The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - January 4, 2025
JOHNSON REELECTED SPEAKER ON FIRST BALLOT
Mike Johnson, R-LA, was narrowly reelected to his first full term as Speaker of the House on Friday. The victory came after two House Republicans switched their votes after previously opposing Johnson. Both lawmakers said they had spoken with President-elect Donald Trump just before making the decision to back the incumbent speaker.
TRUMP TO BE SENTENCED 10 DAYS BEFORE INAUGURATION
The judge overseeing the heavily scrutinized New York City “hush money” case against Trump ordered that the president-elect will be sentenced next Friday – just a week and a half before he is set to begin his second White House term.
FIGHTING IRISH STUDY THE BIBLE
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard recently shared that many of the Fighting Irish football team regularly get together to study scripture. “One of the biggest bragging points about this team is that we have like 40 guys show up to our Bible study every Thursday,” Leonard said.
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REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS PRIORITIZE BORDER SECURITY
“House Republicans have included five immigration-related measures in an initial package of rules for the 119th Congress, potentially teeing up early floor votes on an issue that the GOP heavily leaned into during the 2024 campaign,” Roll Call reports.
CORDILEONE SPEAKS ON MARXISM AND FATHERLESSNESS
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone tackled numerous topics in a recent interview, including gender ideology and fatherlessness. “When people say communism is a thing of the past, they should be cautious,” he said. “Young people, in particular, are the most vulnerable to the alienating teachings of Marxism.”
CATHOLIC TRADITIONS FOR EPIPHANY
Catholics around the world have a lot of different ways of celebrating Epiphany on January 6. Catholics can receive a special home blessing on or around Epiphany, which can be performed by an adult member of the household or a priest. Many parishes will distribute blessed chalk so you can write this inscription above the door of your home: 20 + C + M + B + 25.
WEST VIRGINIA BISHOP: REMAIN STANDING AFTER ‘AGNUS DEI’
The bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, has instructed the faithful in his diocese to remain standing after the Lamb of God prayer and until receiving Communion at Mass. The instruction affirms a local norm implemented by the diocese’s former bishop in 2003.
LOOPcast
We had multiple surprises on New Year’s Day, and not in a good way. But the lightens the mood with a review of past predictions, new projections for 2025, and a rapid-fire of what’s “in” and what’s on its way out with special guest Peter Wolfgang.
BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
Over 10 million Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This psychological and emotional suffering can also translate into spiritual suffering or despondency. Good news! Here are nine habits from Refine's Erika Ahern that you can cultivate in your body and mind that will also uplift your soul.
PEPPERMINT MOCHAS
Two things: 1) stay in the Christmas spirit with, and 2) don’t spend seven bucks plus a tip in order to do it. Here’s a recipe for making your own peppermint mocha at home – and why not make these festive coffees for the other people in your household while you’re at it?
THE MOVEMENT THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS
In medieval England, Christmas was celebrated with large feasts. The Reformation brought restrictions to liturgical feasts to the point that Oliver Cromwell banned the celebration of Christmas after he took power in 1653. Here’s how the Oxford Movement, led by young, devout intellectuals, brought Christmas back to England.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND ‘TANGLED’
After watching Tangled, Disney’s take on the fairytale Rapunzel, one mom kept hearing the song “I See the Light” echo within herself when stringing up Christmas lights. Contemplating this further, she found some beautiful points of theology in this mere children’s movie: Tangled is about rediscovering father-love, which points us to our relationship with a Heavenly Father, the God of Light.
CATHOLIC 101
Indulgences are a much misunderstood part of Catholic theology — they don’t wipe away sins, that is what the Sacrament of Confession does. Indulgences are a means by which the faithful can make amends for their sins. They are a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin. If you’re still confused or want to fully understand indulgences, here is a great explanation.
SAINT OF THE DAY
The first American-born saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821) was a wife and mother of five. After her husband passed away, she discovered a devotion to the Eucharist and converted to the Catholic faith. She subsequently became a religious sister and began what was to become the American foundation of the Sisters of Charity. By her death, there were more than 20 communities of the Sisters conducting free schools, orphanages, and hospitals across the country.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” (Psalm 98:3)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Saturday's Mass readings.
SUNDAY’S PSALM
“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” (Psalm 72:11)
SUNDAY’S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA
“Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus” is Latin for “Outside the Church there is no salvation.”
REVIVAL
Young Catholics want a in traditional sacred music and the men’s choral ensemble Floriani is helping to lead the charge! Take a quick listen to their uplifting work and mission in this clip.