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Monday Night at the Movies
December 2025 – Advent, Incarnation, and Eucharistic Hope
- Dec 1
– Going My Way (1944)
Quick Answer: Going My Way (1944) is a warm musical drama about a young priest, Father O’Malley, who revitalizes a struggling parish through compassion, music, and modern methods. Its Catholic lessons emphasize mercy over judgment, the importance of community, respect for tradition while embracing renewal, and the transformative power of joy and pastoral care.
🎬 Film Summary: Going My Way
- Plot Core: Father Charles “Chuck” O’Malley (Bing Crosby) arrives at St. Dominic’s parish in New York. His easygoing style clashes with the elderly, traditional Father Fitzgibbon.
- Conflict: Fitzgibbon fears being replaced, while O’Malley secretly has been sent to lead the parish.
- Resolution: Through kindness, music, and outreach, O’Malley wins over the youth (forming a boys’ choir), reconciles troubled parishioners, and eventually bonds with Fitzgibbon.
- Emotional Climax: Fitzgibbon, longing to see his mother in Ireland after 45 years, is surprised when she arrives on Christmas Eve. The parish, despite hardship and even a fire, finds renewal in community and faith.
✝️ Catholic Lessons in Going My Way
The film is often praised for its pastoral theology in action. Here are the key Catholic lessons it embodies:
Mercy and Compassion Over Rigidity
- O’Malley’s approach contrasts with Fitzgibbon’s strictness. He shows that pastoral care means meeting people where they are, not condemning them.
- Catholic lesson: The Church thrives when mercy tempers law.
Community and Solidarity
- The parish survives eviction threats, youth delinquency, and even a fire by coming together.
- Catholic lesson: The parish is a family, and shared burdens strengthen faith.
Music as Evangelization
- The boys’ choir symbolizes how beauty and joy can draw hearts to God.
- Catholic lesson: Art and music are powerful tools of evangelization, echoing St. Augustine’s idea that “singing is praying twice.”
Respect for Tradition While Embracing Renewal
- Fitzgibbon represents tradition; O’Malley represents renewal. Their eventual friendship shows the Church’s need to balance both.
- Catholic lesson: Authentic renewal honors tradition while adapting to new needs.
Priesthood as Service, Not Power
- O’Malley hides his true role to protect Fitzgibbon’s dignity.
- Catholic lesson: Priests are servants of Christ’s flock, not managers of authority.
Joyful Witness
- O’Malley’s golf, humor, and songs show that holiness is not dour.
- Catholic lesson: Joy is a sign of authentic Christian life.
🌟 Why It Endures
- Won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture (1944).
- Presented to Pope Pius XII after WWII, affirming its Catholic resonance.
- Its sequel, The Bells of St. Mary’s, continued the theme of compassionate priesthood.
- Dec 8
– The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)
- Dec 15
– It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- Dec 22
– Becket (1964)
- Dec 29
– Tree of the Wooden Clogs (1978)
DECEMBER
We turn our attention indoors with Advent prayers and
preparations for the birth of Christ; for most of us, the indoors makes up the
part of our environment in which we spend the most time. It is also the most
unregulated and can be the most polluted part of the total environment –due to
new home cleaning products and tighter ventilation. Consider a simpler home
environment, where houseplants purify the air, where fresh air is plentiful,
and where chemical products are limited and controlled. The yearly cycle of
twelve months can make us more aware of our human environment and should help
us as individuals and as a community to conduct a monthly examination of
conscience.
Overview
of December[1]
The
liturgy of Advent focuses on remembering Christ's first coming at Bethlehem
which then directs our mind to Christ's Second Coming at the end of time. The
readings focus on the people of the Old Testament awaiting the Messiah, John
the Baptist, heralding the way for Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary and her
maternal preparations.
Advent and Christmas
The Advent season in the Northern
Hemisphere is normally cold, dark and the days are short. Traditions such as
Thanksgiving and Christmas have been established to help dispel the
psychological fear that develops as a result of the darkness. However, in the
Southern Hemisphere the days are long and warm.
This is a good time if you have the means
to take a winter break and go to a warmer climate to give you a chance to
create a brighter spirit. However, if this is not possible, we can greatly
reduce our fears by getting some sun for 10 or 15 minutes a day. Try to walk at
the brightest time of the day, or if you have a sun
Also spending some time exercising daily
will definitely dispel our fears. We are both physical and spiritual and having
a balance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual activities will make us
resilient to the darkness in the world. I find hiking a wonderful anecdote to
the blues and fears.
It is also
important to reach out to others. We can strengthen ourselves by being with and
for others. No matter what your cultural background, this season will provide
many ethnic opportunities to celebrate together. Think of the giant Redwoods,
they are the largest trees in the world. These trees survive by intertwining
their roots because the ground is so hard the Redwood cannot strike a taproot
to hold itself up but by supporting each other they become the largest trees in
the world.
Events and Feasts for December 2025
Hit the Slopes
Ice Fishing Season
- Wolford
Mountain Reservoir – Colorado River District
- Arizona Ice
Fishing Lakes & Species Guide
- Grand
County Ice Fishing Tournaments
- Rainbow
Lake Fishing Report 2025
Holiday Events
·
November
28-January 11 San Antonio River Walk
·
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
·
Arizona Parks
Winter Get away Season
- Bahamas International Film Festival: Official BIFF WebsiteHobbit Tour every day (closed Christmas)
New Zealand
- GetYourGuide
– Phoenix/Scottsdale Apache Trail Tour
- Detours
American West – Apache Trail Tour
- iCruise
– Caribbean Cruises December 2025
- Cruise
Critic – December 2025 Cruise Deals
- Royal
Caribbean – Holiday Cruise Deals
Dec
3-First
Wednesday-St. Joseph’s Chaste Heart
·
St.
Francis Xavier
Dec
4-Thu.
Full Cold Moon
Dec
5-First
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus
·
Night-Shoes
out for Cinder Claus and Gluevine
Dec
6-First
Saturday-Immaculate Heart of Mary
·
St.
Nicholas
Dec
7
Second Sunday of Advent
·
Ambrose,
Memorial
·
Pearl
Harbor memorial
Dec
8-Mon.
Immaculate Conception of Mary, Solemnity
Dec
9-Tue.
St. Juan Diego
Dec
10-Wed.
Our
Lady of Loreto
Dec
12-Fri. Our Lady of Guadalupe (USA), Feast
·
Begin
the Nutcracker
Season
Dec
13-Sat. St. Lucy
Dec
14-Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday
·
Hanukkah
2025 – Begins at sundown Sunday, Dec.
14 and ends Monday, Dec. 22.
Dec
16-Tue.-Las
Posadas- Antiphon “Golden Nights”
·
9 days before Christmas
Dec 17-Ember Wednesday-Fast Day
Dec 18-Thu. Expectation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dec 19-Ember Friday-Fast Day
Dec 20-Ember Saturday-Fast Day
Dec
21-Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dec
22-Mon. St. Thomas
Dec
24-Wed. Nativity of the Lord Midnite Mass
Christmastide
begins with the First Vespers (Evening Prayer) of Christmas on December 24th
and ends on the Sunday after Epiphany. Christmas and Easter are the only
solemnities with octaves attached in the revised calendar. The Christmas octave
differs from Easter in that it includes some major feasts: St. Stephen
(December 26), St. John the Evangelist (December 27), the Holy
Innocents (December 28) and St. Sylvester I (December
31). The octave closes on January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
The
Reason for the Season
The month of December is filled with expectation and
celebration. Preparation is the key word for the first 24 days of December.
Everyone is getting ready for Christmas — shopping and decorating, baking and
cleaning. Too often, however, we are so busy with the material preparations
that we lose sight of the real reason for our activity.
Christmas is a Christian feast — and we must reclaim
it as such! In the same way that a family eagerly prepares for a baby, so in
Advent should we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. We should keep
Advent as a season of waiting and longing, of conversion and of hope and keep
our thoughts on the incredible love and humility of our God in taking on the
flesh of the Virgin Mary. Let us not forget to prepare a peaceful place in our
hearts wherein our Savior may come to dwell.
The
best person we can turn to for help during Advent is Mary, Christ's and our
Mother. She awaited the day of His birth with more eagerness than any other
human being. Her preparation was complete in every respect. Let's crown our
preparation and borrow something of Mary's prayerfulness, her purity and
whole-hearted submission to God's will.
Dec
25-Thu. Christmas
Dec
26-Friday in Octave of Christmas
·
St.
Stephen, Feast first Martyr
Dec
27-Saturday in Octave of Christmas
·
St.
John, Apostle, Feast-Blessing of Wine
Dec
28 Sunday Feast of the Holy Family
Dec
29 Monday in Octave of Christmas
Dec
30 Tuesday in Octave of Christmas
Dec
31 Wednesday in Octave of Christmas
·
Sylvester
I-New Years Eve
DECEMBER 1
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[1]
Want to start a
small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day 10
On this 10th day, find peace in the serving
Christ as King of the Universe
Copilot:
Finding peace in serving Christ as the King of the Universe is a
profound and fulfilling spiritual pursuit. Here are some ways to embrace this
devotion:
Acknowledge Christ’s Sovereignty
1.
Daily Worship: Start each day by acknowledging Christ’s sovereignty
through prayer and worship. Recognize His ultimate authority and love in your
life.
2.
Scripture Reflection: Meditate on passages that highlight Christ’s
kingship, such as Colossians 1:16-20 and Revelation 19:16.
Serve with a Purpose
1.
Acts of Service: Engage in acts of service with the intention of
honoring Christ. Whether it's helping the needy, volunteering, or simply
showing kindness, do it with a heart full of reverence.
2.
Love Others: Treat others with love and respect, seeing Christ in
everyone you encounter.
Cultivate Inner Peace
1.
Prayer and Meditation: Spend quiet time in prayer and meditation,
seeking Christ’s peace and guidance in your heart.
2.
Gratitude: Practice gratitude for the blessings and challenges in your
life, recognizing Christ’s presence in all circumstances.
Live Out Your Faith
1.
Obedience to His Teachings: Strive to follow Christ’s teachings in your
daily life. Make decisions that reflect His values of love, compassion, and
justice.
2. Community Involvement:
Participate in church activities and community groups that foster a sense of belonging and
shared purpose in serving Christ.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY
SECTION
TWO-THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
CHAPTER ONE-THE SACRAMENTS OF
CHRISTIAN INITIATION
Article 1-THE
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
VII. The
Grace of Baptism
Day 172
1262 The different effects of Baptism are signified by the
perceptible elements of the sacramental rite. Immersion in water symbolizes not
only death and purification, but also regeneration and renewal. Thus the two
principal effects are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.
For the forgiveness of sins . . .
1263 By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all
personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin. In those who have been
reborn nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God,
neither Adam's sin, nor personal sin, nor the consequences of sin, the gravest
of which is separation from God.
1264 Yet certain temporal consequences of sin remain in the
baptized, such as suffering, illness, death, and such frailties inherent in
life as weaknesses of character, and so on, as well as an inclination to sin
that Tradition calls concupiscence, or metaphorically, "the tinder for
sin" (fomes peccati); since concupiscence "is left for us to wrestle
with, it cannot harm those who do not consent but manfully resist it by the
grace of Jesus Christ." Indeed, "an athlete is not crowned
unless he competes according to the rules."
"A new creature"
1265 Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also
makes the neophyte "a new creature," an adopted son of God, who has
become a "partaker of the divine nature," member of Christ and
coheir with him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
1266 The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying
grace, the grace of justification:
- enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the
theological virtues;
- giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit
through the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
- allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues.
Thus the whole organism of the Christian's supernatural life has its roots in
Baptism.
World AIDS Day[2]
World AIDS Day serves to remember those who have died from
AIDS and to bring about awareness of HIV/AIDS through education and publicly
held events. HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and makes it
progressively more difficult to fight infections and diseases. Once HIV
advances and becomes so severe that the body's immune system is too weak to
fight off many infections and diseases, it is called AIDS. There is currently
no cure for HIV or AIDS and if left untreated by antiretroviral medication,
patients' immune systems fail leading to death. World AIDS Day is also an
opportunity for people to show their support for people living with HIV. World
AIDS Day is one of the eight WHO Global Health Days. The day was created by the
World Health Organization in 1988. Since its inception over two decades ago,
the world has managed to halt and reverse the spread of HIV. According to the
WHO, the occurrence of new cases has decreased 35% between 2000 and 2015, while
AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 24% over the same time frame, all thanks
to antiretroviral treatments and widespread AIDS education and awareness. World
AIDS Day is observed on December 1st of each year.
World AIDS Day Facts
·
The Red Ribbon is the universal symbol of
support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
·
The AIDS
Memorial Quilt Project allows friends and family members of someone who has
died from AIDS to construct a quilt panel and have it placed in the quilt. The
quilt travels and is displayed throughout the US.
·
The first case of what is now known as AIDS was
reported in the US in June 1981.
·
According to the Centers for Disease Control,
more than a million people in the United States are living with HIV infection,
and almost 1 in 5 are unaware of their infection.
·
According to World Health Organization, AIDS has
claimed over 39 million lives globally.
World AIDS Day Top Events and Things to Do
·
Wear a Red Ribbon, an international symbol of
AIDS support.
·
Learn the facts of how HIV is transmitted so you
can be better prepared. Remember, HIV is spread through body fluids such as
blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids and breast milk.
·
Get involved in a fundraising effort to support
research into HIV/AIDS treatment. Many fundraisers are done in the form of
HIV/AIDS day walks.
·
Watch a movie or documentary about HIV/AIDS.
Some popular suggestions: Dallas Buyers Club (2013), Philadelphia
Story (1993), Longtime Companion (1990), The Age of AIDS
(2006) and AIDS, Inc (2007).
·
Get tested if unsure of your infection status.
Local pharmacies sell HIV home test kits, or you can find free testing sites in
most areas.
Corner-have a grateful heart
o Start your day by picking up a red apple to
munch on as you consider your outfit for Wear a Dress Day.
§ Sprinkle in some peppermint bark snacks to
keep your energy up. Bring along a Christmas book for moments of relaxation and
reflection. Spend time with your furry friend and celebrate the bond on
National Twin With Your Dog Day.
·
In
the evening, create art pieces with cookie cutters or marvel at Christmas
lights.
🕯️
Bucket List Trip [3] – Part 6: USA 70-Degree Year Journey
Dates: December 1–8, 2025
Theme: Longing and Light
Route: Cornville → Sedona → Camp
Verde → Jerome → Flagstaff (optional)
Style: Local pilgrimage, Advent
reflection, and Eucharistic hospitality
Climate Alignment: Daily highs
60–68°F
💰
Estimated Cost Overview
|
Category |
Estimated Cost |
|
Lodging (7 nights) |
$0 (home base) |
|
Food (daily meals) |
$160 |
|
Fuel (local drives) |
$50 |
|
Symbolic extras |
$60 |
|
Total Estimate |
$270 |
🌠 Day
1 – Monday, December 1
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Flame of Hope
Ritual Prompt: “Hope is the
first flame—fragile, faithful, enough.”
·
Light
second Advent candle
·
Reflect
on mercy and memory from the journey
·
Write:
“What do I hope for now?”
·
🧺 Foodie Stop: Simple home meal with wine and
bread (~$20)
🏞️ Day
2 – Tuesday, December 2
Location: Sedona
Symbol: Path of Longing
Ritual Prompt: “Longing is
holy—it leads us toward light.”
·
Hike
West Fork Trail or Bell Rock Loop
·
Pause
for silence and journaling
·
🥗 Foodie Stop: Seasonal café fare (~$20)
🕊️ Day
3 – Wednesday, December 3
Location: Camp Verde
Symbol: River of Waiting
Ritual Prompt: “Waiting is
not empty—it flows with grace.”
·
Visit
Verde River Greenway
·
Optional
stop at Cliff Castle Chapel
·
🍲 Foodie Stop: Moscato Italian Restaurant (~$25)
🏛️ Day
4 – Thursday, December 4
Location: Jerome
Symbol: Watchtower of Advent
Ritual Prompt: “Advent
watches—not passively, but prayerfully.”
·
Visit
Holy Family Church and hillside
ruins
·
Write:
“What do I watch for?”
·
🥘 Foodie Stop: Clinkscale or Haunted Hamburger
(~$25)
🌌 Day
5 – Friday, December 5
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Silence of the Season
Ritual Prompt: “Before the
carol, there is silence. Before the feast, the fast.”
·
Morning
fast or quiet retreat
·
Prepare
altar with candle, salt, and stone
·
🧺 Foodie Stop: Soup and bread supper (~$15)
🌲 Day
6 – Saturday, December 6
Optional Excursion: Flagstaff
Symbol: Mountain of Light
Ritual Prompt: “Light
climbs—through shadow, through snow.”
·
Visit
San Francisco Peaks or Nativity Chapel
·
Optional
snow prayer walk
·
🛏️ Optional Stay: Little America Hotel (~$120)
·
🍽️ Foodie Stop: Josephine’s Bistro (~$30)
🎶 Day
7 – Sunday, December 7
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Candle of Peace
Ritual Prompt: “Peace is not
the absence—it is the presence.”
·
Light
third Advent candle
·
Attend
Mass or Eucharistic celebration
·
Write
blog post: “Peace in the Borderlands”
·
🍷 Foodie Stop: Vineyard brunch or home communion
meal (~$25)
🧳 Day
8 – Monday, December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
Location: Cornville
Symbol: Marian Light
Ritual Prompt: “Mary is the
Advent flame—pure, patient, prepared.”
·
Attend
Mass or Marian devotion
·
Close
with a toast: “To the light that leads us home.”
Daily Devotions
·
Today in honor of the Holy Trinity
do the Divine
Office giving your day to God. To honor God REST: no
shopping after 6 pm Saturday till Monday. Don’t forget the internet.
·
Today's Fast: Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: End
to Abortion
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
·
Rosary
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