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December 28, 2025

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

For Leo, our Pope, and __, our Bishop. May our leaders inspire us to work for the common good. May our Church family be rooted in love and justice.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who search for Christ Jesus in difficult times. May our lives be rooted in Christ’s love for people on earth. May Christ bring hope and healing to every human heart.

We pray to the Lord.

For families searching for safety in war zones. May God restore peace in every land and nation. May we protect those we love and secure our future in peacetime.

We pray to the Lord.

For runaway children, orphans, and our youth who face abuse. May our children grow up with security in healthy families. May our young people find contentment in family life.

We pray to the Lord.

For our families members in need of healing. May families find solace and forgiveness. May Christ Jesus reveal a path of courage for all whom we love.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who face illness and long-term disability. May our family members who face bodily and emotional pain know the healing presence of God. May Christ touch our pain with kindness and mercy.

We pray to the Lord.

For families who face storms, flooding and loss of homes. May we shelter our people and offer them food and security. May all who face natural disasters know our long-term support.

We pray to the Lord.

For our elderly who live with dementia and loss of family life. May God support the lives of our elders with healing and courage. May we all find sufficient healthcare for our families.

We pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead. May our loved ones be forever in our memories. May they find new home and everlasting joy in heaven.

We pray to the Lord.

Christmas Light

December 24/25, 2025

My Dear Followers of Jesus,

A couple of weeks ago, I had an early morning appointment downtown to which I was a few minutes ahead of schedule. I sat in the parked car listening to Christmas music and as I looked out to the streets, I noticed a candle in the bedroom window of a two-story home. I could not take my eyes off that single, battery-powered light. The light before dawn opened in me a deep reflection on the light we illumine in and for the world.

I was captivated by the light glowing upon the falling snow and I began to wonder what the light meant for the homeowners.  I wondered if the small candle was a tribute to a family member who had died this past year, a grandparent who once lived in that upstairs bedroom. Or might the candle represent a birth of a child this year of the new homeowners who moved in after many years in their first apartment. Perhaps the light was drawing people to a celebration of commitment and to newborn joy. Or maybe the light was just a reminder to the neighbors that life is worth living and that light keeps the darkness of violence and loneliness at bay.

Perhaps that single light helps keep grief away from the dark corners in nations. Perhaps the homeowner is just tired of surrendering to negative talk and dark conversations. Perhaps it heralds hope from the light once captured in childhood and innocence. The light might be a tribute to faith, after all, to the Lord Jesus, who is the true Light of the World. Whatever the meaning behind the candle on the windowsill, it absolutely caught my attention that day before the sun overshadowed the tiny flicker.

I am still pondering the small light in the upper-floor window. My heart knows the waves of darkness we all encounter, the ways not to be free this Christmas. I know how darkness has swamped Christmas joy through the years when death of a loved one occurs, when divorce is real, when family disputes turn tragic. I am deeply aware the light may never fully overcome darkness for many people trapped in war zones or in severe ill health, in valleys of mental anguish or dementia.  I pray for the light you carry in your darkened corner of the world, the light you hold for others, for healing and for freedom.

No matter the darkness, I am more deeply aware of the Light of Christ this Christmas. In the night Jesus was born, angels and shepherds first told us not to be afraid and not to despair. From the darkness, holy ones in the night gave us hope to look up and to look within, the birth of our Messiah is here among us. Today, out of love, I am placing my heart in the sound of those shepherds’ voices, and in the presence of angels. A child this day is the presence of light, Jesus, born to us, who reveals a path out of our darkness and fear.

On this Christmas, I ask you to see, to really see, the people who have lit a candle to help you feel hope and love in your life. I ask you to sit in the mystery of your life and view the glimmer of peace and generosity you have known in your life that sheds hope upon the earth. I know for many people, Christmas is not their favorite time, yet, it is a time to see again and even again, the light that sets us free, the Light of Jesus Christ in our world. Take time to sit in the dark and let the angels help you overcome the obscurity with a single light, Jesus Christ, and allow his warmth to reveal kindness and tenderness within your heart.

                For whom do you keep a candle lit?

                For what reasons do you hold a light to the world?

                For what good is the light in your heart given to you by Christ Jesus?

May the voices of angels sing a new hymn of hope within you, may the shepherds guide you to the promise of the newborn Christ.

Merry Christmas,

God give you peace.

Fr. Ron Raab, CSC

December 24/25, 2025

Christmas Eve/Day

For Leo, our Pope, and all leaders in the Church. May Christ become our food this Christmas Day. May the miracles of new life change our hearts forever.

We pray to the Lord.

For new ears to hear joy in our world. May our hearts be open well beyond our cynicism to live the miracles of Jesus Christ. May we feast on joyfulness this day.

We pray to the Lord.

For birthing doulas, pediatric nurses and nighttime caregivers for newborns. May hope be born this night in out-of-the-way places. May God inspire all who help in the birthing process of the next generation.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new birth of kindness in our nation. May love be our guide and hope fill our hearts this Christmas Day. May laborers, teachers, kitchen crews, hospital assistants, politicians and housekeepers know our gratitude this day for creating a better world.

We pray to the Lord.

For elder members of our families. May we not ignore the stories about our past. May our grandparents be filled with childlike joy and wonder this Christmas.

We pray to the Lord.

For runaway youth and foster children this Christmas. May our young find home and kindheartedness among families. May our struggling children find consolation in the birth of Jesus Christ.

We pray to the Lord.

 For families who face divorce this season. May all families know the love of Christ Jesus this Christmas. May the Holy Spirit inspire couples this day and hold our children close in warmth and comfort. 

We pray to the Lord.

For people saddened by grief this Christmas. May all people who recall the loss of a loved one find hope today. May we look beyond the glitter and fancy giftwrap to know our true gifts of the season.

We pray to the Lord.

For our loved ones who have died since last Christmas. May our holiday tables remember the love that has brought us to this generation. May our loved ones rest in the hope of Christ for all eternity.

We pray to the Lord.

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December 21, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Advent

For Leo, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May our leaders seek Christ’s love and true community for all peoples under heaven. May hope be born in our midst.

We pray to the Lord.

For peace upon the land of every nation. May Christ secure hope and harmony in every heart in Advent. May housing and employment be restored for all families upon our earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who wait in darkness and fear. May Christ become the light of compassion and mercy in Advent. May faith lead us into fearlessness in God’s eternal presence among us.

We pray to the Lord.

For expectant mothers. May all couples wait with tender and genuine love for new life to be born in our world. May God open our hearts to a new generation.

We pray to the Lord.

For family members who feels alone and apart from family life. May God bring people around a full and harmonious table of food and celebration at Christmas.

We pray to the Lord.

For people surviving storms, flooding and bitter cold. May Christ bring miracles within communities to provide the basics of life. May we provide security and warmth this Advent.

We pray to the Lord.

For our elderly in nursing homes and those who live alone. May all who close their blinds early on cold evenings find security in nighttime. May God comfort the lonely this Advent.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who grieve this Advent season. May all who live with regret and fear find hope as we celebrate Christ in our midst. May our grief ease as we surrender to Emmanuel, God-with-us.

We pray to the Lord.

For our loved ones who have died. May we remember those who have given us love and friendship. May they rest now in the Kingdom of peace.

We pray to the Lord.

CLICK HERE to read today’s scriptures

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