“Actions speak louder than words.” “One picture is worth a thousand words.” “Talk is cheap.” There are lots of different sayings in the English language that generally express the same thing–words alone don’t do the necessary job of communicating, especially…
Keeping Christ in Christmas–Our Family’s Approach
Testimony of a Grateful Grandmother
Have you ever been grateful for something negative that happened to you? Well, maybe not while it’s happening. A friend of mine is a classic doting grandmother. Nothing fills her with joy more than a visit from her little grandson,…
Why isn’t the “average” Catholic interested in evangelization?
Recently, I received some rather startling news. I was told by a major Catholic book publisher that the “average” Catholic isn’t interested in evangelization. I certainly hope that the Holy Father and Fr. Robert Barron don’t find out about this….
Running the Race
One of the most consistent characteristics of our towns and cities is their identification with and loyalty to sport. Sometimes the sport is different but the passion seems to be the same. Fans can almost become rabid for their basketball,…
Lyrics of Life
It seems to me that many of us are listening to the music but no one is paying attention to the lyrics. Recently, I was driving on one of my road trips and a great tune came on the radio….
Losing the Mission
The word “mass” comes from the same route as “mission”. At each Mass, we are sent forthwith a mission. What is that mission? What is our primary mission as Catholics? The words I remember concluding most Masses in my life were “go forth,…
Do As I Do
There has to be a top ten list of the dumbest things parents can say to their kids. I don’t want to Google it, because I am certain it will only prove that I have uttered each phase numerous times….
Hear the Whispering this Advent
After the earthquake there was a fire—but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. (1 Kings 19:21) It seems as the years continue their steady progression that retailers move the Christmas…
Thank You, God!
“Now thank we all our God, with hearts, and hands, and voices.” As a child I sang these words with a full heart. But things change. I don’t recall at which moment I forgot to thank God, but I’ll bet…
The Importance of the Family Table
In my experience, one of the most important tools in the parenting toolbox is the dining room table. The table is the place in our busy, modern lives where we can gather together for a meal, conversation, and maybe, once…