Carmel's Christkindlmarkt Faces Funding Challenges

Carmel's Christkindlmarkt is set to reopen amid a backdrop of administrative changes and budget concerns, with the city having invested over $8 million since 2017 in the event. Mayor Sue Finkam has initiated a reevaluation of city spending related to the market, which is expected to cost more than $1.5 million in 2024. The Carmel City Council has approved a new committee to oversee the relationship between city officials and the nonprofit that operates the market. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Fr. Atep of the Abuja Archdiocese urged Christians to actively share their faith and support church initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. He highlighted the need for Catholics to prioritize contributions to their own parishes to facilitate public worship. Additionally, on the Feast of Saint Gertrude, Dawn Hausmann reflected on her five years of consecrated life, expressing the grace and commitment she has found in her spiritual marriage to Christ.