"Weekly Challenge" for December 2021
Week Beginning December 26, 2021
“O Come Let Us Adore Him”
Your challenge this week is to spend some quiet time with Jesus in adoration. Eucharistic adoration is an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ in his real presence as you pray before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. This form of devotion and worship helps you discover new depths of spirituality and strengthen your relationship with God.
Check your Parish Bulletin or website for the Holy Hour schedule. Or, use masstimes.org to search “adoration” by location.
“The visit to the Blessed Sacrament is a great treasure of the Catholic faith. It nourishes social love and gives us opportunities for adoration and thanksgiving, for reparation and supplication” (Saint Pope John Paul II).
The city that never sleeps deserves a chapel that never closes. God’s mercy will soon be available at all hours in Manhattan. Click here to learn more about the Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel at Saint Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village.
Week Beginning December 19, 2021
Go to Confession
One of the great benefits of being Catholic is our Sacrament of Confession. In a moment’s time, we can take a step toward sanctification by receiving absolution for our sins, restoring our relationship with God, and gaining His precious grace. This week, let’s prepare for the Nativity of the Lord with a heartfelt Confession.
There are many other benefits associated with Confession. By purifying our conscience, we feel at peace. With our burdens eased and our guilt lifted, we may be more inclined to forgive others. Confession is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and use that information to control our passions, break bad habits, and strengthen our will. It is a humbling experience that reminds us to trust in and rely upon God. And it is an opportunity to have a candid and confidential conversation with a priest who is specially trained to help you.
The “Monthly” section provides you with resources for a faith-based Examination of Conscience. If you have not been to Confession recently, please refer to this brochure from the Knights of Columbus.
Monday, December 20 is Reconciliation Monday. Confession will be offered in all parishes throughout the entire Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Click here to find a parish near you.
“If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing” (1 John 1:9).
God is waiting to forgive you—all you have to do is ask!
Week Beginning December 12, 2021
Share the Joy
On the Third Sunday of Advent, we take a break from our penitential exercises to celebrate Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete–the Latin word for rejoice–reminds us to be joyful because the Lord is near. This week, your mission is to share the joy of the Christmas season with someone who has left the Church. Make a date with a friend or family member to enjoy some festive fellowship. As you re-connect with them, help them re-connect spiritually by incorporating a faithful element into your visit. Here are some suggestions:
Tell them about your new fitness program for the soul. Invite them to become your spiritual workout partner.
Light a candle and pray for your loved ones together.
Bring a friend to Mass.
Decorate a tree or bake holiday cookies together and listen to (or sing) religious Christmas carols.
Share a specific example about how God has helped you or how faith has strengthened you.
Take a family member to visit a lost relative at their gravesite and pray together.
Include Mass cards for the recipients when giving holiday gifts.