GSR Today - In the Philippines, I was surprised by Filipinos' ways of celebrating Christmas, Advent and All Saints' and All Souls' Days. All Souls' Day, which in our Western culture is a solemn time to remember our deceased loved ones, was a festive celebration. I was glad to join in this new experience.

See for Yourself - On a recent out-of-state trip, I had the opportunity to use Uber for incidental trips. Last week, I shared what an ingenious concept Uber is, and this week, I want to tell you about a couple more individuals I met in these UberPool trips.

In our culture, the anticipation of Advent can be drowned out by the sheer volume of Christmas decorations already on display. It can be difficult to ground and center oneself in Advent in the midst of it all, and yet that is the invitation of these next four weeks.

"You can never give an abandoned child all that they need, but you can give your best to every one of them every day."

When Joyce Duriga set out to write a biography on St. Joseph Sr. Helen Prejean and her death row ministry, she wanted to ensure it was accessible for the "average person in the pew."

As families in the United States gathered to give thanks for their blessings on Thanksgiving Day this year, families in Zimbabwe gathered to pray for peace and a new beginning for a country that has suffered under the rule of one man for 37 years. I watched the dramatic events of the past week with surprise and with appreciation for the spirit of peace and calm that prevailed. I talked to people.

In the old part of Quebec City, Le Monastère de Augustines, built in 1644, rebuilt in 1757 and renovated 2013-2015 is a living museum and how the Augustinian Sisters continue their charism of hospitality and ministry to those who need healing. It's a place where people visiting the Hotel Dieu hospital can stay for a minimal cost or where people looking for a special health- and spirituality-focused retreat can pay market rate for unique monastic (yet modern) accomodations, wholesome meals and classes and treatments like yoga and herbalism. "We didn't just want it to be the museum in the past — 'This is what the sisters did' — but 'This is what we do.' This is how we live," says Augustinian Sr. Sarah McDonald.

"Our sisters are finding new ways of practicing ministry: for example, the ministry of presence — present to God in all things and, where possible, being available, welcoming and friendly toward people whom we encounter daily. It means focused listening, sharing one's gifts and being bearers of God's good news."

Notes from the Field - Within the Immigrant Outreach Program, parents are motivated to find ways to give their children proper assistance for school and life. Because the immigrant families we serve are so dedicated, it is easy for volunteers to become passionate about the issues they face.