Letters to parents are the write idea when it comes to a Catholic education By George Valadie Dear Mom and Dad, How have y’all been lately? It’s been a while since we’ve gotten to talk — too long really. I just wanted to write this short note to thank you …
His wife ‘is on a mission to de-deck our lives’
While emptying out closets is fine, let’s not forget this year to clean out our hearts By George Valadie I can’t believe she made me do it. It’s not even February, and she made me take down our Christmas tree. Not just taking the ornaments off—she’s made me do that …
A brighter year ahead
By George Valadie Wishing you and yours a happy and blessed 2021! I hope. No, that’s not good enough. Not nearly enough. We need to PRAY it happens, not wish it, don’t we? Prayers for even a little bit better of anything would be a good start, wouldn’t it? Literally …
Focusing on COVID, which is no laughing matter
With a case of the virus himself, the columnist has mild symptoms and is trying to ‘keep it light’ By George Valadie They call it the biggest shopping weekend of the year, cars and chaos out early and everywhere, and just like the masses, there we all were as well, …
Family Tradition
The stakes are high when saying ‘Yes!’ to the dress competes with college football By George Valadie Oklahoma-Texas. Notre Dame-Florida State. Tennessee-Georgia. If you know anything about our family, you know we love our college football. We gather early and stay late, munching multiple meals throughout. We wear our lucky …
Mom long ago earned a Golden Ticket to heaven
The columnist’s mother passes away, and she is remembered for her charitable works By George Valadie Apologies are in order; I missed my last publication deadline. But it was kinda her fault in a way. We were talking on the phone one day and she asked, “Hey George, I’ve got …
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In a cupcake store: ‘how can people act that way?’
A 19-year-old employee has to put up with angry reactions to mask-wearing requirements By George Valadie She’s just a kid. I don’t mean that as any sort of insult, not in any way. In fact, she’s as mature a young lady as I’ve known. I’d trust her with my car, …
Writer’s block
Christ offers words of wisdom when we’re at a loss over the current state of affairs By George Valadie I have no words. And I’m really, really sad about it. If you write for this publication — or any publication — and your goal is to say something that you …
Thank God almighty—schools are looking to reopen
‘Schools weren’t built to be empty, and fields and gyms and theaters weren’t erected to stand silent’ By George Valadie I don’t know about your world but I think things in mine are actually getting a little better. I think. After all, it is still 2020. Don’t want to jinx …
We’re all in need
Crises wreak havoc on our lives, prompt us to be our best selves By George Valadie Well, that was different! No new Easter outfits this year; didn’t even need the ones we got last year. We didn’t go to Mass in our pajamas, but we also didn’t need to arrive …
Virus and a death in the family make for ‘hellish week’
Every kid wants an extra day of spring break, but no one was hoping for a total school shutdown By George Valadie What a week! One of those unbelievable, don’t-ever-want-to-do-it-again sorts of weeks. I should begin by pointing out that because monthly diocesan newspapers function the way they do, columnists …
We do together what we can’t do alone
Sometimes a corporal work of mercy requires teamwork By George Valadie If you’re a routine reader of this column, then you may recall my wife had some foot surgery not long ago. If you’re not, let me begin by saying that my wife had some foot surgery not long ago. …
