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Day 24
Congratulations! I hope you had the best Advent ever!
Say the prayer below and today's challenge for Responsibility is to:
~ Finish tasks fully
~ Help at home without being asked
~ Do your best even when no one is watching
Goal: Become Dependable.St. Joseph, protector of Jesus and Mary,teach me courage, discipline, and trust in God.Help me to be faithful in small things so I can be trusted with greater ones.I place myself under your protection. Amen.Day 23
Say this prayer each day until Christmas. Today's challenge for obedience is to:
Respect parents, teachers, and choaches.
Do what you are asked without attitude.
Goal: Trust that legitimate authority comes form God insofar as it serves the good.St. Joseph, protector of Jesus and Mary,teach me courage, discipline, and trust in God.Help me to be faithful in small things so I can be trusted with greater ones.I place myself under your protection. Amen.Day 22
Saint Joseph reminds us that goodness is often lived quietly. His example challenges us to meet uncertainty with silence, obedience and responsibility.
Say this prayer each day until Christmas. Today's challenge for silence is to:Avoid gossip, Don't complain and Listen more than you speak. The Goal is to Learn to hear God's voice.St. Joseph, protector of Jesus and Mary,teach me courage, discipline, and trust in God.Help me to be faithful in small things so I can be trusted with greater ones.I place myself under your protection. Amen.
DAY 21
Keep Holy the Sabbath. And here are some ways to do that.
1. Begin with Worship and Faith
• Attend Mass — make it the heart of the day, dressed with care and intention.
• Pray together before or after Mass — thank God for the week and ask for grace in the one ahead.
• Read or listen to the Sunday Gospel again — reflect quietly or discuss what stood out to each person.
• Spend time in Adoration or visit a quiet church if possible.
• Pray a family Rosary or a Divine Mercy Chaplet later in the day.
• Offer intercessions for loved ones, the souls in purgatory, or anyone you promised to pray for.
2. Celebrate with Family and Community
• Share a special meal — perhaps a Sunday breakfast or dinner with candles, music, and unhurried
conversation.
• Take a tech break — no phones during meals or family time.
• Enjoy nature together — a walk, a drive, or simply sitting outside.
• Play a game, tell family stories, or look through old photos.
• Visit someone who might be alone or invite another family over for dessert and fellowship.
• End the evening with a family blessing — make the Sign of the Cross on each other’s foreheads.
3. Renew Your Heart and Body
• Sleep in or take a nap without guilt — true rest is part of honoring God’s rhythm.
• Journal or write prayers of thanksgiving.
• Read something spiritual or inspiring (Scripture, a saint’s story, or a reflection book).
• Listen to peaceful or sacred music while doing something creative — drawing, cooking, or simply
being still.
• Walk or sit in silence — notice God’s presence in creation.
• Reflect on the week — what went well, what needs prayer, and how you saw God at work.DAY 20
Be Bold and Profess your Faith in Public
Sign up on our webpage!
DAY 18
Try going to Eucharistic Adoration in Saint Leo's Chapel in the Parish Center on weekdays from 8-9 am or at Saint Mary's Chapel in New Monmouth any time of any day!
Are you wondering what Eucharistic Adoration is? It is the consecrated Eucharist which is displayed in a monstrance. And now are you wondering what a monstrance is?
A monstrance is a sacred vessel that is used to display the consecrated Eucharist so that we can see, adore and pray knowing that Jesus is truly present.
There is something very powerful about having quiet time with Jesus. Try it!!DAY 17
Sincerely give thanks often; to God and to others.Notice the good in others and lift their spirits. Kind wordsare often passed on and creates a ripple effect.This is from the Activities Organizer Kristen from LT which says it all."Thank you so much for braving the storm and coming to bring the holiday spirit to Luftman. The feedback has been awesome. The residents enjoyed it so much. So happy to hear that from them. I appreciate the pictures and we appreciate all you and St. Leos does for our community. Thank you again."
DAY 16DAY 15Today’s challenge is to not be aftaid to face your sins.This is from Chris Stefanick. Another one of our Catholic heroes. Check him out.
If you want to prepare room in your life for Jesus, some of the things in your life have to be cleared out. That means change. Repentance. Conversion. I know. Those aren’t the most exciting words. Change is scary! We complicate repentance because we complicate forgiveness. One of my kids was talking back to me the other day. Badly. It was one of those moments when, as a dad, I was thinking, “I can’t believe my kid is talking to me like that!” (Parents of teens all have those moments!) As the conversation went from bad to worse, I realized that he was thinking the same thing. “I can’t believe I’m saying this.” He had lost control. He was just mad. His own words were starting to hurt him. It happens to the best of us. I had a grace-filled moment in which I switched from parental rage to compassion. I interrupted him and said, “I forgive you.” He kept talking so I said it louder, “I forgive you!” I walked up to him, hugged him, and said a third time, “I forgive you.” He choked out a few tears. “I’m sorry, dad.” As I reflected on what happened with my son, I realized that is what Jesus did for us. The Cross is God shouting to the world, “I forgive you! I forgive you! I forgive you!” Saying we are sorry doesn’t make forgiveness happen. Saying we are sorry lets us receive the forgiveness that we are already being offered—all the time. It really is that simple. Stop pretending your sin isn’t sin. You know it is. And it is hurting you. Stop giving in to that shame that makes you feel the need to cover up every flaw and makes facing your flaws an impossible burden. Stop holding on to the need to be right all the time. Let go of the fear of what you’ll be like when you give up your favorite sin. As if God wants to deprive you of life? Try sitting in adoration and letting him love you. When you know how loved you are, it is safe to admit you were wrong. Forgiveness is waiting. And make a habit of it! At the end of every day, examine your conscience and say “I’m sorry” to God, and while you’re at it, resolve to say “I’m sorry” to anyone you hurt. God bless you, Chris StefanickReal Life Catholic
Have a JOY check and watch this video. It is a fun, family-friendly take on the biblical event of Jesus's birth."Bethlehem Rhapsody" is a popular Christian parody of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody adapting the iconic song to retell the Christmas Nativity story, featuring lyrics about Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, and Jesus's birth.
DAY 14
Today was Gaudete Sunday which was focused on JOY.
Tomorrow, try to notice one thing that brings you joy and thank God for it.DAY 13
Come Christmas Caroling and spread joy and love to our senior friends who may feel forgotten or alone.Christmas Caroling for our senior friends is our annual tradition. I will have song sheets for our teens and for our senior friends. We will have treats to share with them and Santa is also coming! This is a way to share joy across the generations and where our faith is lived and shared. What better way to bring Christ to others than through song!DAY 12
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!
Here is a challenge which is connected to Our Lady of Guadalupe."Roses for Mary" Kindness Challenge is inspired by the roses that Juan Diego gathered in his tilma. Click below for the miracle that happened!Choose one person leading up to Christmas to bless with an act of kindness or prayer. Someone who may be struggling, send an encouraging text. Hold the door, help a sibling, compliment someone, write a note to a lonely classmate or to one of the senior friends we will be visiting on Sunday. Make it a part of your day.Day 11
A great way to make someone's Christmas brighter is to serenade our senior friends at Luftman Towers to lift their spirits. Join us this Sunday at 1:00 to spread some Christmas JOY! Families are invited to join us. Meeting at Luftman Towers. Look for the Santa hat as you pull down to the back by the awning. Pickup will be at 2:00. Please wear something red or green!Day 10
Show kindness…to one another. (Zechariah 7:9)Help make someone’s Christmas brighter.Day 9
Today's challenge is to learn more about your faith.Yesterday was a cute video of two dogs "talking" about love. And that love isn't learned but its more of a feeling. Our Catholic faith tells us that love is willing the good for another. It is much more than a feeling. It is putting God first. Its about being kind, patient, forgiving and willing to help, even when it is hard.Remember Father Mike Schmitz? He has one of the most famous podcasts;andA great way to start the new year!Day 8
Think of ways to show the people you love and even your pets how must you love them. A little bit of kindness goes a long way and makes a big difference.
Goldie and Frenchie explain how love isn't something you learn, it is something you feel.Day 7
Have you ever heard of Father Mike Schmitz? Check him out on instagram/facebook/youtube.
Click Here to watch Father Mike talk about AdventDay 6
Here are some fun Facts about Father Mike:
“I am one of six kids. I have three sisters and two brothers. My last name is spelled S-C-H-M-I-T-Z.
I love carrots and celery…sprouts and kale chips.
This is not true. Steak. Steak is often overlooked as a snack in most people’s lives. I think we need to get back to our roots here.
I don’t have any hobbies or hidden talents.
I rarely hide any talents. Pretty much, if I can do it, I do.
I loved college and I loved the seminary.
In college, I had a class on Shakespeare taught by a monk who was so moved by the beauty of the words that he wept during every class. It was incredible and drew me to a new love of beauty in the English language.
In seminary, Dr. Christopher Thompson taught a class in Moral Theology that I still reflect on to this day.
I love the school year with students, but I like summers too.
My favorite summer day is waking up at my parents’ place on the lake. Get in prayer and say Mass. Get out for a run. Drink some coffee with my mom and dad, siblings, and in-laws. Eat bacon. Get outside in a kayak or paddle board. Wake surfing with the family. Lunch. Bags (AKA “Cornhole”). “Snooze Cruise” with the nieces and nephews. Beer and pizza at Zorba’s.
I’ve traveled as far away as the Philippines and Australia.
What if I could live anywhere? I go back and forth between one of those cabins on stilts in Tahiti and a small place somewhere in Israel. So I think I’ll stay in Duluth.
My favorite thing about being a priest is everything connected to the Sacraments.
I love offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I love preaching. I love hearing confessions. There is nothing that I know of that can compare with getting to be a part of someone’s Great Story, the story that God is calling His children to live."Day 5
Spend time with your parish community.
Tonight is the perfect opportunity for parish families to come together in worship and for some Christmas fun! Join us at the 5:30 mass and then afterwards, process over to the AAC for carols and the Christmas tree lighting. And who knows who may be coming to town for you to take a picture with on your phones!A great family Christmas photo opp.Day 4
Think of ways to bring Christmas cheer to those around you and to those you don't know.
This Saturday, many of you signed up to help with the Christmas tree lighting and fun in the AAC after the 5:30 mass. This is a great way to spread Christmas cheer!Day 3
Think of ways to reach out to spend time with your grandparents or senior friends.Yesterday, we decorated Christmas trees at Luftman Towers. We didn't get to spend time with our senior friends but the fruits of our labors will be appreciated by them for all of December!Day 2
Did you know that Father John celebrates mass every day at 9:00 am in the chapel in the parish center?
Today he said that Chiristmas is much more than one day. It is a way of life!This Advent, let's prepare for a way of life where we remember to put God first.
Going forward, don't forget to say a simple prayer when you wake up. "Thank you God for this new day. Help me do things your way."
Here is something a little more challenging. It is the St. Andrew prayer which is said from Nov 30th until Christmas. Traditionally, it is said 15 times per day, but try and do it once daily.
Day 1
Happy Advent! Learn this dance if you can!
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Advent is almost here! Let's hurry up and wait!
Yes waiting is what Advent is all about. Waiting and preparing for Christmas. This year is an opportunity to kick back and really enjoy the Advent season leading up to Christmas.Here is a fun advent video from Busted Halo.