One of the greatest challenges we face is explaining the purpose of suffering. How many times have you heard “why does God allow us to suffer?” It is a difficult question to answer, and one that deserves a legitimate response….
The Truth about the Flesh
Readings for June 30, 2013: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Spirituality is really about the soul and the things of the soul. The body and its needs do not matter. In fact, the body is the soul’s prison. Salvation is really…
10 Benefits of Attending a Catholic Homeschool Conference
In early June, I was able to attend our local Catholic homeschooling conference with my husband. I had a ball meeting other Catholic homeschool families, chatting with vendors about their products and listening to inspiring Catholic speakers. Are you considering…
Learning from the Experts: Read the Lives of Saints
This past week I gave a talk on teaching children the Beatitudes, and I mentioned a few of my favorite go-to sources for studying the lives of saints. The next day I discovered a new favorite, just where I least…
Creation and Society
The creation stories in Genesis are so incredibly rich in their insight and wisdom. There is a reason that our Lord consistently referred his critics back “to the beginning” when He would make a point about the world or human…
Preaching Words from the Heart
Last month we considered the importance of being ready to preach with words as part of our witness as Christians in the world. As I try and live this out in my life, I find that speaking from the heart…
Being Ordinary
Part of the genius of the Church is the way the liturgy move and breaths with the seasons. As we transition into summer we pass the last Church feast for a while (Corpus Christi) and move into a time of rest…
Digital Discipleship Boot Camp
I am taking a summer workshop on using technology in the parish setting for religious education and more. “The goal of our training is to become digital disciples.” Now I ask myself, do I want to become a digital disciple? …
The Messianic Secret
Readings for June 23, 2013: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus asks a simple question. “Who do the crowds say that I am?” (Luke 9:18) All volunteer an answer, because describing other people’s opinions requires no personal commitment whatsoever. …
Being an Everyday Catholic
An old saying reads that there are times when “a little goes a long way.” A small effort can have a significant impact. We do not need to move mountains or sail the roughest seas to prove our worth as…