The Messenger invited young people in every parish to write a Prayer for Christmas. The first three entries were selected as exemplary among their classmates. Then other notable prayers were added. More will be on the Messenger web site: bellevillemessenger.org Following are some of the prayers we received.

Happy Easter! American culture has almost completely secularized the celebration of Christmas. Our commercialized society takes us from “Turkey Day” (Thanksgiving) to “the Holidays” with little or no serious attention given to the birth of the Messiah!

For a number of years, The Messenger has asked readers to send in their favorite recipes so that we can publish them before all of the holiday bakers have finished their labors. This year is no exception. We have received recipes from all over the diocese.

We thank you for sharing your recipes, and in some cases, the stories that go with them. Happy measuring, stirring, baking and tasting!