Whenever I’m putting together the content for the Faith and Family webpage, whether it be the weekly newsletter, blogs for the page, or the current daily Advent offering, I often find myself wishing I had these resources when my kids were younger. Oh, to have something to get them more engaged in the weekly Mass! 

That is why I love putting together resources to make it easy for families to grow in their faith. And I am also always looking for other ways to do that.

I’ve got more ideas for the upcoming year and can’t wait to share them with you. And remember that you can reach out to me with any of your own ideas at Family@FranciscanMedia.org. I hope you and your family are having a joyous Advent and wish you a blessed Christmas!

Susan Hines-Brigger

Executive Editor of 

St. Anthony Messenger and

Content Director of

Faith and Family

Thank you, Susan. I enjoy the accessible format of "Read, Understand, Discuss, and Act" that Faith and Family offers me each week.

Dear John,

The New Year is approaching quickly and with it usually comes deep reflection—both on the past year and the one ahead. For followers of Jesus, this season may be marked by deep contemplation: meditating on life transitions, milestones, and challenges. We find that we are fittingly in the company of prophets and kings of the past who prioritized the practice of remembering the works of God:

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

—Psalm 126:3

This Advent, I invite you to join Franciscan Media as we consider the great things that the Lord has done and ponder the works of his hands. I hope that your considerations will inspire your support and involvement with us as we enter into a New Year. We are filled with joy by your generosity and look forward to our growing partnership. 

Christopher Meyer
Director of Development

Franciscan Media is a non-profit ministry of the Franciscan Friars. Through generous donations from people like you, we are able to continue to bring you free spiritual resources, such as Faith and Family, and to spread the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis. Thank you!