Posts
Claire’s Corner
· Jesse Tree ornament: Jesus is the Radiant Dawn: Psalm 19:6-7 (in older Bibles this will be Psalm 18) Symbols: sun rising or high in sky.
· Humbug Day-watch Scrooge!
· How to celebrate Dec 21st
o Wake up and skip making your bed. Embrace the rebellious spirit by starting your day with a cozy cup of coquito, a Puerto Rican eggnog-like drink. Dive into the day’s first challenge – celebrating National French Fried Shrimp Day. Whip up a batch of crispy shrimp and enjoy them with some tartar sauce.
o As the day progresses, immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Yule. Light some candles, play some soothing music, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the winter season. Keep the momentum going by shooting hoops in the driveway in honor of World Basketball Day. Get a mini workout in and have fun while doing it.
o Give your creativity a whirl with National Short Story Day. Write a quick tale or indulge in some short stories by your favorite authors. Challenge your brain power with National Crossword Puzzle Day. Grab a newspaper or hop online to solve some puzzles and give your brain a workout.
o Take a moment to remember the iconic Daleks on International Dalek Remembrance Day. Watch a Doctor Who episode or browse through some cool Dalek merchandise online. Celebrate all things small and mighty on National Short Girl Appreciation Day. Send a shoutout to your petite friends and celebrate their awesomeness.
o When things seem dim, brighten up your day on Look On The Bright Side Day. Practice gratitude and positivity by focusing on the good things in your life. Take a virtual trip to Maine on National Maine Day. Explore the picturesque landscapes, indulge in some lobster rolls, or try your hand at a traditional Maine craft.
o Boost your energy levels on International Energy Drink Day. Grab your favorite energy drink and power through the afternoon slump. Channel your inner Phileas Fogg on Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day. Plan a mini-adventure or challenge for yourself and see if you can come out victorious.
o Savor the day’s flavors by celebrating Gravy Day. Whether you’re a fan of biscuits and gravy or prefer it on your mashed potatoes, indulge in this savory treat. Indulge your sweet tooth on Ribbon Candy Day. Treat yourself to some colorful and nostalgic ribbon candy for a delightful sugar rush.
o Wrap up the day with a touch of mischief on Humbug Day. Embrace your inner Scrooge and play a harmless prank on a friend or family member. Let out a laugh and end the day on a playful note. Cheers to a day filled with a medley of celebrations!
· Around the World in Perfect Weather: A 52‑Week Dream Trip
o 🌊 Bermuda & Bahamas Transition • Advent into Christmas
December 21 – December 31, 2025
o Dec 21 – Advent Joy in Bermuda (Fourth Sunday of Advent & Winter Solstice)
• Mass: St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Hamilton – Mass Schedule
• Reflection: Journal on “Prepare the way” — Advent’s final call, tied to Claire’s island beginnings
• Cosmic Cue: Winter Solstice — the longest night of the year, turning toward light
• Lodging: Mount Pleasant Guesthouse (~$110/night)
• Meals: ~$65/day (celebratory Advent supper with citrus and wine)
• Symbolic Act: Light a candle at sunset, marking both the solstice’s darkness and Advent’s promise of Christ as Light
o Dec 22 – Island Rest & Reflection (Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent)
• Lodging: Mount Pleasant Guesthouse (~$110/night)
• Meals: ~$60/day (light breakfast + seaside dinner)
• Symbolic Act: Journal on “Rest before Nativity” — pause in Claire’s island sanctuary
o Dec 23 – Coastal Vigil (Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent)
• Walk: Elbow Beach – quiet sands for prayer and anticipation
• Lodging: Mount Pleasant Guesthouse (~$110/night)
• Meals: ~$65/day (beach picnic + farewell supper)
• Symbolic Act: Write a prayer for Christmas Eve and leave it at the shoreline
o Dec 24 – Christmas Eve Benediction (Wednesday)
• Mass: St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Hamilton – Christmas Vigil Mass
• Lodging: Mount Pleasant Guesthouse (~$110/night)
• Meals: ~$70/day (Christmas Eve supper with island wine and bread)
• Symbolic Act: Journal on “Incarnation at the shore” — Christ born into the world, celebrated in Claire’s island home
o Dec 25 – Arrival in Freeport, Bahamas (Christmas Day)
• Flight: Final hop into Freeport ($220–$280 round‑trip from Florida/Bermuda)
• Lodging: Bell Channel Inn ($95/night) – budget‑friendly, near beaches
• Meals: ~$70/day (Christmas feast with conch fritters, grilled fish, tropical fruit)
• Symbolic Act: Journal on “Incarnation at the shore” — Christ born into the world, celebrated in Claire’s island arc
o Dec 26 – Boxing Day Beach Renewal (Feast of St. Stephen)
• Visit: Lucaya Beach – turquoise waters, white sand
• Lodging: Bell Channel Inn (~$95/night)
• Meals: ~$60/day (beach picnic + Bahamian seafood supper)
• Symbolic Act: Leave a seashell prayer for renewal
o Dec 27 – Garden & Market Communion (Feast of St. John, Apostle)
• Visit: Garden of the Groves – lush tropical sanctuary
• Lodging: Bell Channel Inn (~$95/night)
• Meals: ~$65/day (garden café lunch + local market dinner)
• Tickets: ~$10 entry
• Symbolic Act: Sketch a palm frond as a symbol of peace
o Dec 28 – Sunday Mass & Ocean Horizon (Feast of the Holy Family)
• Mass: Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Freeport – Mass Schedule
• Lodging: Bell Channel Inn (~$95/night)
• Meals: ~$65/day (family‑style Bahamian supper)
• Symbolic Act: Journal on “Holy Family at the shore” — reflect on family roots and pilgrimage’s end
o Dec 29 – Coastal Rest & Reflection (Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas)
• Walk: Taino Beach – quiet sands for journaling and rest
• Lodging: Bell Channel Inn (~$95/night)
• Meals: ~$60/day (beach breakfast + farewell supper)
• Symbolic Act: Write a note of gratitude for the year’s journey and leave it at the shoreline
o Dec 30 – Maritime Joy (Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas)
• Visit: Dolphin Cove Freeport – swim encounter ($85 ticket)
• Lodging: Bell Channel Inn ($95/night)
• Meals: ~$70/day (light breakfast + seafood supper)
• Symbolic Act: Journal on “Joy in creation” — playful communion with nature
o Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Benediction (Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas)
• Mass: Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church – Vigil of Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
• Lodging: Bell Channel Inn (~$95/night)
• Meals: ~$75/day (celebratory New Year’s Eve supper with tropical wine)
• Symbolic Act: Journal on “Stay here another year?” — reflect on rest, renewal, and the call to continue
· 💰 Cost Snapshot (Dec 21–31 Transition & Finale)
o Lodging (11 nights): ~$1,045
o Meals (11 days): ~$690–$720
o Tickets/Activities: ~$95–$100
o Local Transport (bus/ferry/taxi): ~$150–$180
o Flight hop Bermuda → Bahamas: ~$220–$280 per person
➡️ Total per person: ~$2,200–$2,300 for Dec 21–31
DECEMBER 21 Fourth Sunday of
Advent
Feast Of St Thomas-Winter Solstice
ON KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY[1]
CHAPTER I
DIES DOMINI
The Celebration of
the Creator's Work
To "keep
holy" by "remembering"
17. The connection between Sabbath
rest and the theme of "remembering" God's wonders is found also in
the Book of Deuteronomy (5:12-15), where the precept is grounded less in the
work of creation than in the work of liberation accomplished by God in the
Exodus: "You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt,
and the Lord your God brought you out from there with mighty hand and
outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath
day" (Dt 5:15).
This formulation complements the
one we have already seen; and taken together, the two reveal the meaning of
"the Lord's Day" within a single theological vision which fuses
creation and salvation. Therefore, the main point of the precept is not just
any kind of interruption of work, but the celebration of the
marvels which God has wrought.
Insofar as this
"remembrance" is alive, full of thanksgiving and of the praise of
God, human rest on the Lord's Day takes on its full meaning. It is then
that man enters the depths of God's "rest" and can experience a
tremor of the Creator's joy when, after the creation, he saw that all he had
made "was very good" (Gn 1:31).
Fourth Sunday of Advent
THE nearer we approach to the coming of Christ the more the Church sighs in her prayers for the Savior of mankind. She sings, therefore, at the Introit, drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just (Is. xlv. 8); “The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of His hands” (Ps. xviii. 2).
Prayer.
Stir up Thy might, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come and succor us with great power, that, by the help of Thy grace, the indulgence of Thy mercy may accelerate what our sins impede.
EPISTLE, i. Cor. iv. 1-5.
Brethren: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now it is required among the dispensers, that a man be found faithful. But to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you, or by man s day, but neither do I judge my own self. For I am not conscious to myself of anything: yet I am not hereby justified: but lie that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore, judge not before the time, until the Lord come: Who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise from God.
How should priests be regarded by the faithful?
The Church wishes to inspire us with respect and veneration towards priests, who are ministers of Christ, dispensers of the mysteries of God, and advocates of religion. The Scripture says, “Let the priests that rule well be esteemed worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine” (i. Tim. v. 17). “He that heareth you, heareth Me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth Me”; (St. Luke x. 16).
Why is this epistle read today?
The Church wishes, by pointing to the second advent of Christ, to remind the faithful to avoid judging their neighbors, but to judge themselves, and to cleanse their hearts for the reception of Jesus as our Savior, that they may not have to shrink from Him when He comes as Judge.
Can priests administer the holy sacraments as they please?
No, for, as the stewards of Jesus Christ, they must observe His will, which is that they should administer the sacraments for the glory of God and the salvation of the faithful. They are not permitted to “give that which is holy unto dogs” (Matt. viii. 6), and cannot, therefore, give absolution, or any sacrament, to those who are unfit, lest they thereby condemn themselves.
Why should they esteem it a small matter to be judged by men?
Because men generally judge by appearances, and not by reality. St. Paul says: “If I pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ (Gal. i. 10). But not only priests, the faithful also, must seek to please God more than men. Foolish are they who follow all silly and scandalous fashions in dress, gesture, and manners; who neglect the holy exercises of religion, and ask constantly, “What will the world say?” but never, “What will my God and Savior say?” if I do this or that”.
Why does St. Paul say, “But neither do I judge my own self”?
Because he could not know how God would judge him, “For man knoweth not whether he be worthy of love or hatred (Eccles. ix. 1); therefore, he adds, “I am not conscious to myself of anything, yet am I not hereby justified, but He that judgeth me is the Lord.” We should, therefore, examine ourselves thoroughly whether we are in sin; but if we find nothing in us which displeases God we are not on that account at liberty to think ourselves better than others, for before the mirror of our self-esteem we look quite different to what we are in truth before God, Who cannot be bribed. Oh, how many, who now think themselves innocent and holy, shall appear at the day of judgment stripped of their disguises, and the most secret workings of their hearts revealed by God to their eternal disgrace! This should determine us not to judge before the time, either ourselves or anyone else, of whose hearts we must know even less than of our own. “Let us therefore work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. ii. 12).
Aspiration.
O Lord enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight no man living shall be justified (Ps. cxlii. 2).
GOSPEL. Luke iii. 1-6.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina, under the high priests Annas and Caiaphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins, as it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight His paths. Every valley shall be filled: and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Why is the time at which St. John began to preach so minutely described?
Because in that happy year the prophecy of Jacob was fulfilled, and the scepter being taken from Juda, the long-expected Messiahs showed Himself to the world, was baptized by John, and declared by His heavenly Father to be His beloved Son, Whom men should hear. Accordingly, that this time should never be forgotten, the evangelist, contrary to his usual custom, describes it particularly, mentioning the names both of the spiritual and temporal rulers.
Aspiration.
Oh, that Thy way, Jesus, may be well prepared in my heart! Alas! assist me, O my Savior, to do what I cannot do by myself. Fill up the valley of my heart with Thy grace, and straighten my crooked and perverted will, till it shall conform to Thine own. Soften my rough and unruly mind; bring low, destroy, and remove whatever in me impedes Thy way, that Thou mayest come to me without hindrance, and possess and govern me forever. Amen
Feast of St. Thomas[2]
According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Thomas, now celebrated July 3.
THOMAS, also called Didymus, or the twin, was a fisherman of Galilee. After having been received among the apostles he accompanied Jesus in all His journeys, and uniformly showed docility, zeal, and love towards Him, particularly on the occasion of His going to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead. For when the apostles were afraid to go thither, because the Jews desired to kill Jesus, Thomas, full of courage, said, “Let’s also go, that we may die with Him” (John xi. 16). His faith, indeed, wavered for a moment in regard to the resurrection of Christ but no sooner had Christ satisfied him thereof by showing His wounds, than he cried out with firm faith, My Lord and my God. St. Gregory thereupon says, “God overruled the doubting of Thomas to our good, since that very doubt has profited us more than the ready belief of the other disciples, inasmuch as thereby Christ was induced to give so much clearer proofs of His resurrection, in order to confirm us in the belief of it. Thomas showed the firmness of his faith by the innumerable labors which he undertook, and by the sufferings that he endured for Christ. He traversed the most extensive and remote countries, and preached Jesus to the Armenians, Medes, Persians, Parthians, Hyrcardans, Bactrians, and other barbarous and wicked nations, enduring in the course of his labors, with astonishing firmness, the greatest sufferings for the honor of God and the salvation of men. Finally, he came to India, when, in the city of Calamina, or Meliapor, he underwent a glorious martyrdom, being pierced through with lances, by order of the idolatrous priests, as he was praying at the foot of the cross. So much did the apostle do to repair a single fault but we, who every day commit so many what do we do to repair them?
Evening Antiphon
O Dawn, splendor of eternal light, and sun of justice, come, and shine on those seated in darkness, and in the shadow of death.
Spiritual Crib[3]
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.
·
11th
day, December 21st: THE HOLY
ANGELS—Attention to Inward Inspirations Have
special regard for them today. Perhaps our dear Lord demands a little
sacrifice, an extra prayer, an act of some virtue, an acknowledgment of your
love for Him. Be watchful and faithful.
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to
Eucharistic Glory[4]
Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day
30
On
this 30th day the reception of the Eucharist increases clarity and
guides us in making life decisions
Copilot
The reception of the Eucharist
provides profound spiritual benefits that can increase clarity and guide
believers in making life decisions.
Here's how:
1. Divine
Grace: The grace received during the Eucharist empowers
believers with spiritual insight and strength, helping them approach decisions
with a clear and focused mind.
2. Union
with Christ: Being united with Christ through the
Eucharist fosters a deeper relationship with Him, enhancing the ability to
discern His will in various aspects of life.
3. Peace
and Tranquility: The peace that comes from receiving the
Eucharist helps calm the mind and heart, creating a conducive environment for
thoughtful decision-making.
4. Reflection
and Prayer: The Eucharist encourages a habit of
prayer and reflection, providing the quiet contemplation needed for clarity in
decision-making.
5. Strength
to Overcome Temptations: The spiritual nourishment from the
Eucharist strengthens the ability to resist temptations and distractions,
allowing for more focused and sound decisions.
6. Guidance
of the Holy Spirit: Through the Eucharist, believers invite
the Holy Spirit into their lives, seeking guidance and wisdom in making
decisions.
7. Renewed
Purpose: The Eucharist renews one’s sense of purpose and
alignment with God’s will, helping to make decisions that reflect a commitment
to living a virtuous life.
8. Moral
and Ethical Clarity: By regularly participating in the
Eucharist, believers are reminded of the moral and ethical teachings of Christ,
which serve as a guide in decision-making.
9. Community
and Support: The communal aspect of the Eucharist
provides support and counsel from fellow believers, offering different
perspectives and shared wisdom for making decisions.
10. Focus
on Eternal Values: The Eucharist helps believers focus on
what truly matters—eternal values and God's will—guiding them to make decisions
that align with these priorities.
11. Examination
of Conscience: Preparing for the Eucharist involves
self-examination and repentance, which sharpens one’s ability to make decisions
with a clear conscience.
12. Trust
in God’s Plan: The Eucharist reinforces trust in God’s
plan, helping believers to make decisions with confidence and faith in His
guidance.
13. Empowerment
for Action: The grace and inspiration received from
the Eucharist not only provide clarity but also the courage and determination
to act on decisions that are aligned with God's will.
Through these ways, the Eucharist
continually guides believers towards making thoughtful, virtuous decisions that
reflect their faith and commitment to God's plan.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Winter Solstice[5]
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year as the Northern Hemisphere is angled the farthest away from the Sun on this day.
Winter Solstice Facts
·
On the Winter Solstice, there are 24 hours of
sunlight in the Antarctic Circle, and 24 hours of darkness in the Arctic
Circle.
·
Many pagan rituals have revolved around the Winter
Solstice. The short days and long hours of darkness prompted rituals intended
to lure the Sun back.
· 10 inches of snow melted down into only 1 inch of rain.
Winter Solstice Top Events and Things to Do
·
Eat more Vitamin-D rich foods to balance out the
lack of sunlight.
·
Light some candles and enjoy the early evening.
·
Finish some last-minute Christmas shopping.
·
Purchase a Christmas tree. Tip: For a more
environmentally friendly Christmas, purchase a Live tree in a burlap root sack
that can be planted after the holiday.
·
Watch the lunar eclipse which happens within
several days of the winter solstice.
Short Girl Appreciation Day[6] My wife is 5’1”
There’s something about a short girl, that delightfully compact and curvy phenomena that happens when a blessing of genetics realizes that less is more. It seems like evolution did them a favor and made up for their lack of vertical stature by packing those delightful frames with enough vim and vinegar to take on the world. They may be physically smaller, but they sure seem to live larger. Short Girls are all the rage, and Short Girl Appreciation Day is our opportunity to raise them up above the crowds.
How
to celebrate Short Girl Appreciation Day
·
No matter who you are, you have to hand it to the
Short Girls (if only because they can’t reach it themselves.)
·
Let Short Girl Appreciation Day be your inspiration
to truly let these compact little gems know how much you appreciate them.
·
Take your favorite short girl out to lunch, buy
them a step-stool, or just generally let them know how awesome they are.
·
If you know
one of these beauties that is suffering from standard short-girl problems, then
you can take this opportunity to help them out with that. To really let them
know how fantastic they are, you can also organize a party for your favorite
pack of short-girls themed around those things that are small. Tiny cakes and
cookies, even meals in small portions (but make sure there’s a lot of them,
short girls can pack it away when they get a hunger on), and round it all up
with a short girl fashion show.
·
It’s bound to be interesting since so many of them
have to shop in the children’s section!
One wonders if Mary was a short girl.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: For
the intercession of the angels and saints
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
