This is my first time hosting the Catholic Carnival. For my regular readers, especially those of you who write for Catholic Blogs, learn more here.

The collection of wonderful posts this week will be focused through the lens of “For Life.” The commitment of self to the Lord for life, the fight for life, the prayers for life, and the joy we have for life.

The Commitment
We’re each called by Christ to die to self, carry our cross, and follow Him.

Domini Sumus presents a 1964 video on Dominican Vocations posted at We Belong to the Lord. Kevin Miller gives us a reflection on this past Sunday’s Readings encouraging us to commit to being prepared for Christ over on Heart Mind and Strength Blog.

Speaking of commitment, Fred at Deep Furrows offers some much needed perspective on the essential role of Bishops in the Catholic Church.

The Fight
Being part of the Church Militant means fighting for life. There is often suffering, there is often loss of life.

Contra over at 50 Days After points us to fascinating stories of martyrs in Soviet Ukraine. The B-Movie Catechism weighs in on the whole Golden Compass controversy by discussing a recent interview the film’s director gave to MTV.

Red Neck Woman asks “Are retailers telling us something we should already know?” in Merry Tossmas over on Postscripts From the Catholic Spitfire Grill. Elena LaVictoire shares a beautiful rosary to our beloved dead The last day of November- the month of prayer for our beloved dead posted at My Domestic Church.

Sin is no small thing and Deo Omnis Gloria presents Why We Need Jesus to Save Us - A Short Reflection for Advent. During Advent this year, take time to pray for and remember the people and shrines of the Holy Land. A tiny population of Christians still lives there and preserves our Christian heritage at great sacrifice to themselves. This article by Jay over at Living Catholicism asks for help in remembering them.

The Prayer
There’s a call, a yearning in each of our hearts to speak to the Lord.

Heidi Saxton offers a prayer request: Be Not Afraid: A Prayer Request via Mommy Monsters Inc.. Over at Streams of Mercy, she reflects on the Death of Evel [Knieval], and the importance of not risking the well-being of our souls.

Thomas Hall at Evangelization2.0 reminds us that “…the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Christ” in Love To Be Catholic Video Of The Day - December 3.

The Joy
The hope that Christ gives in the Resurrection and in Love is cause for great joy!

Jen explains her plan to make room for Christ’s peace and joy in The Vigil of Advent over on Daughter of the King. A Catholic Mom climbing the Pillars offers a picture of an exceedingly joyous Christmas, celebrated correctly.

Sarah writes a letter to her husband on their anniversary, reflecting on their four years of married life; posted at Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering. Kim Ethridge offers joy-filled 10+ Top Alternatives for Gifts in the Spirit of the Season posted at Cranberries on the Counter.

James DeLelys presents Cherished Moments, a reflection on a day in the spirit, posted at Author James DeLelys. Christine Schult shares the phenomenal legacy of John Paul II that still lives on in Ringing Changes at Church posted at The World…IMHO.

Catholic Fire gives us Ten [excellent] Tips To A Better Advent Season; my favorite is #9.

We’ll finish this off with a little humor. Tom Hall points us to Happy Non-Specified Holiday Season! via Evangelization2.0.

Thanks for coming. A special thanks to everyone who submitted articles for this week’s Carnival. It was a treat to put together! Have a prayerful, joyful advent. Commit it to Christ. And fight for it if you have to.

God Bless!