TORONTO — A year after losing its federal funding and being accused of supporting anti-Semitic organizations, KAIROS has come out "stronger" and remains hopeful that its funding will be reinstated, says executive director Mary Corkery. more . . .

Every Christmas we hear from Luke's Gospel of how Mary "gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn" (2.7). This is an evocative image of the Son of God born in poverty and abandoned by all except for his own family. more . . .

FR. RON ROLHEISER, omi

Like a deer yearns for flowing streams, so my soul yearns for you my God." "My soul keeps vigil for you in the night." more . . .

RALPH HIMSL

As if roused from a reverie over her cooling cup of coffee, she mused, "Our good old Christmas still has a lot going for it." Deep in the hubbub of what the commercial world has established as "the season of giving," the remark seemed timely. more . . .

Catholics have long celebrated May as the month of Mary. But liturgically, the real month of Mary is December. More particularly, it is the season of Advent and, most especially, it is these last days leading to the birth of the Saviour. more . . .

FR. RAYMOND DE SOUZA

What time is Midnight Mass? It's the season for that question, and the answer is not predictable. Over more than a generation, we Catholics have fumbled away one of our most distinctive customs. Indeed, the Christmas Mass schedule has become something rather different than what the Church intends, and what our tradition refined over centuries.more . . .

BOB MCKEON

Last week I was talking with a long-time church volunteer at a food bank in my neighbourhood. She was commenting on the continuing high numbers of people coming week after week requesting a food hamper. What was especially troubling for her was that 40 per cent of those being fed from her food bank were children. more . . .

MARK PICKUP

The Christmas season is meant for inexpressible Joy. After all, Advent marks the coming of Jesus Christ to earth to save humanity from the penalty of sin and evil. more . . .

LISA PETSCHE

Many people are filled with joyful anticipation and festive good cheer at this time of the year. But some are filled with anxiety and dread, and wish to get the holidays over with as quickly and uneventfully as possible. more . . .

This time of year brings about the usual cliché themes that are preached in the Church. For example, we hear messages about helping others, reconciliation and focusing on God amidst the commercialism of Christmas. As one of my Facebook friends posted on their wall: “Let us put the ‘Christ’ back into Christmas!” more . . .