Remodeling the Domestic Church

I recently spent a few days at the home of a very dear friend.  In the course of our many conversations, my friend referenced some people, places, and things of which I had to confess I knew nothing.  Finally she…

Apologetic Evangelization

Recently, I’ve been overviewing the USCCB’s “Disciples Called to Witness.” In one post at my blog I diagrammed where evangelization and catechesis come into play. Those who have never heard the Gospel or have fallen away from it need evangelization….

It’s in the Authority

There is a church in our diocese that once attracted Catholics who did not like rules. The pastor came across as big-hearted and inclusive. He welcomed everyone to the Eucharist at weddings and funerals, regardless of whether they were Catholic…

What is Your Doggy Door?

A few years ago, an inspirational young woman who had been called to religious life shared with me one of her more humorous moments from the summer prior to leaving her life as a layperson. She explained that she had…

40 Ways to Get the Most out of Lent

This is not an exhaustive list of Lenten ideas.  But it’s a start!  Many of the resources mention here are available on our website at www.crossroadsinitiative.com or can be found by visiting our links page. Take 30 minutes to pray,…

A View of Paradise

As I write this, I am sitting on a beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with a beautiful view of paradise – the ocean in front of me, and sand at my feet.  By the time this is published, though, I…

Adventure or Cautious Mediocrity?

Readings for February 10, 2013: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Peter.  Paul.  Isaiah.  Frodo Baggins.  They have more in common than meets the eye. Of course there are differences, too.  Peter is a small business man, trying to wring a…

They Can Make It Legal But They Can’t Make It Right

On January 25, 2013, I walked with a half a million other people through the streets of Washington, D.C. As wave after wave after wave of marchers descended on the site for the beginning of the March, I realized what…

The Pope Wrote Us a Letter!

The Pope wrote me a letter. Yes, you read that correctly. I received a personal, emotional, instructive and wise missive from my Holy Father. It came in the form of this year’s message for the 47th World Communications Day. His…

Conviction and Compromise

Chad Torgerson recently wrote a wonderful article here at NewEvangelizers.com about never compromising our values.  There are certain fundamentals in our world that have become political footballs, but they should never be treated as such by the faithful. From the…