Once known as the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary honors a 16th century victory that prevented Europe from being overrun by a Turkish invasion. In today’s world, many of us in…
The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
Mustard Seed Faith
Readings for October 6, 2013: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time We all admire the heroes of faith like St. Francis (feast day, October 4). Absolutely nothing stopped him in his pursuit of God’s glory. When, during the Crusades, he was…
Tapping into Divine Mercy
Today is the feast of St Faustina Kowalska, the young Polish sister who received revelations from Jesus about the depth of His love and His mercy. We should never be afraid to approach Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Even…
Considerations about the Death Penalty
Last month I spoke about the difference between essential points of the faith and those areas where Catholics in good standing could disagree on the morality of an issue. One of those areas which is often a source of argument…
Memorization – It’s Not Just for Kids
Memorization as a style of learning goes in and out of fashion. Usually, we associate it with children. For many of us the word “memorization” brings back tedious memories of flash cards, spelling bees, or biology tests. But even as…
“Is the Pope Catholic?”
Pope Francis is at it again, changing the stodgy, conservative, medieval doctrines of the Catholic Church. Or so it would seem from recent headlines. It all has to do with the narrative that has been constructed by the news media. …
6 Ways to Encounter Jesus in the Mass
Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me. (Luke 22:19) Although God’s presence is everywhere, Mass…
Sometimes You Have to Say No
Last week we began faith formation classes at St. Edward, where I serve as program director, it was a bit noisy and busy as the families filed into the hall after Mass, found their child’s catechist, and visited with friends….
Protecting Our Addictions
Readings for September 29, 2013: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Temperance. For older American, that word conjures up images of Carrie Nation shattering bottles of gin to usher in Prohibition. But the word temperance does not mean abstinence from alcohol…
Planting Seeds
In “Go and Make Disciples” (1992), the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) write: “Evangelization happens when the word of Jesus speaks to people’s hearts and minds.” Jesus said: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all…