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Deanna Bartalini is inviting you to join her in studying the Book of Acts from Aug 5-Sept 2 via an online live study group.
Latest Stories
Recent Stories
Looking for God? Now is the Time.
We have all heard the warning about “living in the past.” It’s not a wise thing to do. I know that I often catch myself dwelling on this or that decision[Read More…]
Why We Should Pray With Our Children From an Early Age
We cover why it’s important to pray with children from an early age, what they learn, and how to help our teens and young adults who have lost their faith.
Follow that Star!
In this Octave of Christmas, St. John the Apostle lovingly reminds us why we celebrated the birth of Jesus only five days ago: “…because your sins have been forgiven.” (1 John 2:12) What a reason[Read More…]
The Good Samaritan Revisited
One of the hallmarks of what I will call relentless holiness is the drive and desire to go steps beyond the convenient, obvious, and practical. Thus, we often heard how Padre Pio advised[Read More…]
Following Christ is a Series of Commitments
In the Gospel reading for Sept. 8, Jesus tells us that truly following Him requires a series of continuous commitments. But for many, such commitments are simply a bridge too far. The commitments Jesus[Read More…]
Always Discerning, An Ignatian Spirituality for the New Millennium by Joseph A. Tetlow, S.J.
I have had this book by Joseph A. Tetlow, S.J. for 2 years sitting in my to read stack, always near the top but somehow getting overlooked. Maybe it wasn’t time before now. This book[Read More…]
What is Your Eternal Job Description? The Lesson of Martha and Mary
The recent gospel story of Martha and Mary (LK 10: 38-42) is one of the most powerful and profound expressions of an eternal struggle many of us face on a daily basis. People grapple[Read More…]
WHEN A YOUNGER CHILD REQUESTS CONFIRMATION
Author’s note: This article is meant to provide guidance in situations when there is a legitimate request to receive Confirmation younger than the parish norm. Introduction Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion comprise the Sacraments of[Read More…]
NEW: Homeschooling Saints Podcast
I am proud to announce the Homeschooling Saints Podcast, sponsored by Homeschool Connections!
Sharing your Catholic Faith Story: Tools, Tips and Testimonies, by Nancy H.C. Ward
I believe we all have a story. And it’s not done until we have left this world for heaven. I love other people’s stories, reminding me of how God pursues us all differently; the still,[Read More…]
Are You a Yada Yada Catholic?
The phrase Yada yada has been around for a long time, with varied origins proposed, but the phrase’s popularity was re-ignited by a 1997 episode of the Seinfeld sitcom. The double use of yadda implies a shorthand way[Read More…]
Christ’s Seven Last Words: Another Side
As we make that powerful turn into Holy Week and Beyond, we reflect on Our Lord’s Seven Last Words as Seven Balances we each must make on our own journey toward our crosses.[Read More…]
How Lenten is Your Parish Lenten Mission?
As we make that final turn toward the culmination of our Lenten journey, many of us have attended or heard about parish Lenten missions. Such events are often either a series of talks by[Read More…]
This Lent Crucify Your Despair to Christ’s Cross of Hope
Scripture teaches us the difference between despair and hope in the persons and reactions of Judas and Peter. Peter denied even knowing Our Lord three times, felt great sorrow over his actions, and sought[Read More…]
Lent is not a self-improvement project
This video about Lenten fasting from Redeemed Online would be a great introduction to talking about the disciplines of Lent as a communal experience, rather than 40 Days of Self-Improvement: “One billion people in the[Read More…]
Making Recitation a Tool for Success, Part II
Introduction Recitation, referred to in the catechetical tradition as “catechism,” is a powerful tool, albeit not the only tool, for passing on the faith to young children. Discover my first article arguing for the necessity[Read More…]
My Way is Not Always The Answer
I Did It My Way….. We all know the story of how Abraham and his wife Sarah tried to sidestep God’s promise that they would have a child despite their old age ( Gen[Read More…]
3 Ways to Create A Catechetical Environment
In many parishes the religious education/faith formation meetings/sessions are in school classrooms. While the classroom probably has a crucifix in it and possibly other religious items, it still feels like a classroom. It is important[Read More…]
Book Review: 10 Promises of Jesus by Marge Steinhage Fenelon
My video review of this book is available on youtube at the Home Catechesis YouTube Page (CLICK HERE!) One of the most common objections to Christianity is not rooted in philosophy or doctrine but[Read More…]