Last month I wrote about the critical importance of small groups in parish life. Even though we may feel a sense of belonging in a large community, genuine social interaction, including evangelization and discipleship, can only occur on the micro-scale….
What Makes a Small Discipleship Group Different from Other Groups?
The Church Uses Live Ammo
I’ve observed a general feeling in much of the world today that looks at the Catholic Church as an outdated group with quaint, if not retrograde, beliefs that just can’t leave well enough alone. “Who cares if people of the…
The End of The Line
In November, our Church calls us to remember the remarkable of the Church both recognized (All Saints) and those unrecognized (All Souls). We set up memorial tables, reverence the Book of the Dead, and attend memorial Masses, all the while…
Repaying God
Part of the ability to evangelize to others is to first know yourself. When we stand secure in our faith and have knowledge about our faith, reaching out to others is less intimidating. As I come to know myself better,…
Last Judgment
Readings for November 23, 2014: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe On the final Sunday in the liturgical year, it is time to remember things that we’d prefer to forget. For starters, we recall that…
Walking in the Dark
“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them, and rugged places into plains. These are the things I…
Wise Words from Titus for Advent (and Beyond)
A reading from Titus at daily Mass this week really caught my attention. As it bounced around inside my head, my brain struggling to make sense of it, Paul’s words hit me as being an excellent guidepost for living as…
A Little Faith
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1, NAB) Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain. This seems a little hard to wrap my mind around. Maybe…
Parish Bulletins with a Purpose
Is the bulletin something we just do in Catholic parishes? Or something we do with a mission, a sense of purpose, a strategy? It’s not a stretch to say that most parish bulletins are treated as nothing more than routine maintenance…
The Parable of the Talents
Readings for November 16, 2014: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time I’ve seen it time and time again. Someone decides to seek a better paying job, or pursue and investment strategy, or launch a new business. Invariably some pious person in…