The top "Must Read" story on the website: Conservative donors aim to shape Catholic narrative for the wider culture. Share this story with your networks and contacts.
If you haven't already, its time now to take a pause in the busy-ness of your days and refresh yourself with some Advent reflections. NCR with our sister publications, Celebration and Global Sisters Report, has some Advent resources to share with you. Whether you are looking for Scripture study, some quite reflections or an inspiring read, check out Our Celebration of Advent page.
Awka, Nigeria -- Catholic bishop warns against extravagant expenses at Christmas: Don't let festivities this month steal money from rents and school fees next month, he says.
And here's one you don't want to miss — how women's communities around the world celebrate this season: 'God with us': the blessings of Advent and the joys of Christmas
Defying Trump, U.N. General Assembly Condemns U.S. Decree on Jerusalem, but our president didn't take it lying down: National Security Trump threat to cut aid faces credibility test after UN vote — Will he follow through?
And then there's always North Korea to think about: North Korea expected to test a missile loaded with a live nuclear weapon in 2018
It looks like 2018 is going to be as interesting as 2017: Trump advisers vent frustrations about 2018 strategy as president listens "tempers flare[d]" at "a spirited, and at times tense, discussion"
Here's my take: The tax overhaul isn't a victory and isn't a gift
Two reports from New Ways Ministry: LGBT Catholics from Around the Globe Gather in Munich and Rainbow Catholics Share Experiences of Global LGBT Gathering
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As part of bankruptcy proceedings, Diocese of Great Falls-Billings responds to lawsuit. The $70 million question: Are parish properties diocesan assets?
Bishop Daniel Flores of the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, issued a statement expressing the sorrow of the Catholic Church regarding the 1960 murder of Irene Garza by a member of the clergy.
Ohio priest under investigation for relationship with minor threw himself off Chicago skyscraper.
Those of you looking for more analysis of the Royal Commission, here are three on offer:
Virginia Ingram, research fellow from the Centre for Public and Contextual Theology at Charles Sturt University in Canberra, Australia: My purpose is to give a balanced account of the findings of the Royal Commission which unfortunately have been largely misreported by the media.
Kieran Tapsell, retired civil lawyer and member of the canon law panel that testified before the Australian Royal Commission: Secrets and the Royal Commission's final report
Francis Sullivan, chief executive of Australia's Truth, Justice and Healing Council: Australian church, take abuse commission report seriously or risk irrelevance
Start your day inspired with daily scripture reflections. Join NCR's sister publication, Celebration, for Daily Bread, a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings.
Or reflect on 
Pencil Preaching by Pat Marrin. Every morning Pat Marrin breaks open the Word with a pencil sketch and a short meditation.
