In many parts of the United States, Catholic parishes are widely known (and loved) for hosing various annual festivals, bazaars, fish fries, carnivals, picnics, and more. The question is–why? Often, the historic reason is to joyously celebrate and mark the…
John the Baptist and Spiritual Joy
Readings for December 14, 2014: Third Sunday of Advent On the third Sunday of Advent, penitential purple gives way to pink and we celebrate “Gaudete” or “Rejoice!” Sunday. “Rejoice heartily in the Lord, says Isaiah” (61:10). “My Spirit finds joy…
Christmas Gifts in Advent
Every Advent in 6th grade catechism class we cover prophecies by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Micah, Zechariah, and Malachi. I read each passage and the kids figure out what it prophesies. Mostly they anticipate something about Jesus, but not always….
Love As If You Have No Hope
Ours is a faith of paradoxes. If you want to live, you have to die. God’s most powerful deed was becoming small. And when it comes to bring people to Christ, sometimes the best way to do this is to…
You Never Know
As a parish employee I try my best to always remember that I never know what people are carrying inside of them and that my mission is to care. I was poignantly reminded of that today when I met with…
Prepare Ye the Way
Readings for December 7, 2014: 2nd Sunday of Advent Advent is a time of joyful anticipation. For someone even bigger than Santa Claus is coming to town. The human race has been waiting a long time for his next and…
Celebrating St. Nicholas
Today is the feast of St. Nicholas, bishop of Smyrna, certainly one of the most popular saints celebrated in our Church, as well as in by the Eastern Church. He is beloved by everyone, even those who are not members…
Fathers, Daughters, and St. Thérèse
An interview with Connie Rossini, author of Trusting God with St. Thérèse. Connie gives practical advice for overcoming fears and frustrations that hamper our relationship with God. I asked her about her father-daughter relationship as compared to that of Louis…
Evangelization Endures
This past week I visited Montreal and with my husband and son, celebrated the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, at the Basilica of Notre Dame. Now, Montreal has a lot of churches that have been…
You Snooze, You Lose
Readings for November 30, 2014: First Sunday of Advent Have you ever had one of those days when you just wish God would show up, snap his figures, and work miracles? The people of Israel had about 500 years’ worth…