As I write this column, the Church is once again dealing with a personnel problem. A Catholic priest who was found in a highly suspect personal situation has just been put back to work. Some are calling for the man’s…
Repentance, Mercy, and Prudence
Evangelization and The Secret Weapon of St. Francis de Sales
Lately I have been contemplating a long sought-after virtue practiced and promoted by the renowned evangelist, St. Francis de Sales, who converted approximately 40,000 people in four years. St. Francis de Sales was a bishop during the Protestant reformation and…
Abandon Parish!
Life at your parish just hasn’t been the same. Attendance is falling, rumors are spreading, and morale is sliding. Like a sinking ship, you decide it’s time to abandon parish! There are plenty of valid reasons for wanting to change…
A Lesson in Stewardship
Readings for September 22, 2013: Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Our society tolerates religion, as long as it keeps to itself. After all, America is about the separation of Church and state, right? Education, entertainment, employment, politics are supposed to…
Taking the Gospels on the Chin
It must have been tough to be a disciple of Jesus. You’re on top of the world following the Master; you get to feeling all bubbly and happy. Life is good. You’re ready to hold hands and sing Kumbaya all…
Sometimes Evangelization is Messy!
It was a simple day in the liturgical year, the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, but it wasn’t ordinary by any means. It was the day we recognized the Blessed Mother’s birthday, September 8. With that bit of knowledge in…
Confession: A Gift That’s Always in Season
People once lined up for “Cabbage Patch” dolls and “Tickle Me Elmos” before Christmas. I haven’t a clue what the gotta-have-it Christmas item will be this year, but there’s always a line forming somewhere for that special something. That’s exactly…
The Cure d’ Erie: Father Larry Richards
I have just read the post by Pete Socks where he spoke of his interview with Fr. Larry Richards. I would recommend reading his article “Pray for our Priests” and his interview at CatholicBookBlogger.com if you have not already done…
Discover Hidden Houses of Prayer
If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit a men’s or women’s religious community, put it on your bucket list. Visiting a convent, monastery, or cloister to pray with the nuns or monks is a great way to connect with…
I’ve Been Called
He called his disciples to himself. (Luke 6:13) I’ve been called, but like Moses, like Jonah, like Peter, I don’t feel qualified. My tools are in storage and I’m not sure where to start. For so many years of my…