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…]
Latest Stories
Recent Stories
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…]
Making Recitation a Tool for Success, Part 1
Introduction I have previously written about the importance of restoring the use of recitation within Religious Education Programs, referred to in the catechetical tradition as “Catechism.” With the near disappearance of this essential tool within[Read More…]
The Silence of Christmas Speaks Loud and Clear
In his wonderful book, The Power of Silence: Against The Dictatorship of Noise, Cardinal Robert Sarah tells us Without silence, God disappears in the noise. And this noise becomes [Read More…]
5 Ways to Wait with Purpose
Advent is a perfect liturgical season to apply what we have learned and understand about the spirituality of waiting – its purpose and gift for us from God. Because taking a lofty spiritual concept can[Read More…]
Advent #GIVEAWAY and Interview With #aromaRosary Inventor, Chantal Howard
Beloved Readers, we have an exciting and unusual #giveaway: an Our Lady of Guadalupe rosary bracelet that diffuses essential oils, as you pray!!! Talk about awesome! #freestuff #Catholic #HolyRosary