As we approach the end of November, we are nearing the end of our liturgical year and prepare to start a new year in Christ with the season of Advent. We end the liturgical year with the great Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe which reveals much about our times and the mission Jesus our King is entrusting to us. 

Here are the parish Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas schedules for parishes within the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

VATICAN CITY. For centuries a feature of holy year celebrations has been the indulgence, which the church describes as a remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for their sins.

During the Holy Year 2025, which will open at the Vatican Dec. 24 and close Jan. 6, 2026, Catholics can earn a Jubilee Indulgence by passing through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, fasting for one day of the week from “futile distractions” such as social media and working to defend human life or assist migrants and refugees.

COLORADO SPRINGS. In the past year, Catholic Charities agencies across the nation served more than 30 million meals to vulnerable people at risk of hunger — at food pantries and congregate dining settings, in summer and afterschool programs for children, and to seniors in affordable housing communities. Food and nutrition programs are often the gateway for clients to be assessed for and receive other necessary services from a Catholic Charities agency. 

VATICAN CITY. The Vatican has clarified that Catholics in the United States must still attend Mass on holy days of obligation even when they are transferred to Mondays or Saturdays, correcting a long-standing practice in the U.S. Church but causing some short-term disparities in the way the rule is applied.

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - YouTube

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Catherine of Siena Institute (CSI), based in Colorado Springs, has been awarded a $1.25 million grant by the Lilly Endowment as part of Lilly’s “Thriving Congregations Initiative.” 

Priests do so much for us.  We go to our priests for our spiritual needs, prayer requests, Mass offerings, and sacraments (sometimes urgently).  Through the hands of the priest we receive the greatest gift ever given — the Holy Eucharist.  Without our priests, we would not be able to receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Yet, how is the priest sustained spiritually in all that he does for us?  Praying for the priest is one of the most generous things we can do for him. 

COLORADO SPRINGS. Deacon Eugene Eastham died Oct. 18 at his home in Colorado Springs. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 26 at Our Lady of the Pines Parish. Burial followed Oct. 29  at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.