Rebounding

JUST ONE MINUTE

In life, there is a direct relationship between the amount of gratitude we express and the amount of joy we experience. St. Paul wisely counsels the Thessalonians and Ephesians to give thanks: “In all circumstances give thanks'' (1 Thess 5:18) and  “giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.” (Eph 5:20).

Reflection: On Thursday we observed Thanksgiving. A wonderful spiritual practice is to keep a gratitude journal. At the end of each day write down a brief notation about three things you are grateful for. People who have maintained this practice for 30 days notice a significant increase in their experience of joy and a decrease in their stress and frustration. 

— Deacon Danny Hartnedy

Looking for a gratitude journal for yourself or as a gift? This, this and this are some nice, affordable options. Arkansas Catholic can receive a small commission from your purchase.

DAVE SAYS

Paying off college loan

WHAT'S NEW? 

Close the gap

Parishioners are asked to help close a $500,000 gap between what Catholic schools charge for tuition and what it costs to educate a child. While a Catholic family pays $4,147 for elementary school on average, the annual cost of educating one student is $6,532. Schools use endowment funds and donations to make up the difference. Some schools are still short of funds.

DECEMBER DATEBOOK

2-4: Search #151, Little Rock
3-4: National Retirement Fund for Religious collection
8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, holy day of obligation, diocesan offices closed

QUOTE UNQUOTE

"Together we recognize that war, every war, is always and everywhere a defeat for all humanity."

— Pope Francis to World Jewish Congress Nov. 22