ORANGE BEACH — St. Thomas by the Sea in Orange Beach presented the Vatican International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World from Nov. 12-14.

The Alabama State Kouncil of Auxiliary Ladies of the Knights of Columbus (ASK  AL KC) is encouraging Catholic women in Alabama to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to a college or trade school that will be awarded at the state convention in April 2022.  

Below are reflections from two SEARCH directors following the most recent retreat Nov. 12-14 at Holy Spirit Hall in Fairhope. The next SEARCH retreat is Jan. 7-9 at Children's Harbor on Lake Martin. For more information, visit mobarch.org/searchretreat

VATICAN CITY — As the guardian of Jesus and Mary, St. Joseph's reassuring presence is an example for Christians who are called to care for the lonely and those who struggle in their lives, Pope Francis said.

INDIANAPOLIS — At the closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference, Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson encouraged the nearly 11,000 teens from across the country to return home with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

MOBILE — Students at the University of South Alabama displayed their faith through the heart of campus.

I think that Advent is my favorite season of the Liturgical Year.  There are lots of subconscious, emotive reasons.  I like the cooler weather.  I like it getting dark a little earlier.  I love the anticipation of light returning, and especially celebrating the coming of the True Light into the world.  I love the Advent Wreath.  I love preparing our home for Christmas.  I love trying to prepare my heart to welcome Him.  I love Advent.

My first youth retreat was actually when I was a part-time youth minister at my parish.  I was invited to attend as an adult chaperone for the high school retreat prior to the start of school.  The retreat was scheduled to start on Friday night but I had a conflict so I volunteered to drive our parish priest up on Saturday morning and drive him back Saturday evening.  When I arrived, all of the participants and adults had already been together on Friday night and I really did not know most of them.  It was challenging to find my place so I was relieved that I was leaving early because it felt awkward to me.  I had not committed myself to fully participate in the retreat and so it did not have much of an impact on me.  

Responding to the call of Pope Francis to all Catholics in the world to be part of the Synod of Synodality, the office of the Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Mobile, through the San Juan Diego Formation School, began a five-session course Nov. 10 aimed at instructing the Spanish-speaking parishioners of our archdiocese about synods and synodality.

I do a lot of outreach to the young on behalf of my religious congregation, so I try to be aware of trends in vocations work and the common traits of emerging generations. 

50 Years Newly elected officers of the Mobile Diocesan Holy Name Society were: William R. Dolan, president; James Seals, secretary; and James R. Rodriquez, treasurer.