Five Things to remember Dec. 14

1.      Poverty-focused international assistance makes up less than one percent of the U.S. federal budget and this little bit of funding saves millions of lives around the world. It would be immoral to try to resolve our nation's fiscal issues and long-term deficit by cutting programs that save lives. 

2.      Sunday, December 16 is the third Sunday of Advent. It is called "Gaudete" Sunday (coming from the first word of the Latin Entrance Antiphon for this day, meaning "Rejoice") and the liturgical color may be rose instead of purple. This is the Church's way of further heightening our expectation as we draw ever nearer the Solemnity of Christmas.

3.      About 33 million Catholics who do not go to Mass each week attend Christmas services. How’s that for family getting together for the holidays? The Church’s thrust on evangelization urges Catholics to better knowtheir faith and to reach out to others with the Good News of the Gospel. Christmas provides one opportunity.

4.      The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has two Facebook pages, one in English   and in Spanish where visitors can share thoughts on the church.

5.      God loves you.