Christmas is fast approaching, and many of you are feeling overwhelmed by all the preparations of the season. If you are seeking a deeper encounter with Christ this Christmas, I encourage you to offer Jesus your prayers of thanksgiving. A perfect way to do this is to send me your Christmas petitions to be included in the Shrine’s Christmas Novena, December 16-24. Your intentions will be placed at our Lady’s Shrine for remembrance as we prepare for the coming of our Lord. You might also want to burn a Votive Light in thanksgiving for the blessings of the year. May our newborn Savior bless you this Christmas and may his Mother Mary watch over you and your loved ones.

In the 2019 Winter Bulletin, Father Kevin concludes his series on the universal call to holiness—sainthood. All of us are asked by God to serve him, to love him, and to be with him forever. Don reflects on those family members who have passed away, but vividly remembers the gifts of time, love, and grace he shared with them. A new Votive Light card is available to use during the winter months to share with someone who is in your thoughts and prayers. Read about our volunteer program and how we reached our goal of distributing two million Miraculous Medals in 2019. To see how you help us do our Lady’s work, a financial accountability report for 2019 is included. To learn about opportunities for making a Year-End gift to the Association, be sure to read the Winter Bulletin.