God and live out
their faith more fully.
Bible in a Year Day 163 Faith Over Success
Fr. Mike touches on the last acts of King Rehobo'am and the rise of his son,
Abi′jah. He also explains how we can see the importance of faith over success
through the mistakes of Israel's leaders. Today's readings are 1 Kings 13, 2
Chronicles 12-13, and Song of Solomon 2.
International
Mountain Day[3]
In certain areas
of the world, they are also a source of unique agriculture, providing ample
space for the production of those products that grow best on their slopes.
Coffee, Cocoa, Herbs, Spices, and the form of handicrafts that spring from the
minds of those who live in the unchanging protection of these towering edifices
to geology. International Mountain Day is your opportunity to head out and
appreciate these unique landforms, and all they have to offer. Established in
December of 2003, the United Nations General Assembly created this day to help
bring awareness to all of the things we rely on mountains for. Whether it’s all
of the glories mentioned above, or how necessary they are for the health and
well-being of the flora and fauna that call them their home, International
Mountain Day promotes them all.
How to Celebrate International Mountain Day
International
Mountain Day can be celebrated in a cavalcade of fun and educational ways. Head
out to your local mountain to discover all the things it has to offer. Whether
it’s a day in the numerous parks and hidden places that can be found in their
craggy terrain, or amazing tourist towns like Leavenworth, WA, get on out there
and explore. Hiking enthusiasts will find the many trails and secret places a
joy, as well as being able to enjoy the far-flung places that so few ever
visit. Due to the challenges of developing them, there is almost always an
opportunity to enjoy nature in all its glory. Even better, once you’ve hiked
your way into the far reaches of untouched wilderness, you can settle down to
camp away from the light pollution and noise of city life. Or maybe you prefer
to drive, the twisting winding roads that navigate the mountainsides have some
of the most beautiful country that can be found, near or far. Snugged down
between the rising cliff-face and the sheer drop into the valley, the view is simply
unmatched, and such a thing can be refreshing to the human soul. International
Mountain Day is a call to get out into the wild and see what it has to offer!
10 Sacred Mountains Around the World[4]
Since ancient times various mountains around the world have been held sacred. Here are 10 places worth visiting for a spiritual high.
1. Mount Nebo, Jordan (2,330 ft)
According to the final chapter of Deuteronomy, Mount Nebo is where the
Hebrew prophet Moses beheld the promised land that God would give to the Jewish
people. On a clear day you can see the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the
River Jordan, Jericho and the Mount of Olives. The remains of a 4th century
monastery was discovered on this windy peak in western Jordan in 1933, and the
church features an impressive collection of ancient mosaics.
2. Mount Croagh Patrick,
Ireland (2,507 ft)
As many as one
million pilgrims trek this peak annually to pray at the stations of the cross,
participate in Mass, or just enjoy the spectacular view over Ireland’s western
coast. Pre-Christian Celts believed the deity Crom Dubh lived on the mountain
and later St. Patrick who introduced Christianity to Ireland “is believed to
have spent 40 days and nights fasting and praying atop the mountain.
3. Mount Olympus,
Greece
The legendary home of the Greek Gods and throne of Zeus is the highest
mountain in Greece at 9,577 feet. The 2-3-day hike to the summit features a
close-up look at the roughly 1,700 different species of flora that grow on the
mountain.
4. Mount Agung, Bali
The Balinese consider the volcanic Mount Agung to be the center of the
universe. It rises 10,308 feet high in eastern Bali. The Mother Temple of
Besakih, the largest and holiest temple in Bali, sits roughly 3,000 feet up its
slopes.
5. Mount Fuji,
Japan
This snowcapped mountain west of Tokyo is sacred in both Buddhism and
Shintoism. During the July and August climbing season more than 200,000 people
hike to the top of this 12,388 ft. peak. Also, an active volcano, Mount Fuji
has been venerated as the home of a fire god, a Shinto goddess and Dainichi
Nyorai, the Great Sun Buddha.
6. The San Francisco Peaks, Arizona
More than a dozen Native American tribes consider this volcanic chain in the Coconino National Forest to be sacred, including the Hopi, who believe the peaks are the mythological home of the Kachina People. In order to protect the area as much as possible, there are no paved roads to the summit. The 9-mile Humphreys Peak Trail is a strenuous round-trip journey that leads to the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet.
7. Mount of the Holy Cross, Colorado
Legends of a giant cross hidden deep in the Rocky Mountains proved true
when photographer William Henry Jackson returned from an expedition in 1873
with a picture of this mythical peak, the northernmost 14,000 ft mountain in
the Sawatch Range. Mount of the Holy Cross is named for the distinctive
cross-shaped snowfield that adorns its northeastern face and is a popular
Christian pilgrimage site.
8. Popocatepel, Mexico
(17,802 ft)
This volcanic peak
located roughly 45 miles southeast of Mexico City figures largely in both Aztec
and Nahua legends and among local Nahua today El Popo, as its called for short,
is a living, breathing entity. Spanish missionaries built 14 monasteries on El
Popoâs slopes during the 16th century, and they’ve been declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
9. Mount Kailash,
China/Tibet (21,778 ft)
Thousands of Buddhists, Hindu, Jain and Bonpo pilgrims’ journey to the
remote Himalayan town of Darchen each year to make koras, ritual circuits,
around the base of Mount Kailash. Setting foot on the mountain is considered to
be a sacrilege, but one 32-mile kora around the base is believed to erase a
lifetime of sins.
10. Mount Everest,
Nepal/China border
Tibetans call Mount Everest the Goddess Mother of the Universe, the Nepalese call Everest Goddess of the Sky. At 29,029 feet, it is the highest mountain on the planet. Everest is part of the Himalayan Mountain range, and it is a day hike from the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet to Base Camp.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: End
Sex Trafficking Slavery
·
Religion
in the home: Preschool for December
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make reparations to the Holy Face
·
Rosary
[2]https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/33-days-to-eucharistic-glory/33EG.html?srsltid=AfmBOopIHMivIR422BjtUtJ2KZm8-MrVMEJFtxZYH7ZkFuXRwdu5G1Qi#longDescription
[4]https://matadornetwork.com/bnt/photo-essay-10-sacred-mountains-around-the-world/
Here’s a full overview of Home Sweet Homicide (1946), a lighthearted mystery-comedy starring Peggy Ann Garner, Randolph Scott, and Dean Stockwell.
🎬 Film Summary
- Setting: Suburban America, mid-1940s.
- Plot Highlights:
- Marion Carstairs (Peggy Ann Garner), a teenage girl, lives with her widowed mother, mystery novelist Marian Carstairs (Lynn Bari), and her younger siblings Archie (Dean Stockwell) and Desdemona (Connie Marshall).
- When a neighbor is murdered, the children—avid readers of detective fiction—decide to solve the case themselves.
- They cleverly send anonymous tips to the police, hoping to both crack the mystery and spark romance between their mother and handsome detective Lt. Smith (Randolph Scott).
- Their antics lead to comic misunderstandings, but eventually the children’s intuition helps uncover the killer.
- The subplot of matchmaking succeeds as Marian and Lt. Smith grow closer.
- Tone: A blend of mystery, comedy, and family charm, typical of postwar Hollywood’s lighter fare.
✝️ Catholic Lessons & Reflections
| Theme | Film Moment | Catholic Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Family Unity | The siblings work together to solve the crime | Reflects Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: “Two are better than one… if they fall, one will lift up the other.” |
| Wisdom vs. Mischief | Children’s detective games cause chaos but also insight | Teaches discernment: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). |
| Justice | The children’s efforts ultimately help bring the murderer to light | Mirrors Catholic social teaching: justice is a communal responsibility. |
| Hope & Renewal | Romance blossoms between Marian and Lt. Smith | Symbolizes God’s gift of new beginnings after loss. |
| Imagination & Stewardship | The children use creativity to engage with the world | Encourages using talents responsibly, echoing the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30). |
🌟 Spiritual Takeaway
Though playful in tone, the film reminds us that justice, family, and hope are intertwined.
- Children’s imagination can be a force for good when guided by virtue.
- Family bonds strengthen resilience in times of uncertainty.
- Love and renewal after grief reflect God’s providence.
