The Archdiocese of Detroit recently released a survey of the faithful that addressed many issues, including answers to the question: What characteristics are important in a quality pastor? Here’s what topped the list: Sounds like a pastor for the New Evangelization,…
From Consumers to Coworkers in the New Evangelization
The Ascension
Readings for June 1, 2014: The Ascension of the Lord The celebration of the Ascension used to leave me a bit flat. It was clear what Good Friday did for me. And Easter Sunday’s benefits were indisputable. But as for…
Mary, the First Believer
Readings for May 31, 2014: Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Beatitudes rank high on the list of all-time favorite Bible passages. But what is “beatitude,” anyway? In the bible, a “blessed” person is someone…
Spend An Hour With Me
At the local Church I attend, one of the most enjoyable things I like to do before Mass, after my greeting prayers, is to read the church bulletin. I enjoy this for a number of reasons. It keeps me up-to-date…
Lessons of the Sower, Part 2: The Rocks
In our last article we reflected on the nature of distraction and how Satan uses that to keep us from letting Christ into our lives. Today, we are going to focus on the seed that fell on the rocks. Jesus…
Fire Water
Of the vast palette of human emotion, there is one visceral reaction that is completely uncontrollable and often times unexplainable: tears. Not the tears borne of physical pain or direct personal attack, but those tears that come out of nowhere…
Reflecting on the Paraclete
Readings for May 25, 2014: Sixth Sunday of Easter He wore steel rimmed glasses and had hair to the middle of his back. The fringe on his buck-skinned jacket bounced as he walked. At least that was the way I…
Come to Mass Ugly, Please
For the last twenty years I’ve kept a working cat around the house, which means I know exactly what they’re talking about in the expression, “You look like something the cat dragged in.” That something is not necessarily dead. More…
Wrapped in Sin No More!
“Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus came out, bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” (John 11:43-44, NLT) Lazarus like us was a sinner. He died, was wrapped in…
Personal Discipleship and Life as Church
Discipleship. Intentional Discipleship. Personal relationship with Jesus Christ. These phrases are becoming more and more common in parishes as we embrace the New Evangelization more and more! And that’s great since all of our recent popes have emphasized the essential…