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. …
A long day in a surgical waiting room
Moments of boredom and moments of action—and worry— fill a morning and an afternoon By George Valadie Jan. 14, 2020, 9:30 a.m.—The premise for this column has been my belief that life throws occasional craziness at us, and often our response is even crazier. So rethinking our perspective—or praying for …
Holding on to Christmas
Wouldn’t it be nice if that special feeling stayed with us all year long? Stop reading. Look up. Over there in the corner. Is your Christmas tree still there? Lights glimmering, ornaments shining, star on top brightening your home? Or is it long gone? Tossed out or packed away with …
Are miracles the key to sainthood?
The human factor can go a long way toward determining who’s included in the book By George Valadie Perhaps this would have been a better topic for November’s issue, but I ask you to think back to your favorite saint. The one you most admire from having read that book. …
What are the odds?
Supporting Catholic schools is a good way to close the separation gap By George Valadie They call it “six degrees of separation.” I don’t know if it’s actually true, nor do I care to spend any time testing the theory, but I like the idea. It makes me feel better …
