November 21, 2009

December 2008

Student art reflects meaning of the season

ORLANDO | In November, the Florida Catholic invited high school artists to design artwork for the Christmas print issue. Artists were to base artwork on the Bible quote Luke 2:10–19: “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’

“And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”

The five winning entries are presented online in a special multimedia presention here. The winning artists received a $50 gift card. Congratulations and thanks to all artists who entered this year’s contest.

12.24.08 | Return To Top

Christmas decorations touch hearts

When the Florida Catholic asked readers about their favorite holiday things, we found the best baubles have memories and traditions attached.

Denise O’Toole Kelly reports in “Reader’s favorite holiday decorations trigger memories, engender traditions.“

12.17.08 | Return To Top

Airport chaplaincy is a ‘ministry of the moment’

MIAMI | It’s lunchtime, and Daniel Dooling is sitting in the chapel at Miami International Airport, reading his Bible. A few seats away, Vera Philoctete fingers a rosary.

Philoctete works in Miami-Dade Aviation’s protocol department. Dooling is a property manager in the commercial operations division.

They are praying in a place most travelers cannot find very easily: The airport’s nondenominational chapel — also known as a meditation room — on the fourth floor of Concourse B, next to the bank and the post office.

“It is a bastion for us who want to get away during lunch and be in the presence of God, to find peace in our day,” said Dooling. “Because it does get hectic out there.” MORE...

Ana Rodriguez–Soto | 12.04.08 | Return To Top

Holidays time to take prayer on the road

ORLANDO | ’Tis the season of pilgrimage – to the holy places of heart and home. ’Tis the season of prayer – for safe travel, for peace-filled time and in gratitude for blessings.

“Flying at the holidays always makes me jittery and of course I pray – always,” said Jean Souffrant, a parishioner at Notre Dame de Haiti Parish in Miami who will be flying to visit friends in Philadelphia and his sister in Atlanta. “Around the holidays is a time of reflection, and it helps you to be with family and friends you haven’t seen. When you’re away from home – you have to pray, to be grateful for what God has done.” MORE...

Laura Dodson | 12.04.08 | Return To Top

‘2097 Advent’ music tour to make six stops in Florida

ORLANDO | When the “2097 Advent Worship Tour” comes to Florida Dec. 12-18, an old friend of mine will be one of the headliners. I first got to know Matt Maher when he became the junior of three full–time music ministers at my parish in Mesa, Ariz. Now, in addition to his involvement in parish ministry, he travels the country — the world, even — singing the praises of God. I often sang at Mass with Matt leading on piano or guitar before I moved to Florida.

Joining Matt on the 2097 Advent Worship Tour will be 22–year–old Catholic recording artist Kelly Pease; Josh Blakesley, who was the praise and worship leader for the papal visit at World Youth Day Denver; and motivational speaker Paul George, co–founder of Adore Ministries.

If you just can’t wait until Dec. 12, here’s a sample of what you can expect from this production–rich tour:

 

Christopher Gunty | 12.03.08 | Return To Top

Advent wreath prayers here; purple candles scarce, but findable

ORMOND BEACH | Just before the start of Advent, when the Florida Catholic posted the first in its series of weekly prayer guides for home wreath rituals, we also put out a plea for help in finding the requisite purple candles. They were scarce this year on the shelves of dollar stores, drugstores, party stores, home decor outlets and big–box retailers (at least in east central Florida.)

I made due with burgundy for the first Sunday of Advent Nov. 30, but readers responded with advice to guarantee a color correction in time for the second Sunday, Dec. 7. (Prayers for which are now online as well.)

A reader from Venice noted she purchased her Advent wreath candles at the gift shop at her parish, Epiphany Cathedral, this year and has had luck finding purple tapers at a national candle store with franchise locations in malls and shopping centers.

Debbie Dolan of Lutz said she bought her purple candles at a national chain craft store in New Tampa.

However, before I received these much–appreciated e–mails, I turned to the Internet. A Google advanced search for “taper candles” with “purple” turns up a variety of shopping sources — many of them Catholic companies marketing them specifically for Advent wreaths.

Denise O’Toole Kelly | 12.03.08 | Return To Top | Advent Wreath Prayers

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