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December 2021

December 16

Editorial: A Saviour is born

December 16, 2021

There is a magic about a Christmas morning that never ceases to amaze.

Human rights groups raise alarm over new atrocities in Western Tigray

December 16, 2021

NAIROBI, Kenya -- International human rights organizations have warned of a new wave of atrocities in the Ethiopian region of Tigray, as Catholic Church leaders continued to express concerns over the detention of priests, nuns and lay members.

Spruce up your Christmas movie watching

December 16, 2021

Since screening Christmas movies together with family and friends has become as ubiquitous as Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties, maybe it’s time to be more than just holly jolly couch potatoes. Perhaps we can find ways to integrate Christmas activities (emphasis on “active”) with the spectating.

Janine Langan founded St. Mike’s Christianity and Culture program

December 16, 2021

If there’s more to teaching than stuffing facts into young minds, then there was more to Janine Langan than met the eye.

Leah Perrault: There’s something at work in the waiting

December 16, 2021

For the first holiday outing in our new city, we headed out for the tree lighting in the town square. (It felt very Stars Hallow, for the Gilmore Girls fans, with lots of twinkly lights and a mayor’s words and Santa arriving by fire truck with all the usual characters.) After a line for sleigh rides, a queue for hot chocolate and another turn to take to see Santa, my little girl exclaimed loudly that “Mostly tonight, we were waiting in line!”

December 17

Christmas concert takes over Dundas Square

December 17, 2021

St. Michael’s Choir School kicked off its Christmas season Dec. 5 with a free outdoor concert of secular and sacred music in Dundas Square in downtown Toronto.

Safe third country appeal heading to Supreme Court

December 17, 2021

The Canadian Council of Churches, Amnesty International and the Canadian Council for Refugees are headed to the Supreme Court of Canada on behalf of refugee families who want a legal way to apply for asylum at Canada’s land borders.

A ray of Christmas joy for Lebanese children

December 17, 2021

BEIRUT -- For 1,600 Maronite Catholic children in crisis-stricken Lebanon, Advent has awakened a ray of hope.

Francis Campbell: Halifax diocese writes its own Nativity narrative

December 17, 2021

It’s coming on Christmas and the Halifax-Yarmouth archdiocese is writing its own inspirational story of Bethlehem.

Making sure young mothers aren’t left out at Christmas

December 17, 2021

Not every young woman hears that blessed is the fruit of her womb. More than a few young women are left isolated, afraid, overwhelmed from the moment they know they’re pregnant.

December 18

Restrictions placed on school’s Catholic Club

December 18, 2021

VANCOUVER -- School officials in Vancouver have slapped restrictions on a Catholic students’ club operating in a public high school which limits the club’s founder from sharing his faith with students.

Special needs students shine with clothing drive

December 18, 2021

A Christmas tree adorned with scarves, gloves, toques and jackets instead of the classic bells, ornaments and ribbons is captivating plenty of eyes at the entrance of Toronto’s Loretto College School.

Crafty mother’s skills aid abused women

December 18, 2021

Stay-at-home mom Jessica Fraga is using her love of crafting again this year to raise funds for abused women.

Peter Stockland: Love will always prove necessary

December 18, 2021

Some will sniff that a hierarchical Church is hardly an institution to concern itself with authoritarian politics.

St. Joseph a picture of authentic masculinity

December 18, 2021

The Knights of Columbus are offering for free its latest film that takes a deep look into the life of Jesus’ foster father as a model of character and virtue for this generation.

December 19

Christmas Mass capacity picture rosier in 2021

December 19, 2021

Parishes across Canada have the green light to open their doors to more parishioners celebrating the birth of Christ than was allowed last year.

God's Word on Sunday: Great love and trust part of divine plan

December 19, 2021

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Dec. 26 (Year C) 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Psalm 84; John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52 Why would Hannah hand over her baby to Eli the prophet? She had no other children, and she had hoped and prayed for many years for the infant Samuel. He had barely been weaned and yet she was letting go of him forever to fulfil the vow she had made to the Lord.

Bear witness to the hopeful joy of Christ

December 19, 2021

A message from the CCCB President on Christmas and New Year’s Day

Christmas stamps feature work of homeless artist

December 19, 2021

VATICAN CITY -- Adam Piekarski, a homeless man from Lódz, Poland, never imagined that the sketches he would draw in his free time while waiting for the public showers near Bernini’s Colonnade would lead to the opportunity of a lifetime.

Priestly life celebrated in art

December 19, 2021

Christmas is a time to celebrate for Fr. Herman Falke each year, but that celebration will be special as he marks the release of his latest book.