What is the New Evangelization? Given all the events, programs, and committees claiming the phrase “New Evangelization,” it’s actually kind of hard to tell sometimes. By the time “New Evangelization” talk makes its way from diocesan conferences and ministerial discussions to…
Peace and Security
Readings for October 5, 2014: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time A few years ago, I toured northern England. There, stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, the Roman Emperor Hadrian built a massive wall. Constructed of stone, it was built…
The Awe and Wonder of Creation
I have always loved the stories of St Francis Assisi and the animals. I’m sure most people are familiar with the story of the wolf that was attacking a village and how Francis was able to speak to the wolf…
Evernote as a Prayer Journal
It may sound overly geeky — the idea of using a tool like Evernote to help you with your prayer life. But then, I’m a pretty big geek. In their marketing lingo, Evernote says of itself, “For everything you’ll do,…
Rejection or Renewal: Which Will It Be?
A lot of Catholic bloggers and pundits have spilled a good deal of digital ink on the latest controversy to come out of the Archdiocese of New York: The St. Patrick’s Day parade will, for the first time, have marchers…
Catechesis: To Echo
In the last few years I have noticed more DVD or computer-based programs available for religious education programs. This year, there are three big ones out there for confirmation prep. I am using one for our confirmation program. And while…
Talk vs. Action
Readings for September 28, 2014: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Tim There will never be a shortage of words. Words are plentiful because talk is cheap. It’s easy to make a promise. Keeping a promise is an entirely different matter, as…
How Can We Show Our Christian Courage?
“Be watchful, stand firm, be courageous, be strong, Let all that you do be done in love.” Corinthians 16:13-14 RSV-CE As Christians face global persecution, many Christians are left wondering what they can do to help. Many, unable to participate…
How to Bring Family Members Back Home to the Church
How many of us have family members who have left the Church? I would guess that most of us have at least one or more relatives who are no longer practicing their faith. A Pew Research Study reports that 10%…
Catholicism Is for People Who Don’t Fit in
I recently visited a nearby Evangelical congregation where everyone had a particular “look”. It wasn’t a bad look. It was good. They were delightful people who clearly loved God and loved their neighbor. There was a certain clean-cut wholesomeness to the…