"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

Prayer for Lighting the Advent Wreath: Week Three

Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Advent Reflections

Above: Father Suresh's homily for Gaudete Sunday

"As we continue our Advent journey, we are invited to reflect on our unique calling to bring forth justice and peace, to show mercy and kindness, to extend God's love. Isaiah, Mary, Paul and John accepted their calling. To what are we called in Advent 2020?" Read more from Sr. Pat Hutchison here!

Saying Yes to God: Joseph's Yes

"When Joseph said 'yes,' he accepted the promise that Mary saw and affirmed that he would pursue it with her. He took part in God's hope for his life but also relied on the faith of Mary's hope. On whom do you rely to see what is possible? Whose 'yes' impacts your own?" 

Check out this reflection from Rabbi Daniel F. Polish in America Magazine from December 2007.

A Hanukkah Blessing

Praised are You,
Our God, Ruler of the universe,
Who made us holy through Your commandments
and commanded us
to kindle the Hanukah lights.

Baruch atah Adonai,

Eloheinu Melech ha’olam,

asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu

l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.

To all in our Neumann University community who are celebrating Hanukkah, we wish you and your family PEACE and LIGHT this holiday season! 

“To be happy is good, yet joy is something more. It’s another thing, something which does not depend on external motivations, or on passing issues: it is more profound. It is a gift." - Pope Francis 

Yesterday was "Gaudete" Sunday - "gaudete" is the Latin word for rejoice! During this week, we are invited to rejoice that the coming of the Christ in the infant Jesus is near! Have you taken time to rejoice, reflect, to make room for the coming of Christ? ​​​​Check out the three options for individual or community reflection below. 

Join Ignatian Solidarity Network from December 16-24 in a daily virtual experience of music, art, prayer, reflection, and action as they journey with the Holy Family and migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in search of shelter and protection.

Take some time for an Advent Examen - a meditative prayer to open your heart to the gifts of Advent.

Join the Franciscan Action Network on Tuesday at 6:30pm for a reflection on the theme of Joy.

CM Picks for the Week 

Poetry: Gaudete Sunday 

YouTube: Mary Did You Know, Pentatonix 

Music: The Weary World Rejoices