If your 2025 Advent calendar only has three pieces of chocolate remaining and December has only just begun, you should probably read this. Are you serious about getting closer to Jesus? No matter how we answer this question, this Advent season could be the “personal call from God” that we are all waiting for.

I’ve been a catechist at St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis for the past 11 years, currently teaching family formation—confirmation students as well as Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC) for students in sixth through 12th grade.

“Joy” is described in the dictionary as a feeling of great pleasure or happiness or something that gives joy. The Bible is full of verses expressing joy. I have often thought about this word and its spiritual meaning. To find joy in your life, you first must find the Lord and open your heart to all of his goodness, comfort, peace and, above all, his love.

We are in the month of April, the first month of spring with new growth and beginnings. It is also a very special time for the National Safe Haven Alliance (NSHA). This life-saving nonprofit works to promote the continuing existence of safe haven laws across this country and in Indiana. It celebrates April as Safe Haven Awareness Month.

“It is not just about migrants; it is about all of us, about the present and future of the human family.” —Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis, 2019

Faith is defined as belief with a strong conviction with no real proof. It is a complete trust without any evidence. Faith is being assured of what we believe without being able to see with our own eyes.