Coming to terms with what we want and what we really need as children of God By George Valadie I suppose this train of thought left the station while I was at a recent meeting of school principals. Our superintendent, a Sister of Mercy, had invited the 10 of us to …
Living the readings: The end of the road
Christ’s journey that we have been taught is our journey as well By Father Joseph Brando Way back on June 26, the Gospel for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time was taken from Luke 9:51-62. “When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey …
He dwells among us: Deliver us from evil
The Church, as guardian of the truth, help us discern between good and evil By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Begone, Satan!” These were the last words spoken by the French priest Father Jacques Hamel as two ISIS terrorists attacked him while he celebrated Mass in his parish church in July. …
Praying for perspective: Do you say the Our Father or really pray it?
By George Valadie It was a Sunday morning not all that long ago, though I can’t recall which one. I remember it because of the Gospel that day, you know the one where Our Lord taught his apostles how to pray using the words that we now know as the Lord’s …
Once upon a time: Your pastor needs you
By Monsignor Xavier Mankel There was a time when things shut down for the summer, especially for school folks — but not anymore. Now, most of us run, run, run all the time, taking a few days for vacation when we can work it in. Plenty goes on year-round, so …
He dwells among us: Saints and prophets
The Church does not offer political solutions but must always be the voice of God’s truth By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” (1 Cor 9:16) The words of St. Paul challenge all of us, particularly clergy, to always speak the truth …
Understanding the sacraments: The Mass — a mystery of mercy
It is ‘the place where the mercy of Christ is not only recalled but received’ By Father Randy Stice The tragic events of recent weeks and months recall the prophetic words of St. John Paul II in 1980, that as the human conscience becomes increasingly secularized it “moves away from …
Marriage enrichment: Finding our Road to Emmaus
Our spiritual GPS instructs us to help others find their way as we keep family life holy By Marian Christiana In May I participated in a webinar hosted by the Center for Ministry Development called You Gotta Love Them: Insights into Welcoming, Accompanying and Empowering Families. The webinar was based …
Guest column: Making NFP a part of your marriage
Natural Family Planning can bring couples closer to each other and to God By Megan Ulrich When I was asked to write an article about Natural Family Planning (NFP), I knew that it needed to be positive, informative, personal and authentic. The article needs to grab the reader and shout, …
He dwells among us: Jesus, where are you?
In life’s storms when we feel overwhelmed, Christ is present in surprising ways By Bishop Richard F. Stika I occasionally come across an inspirational quote or story on Facebook that I like to share. Once such story, written in poetic form, speaks of how God sometimes allows us to experience more …
Praying for perspective: Does anybody really know what time it is?
As we clock our live, the years run too short and the day too fast By George Valadie If you ever find yourself worrying about the sanity of your family, or, more specifically, the people in it, then read on and have hope. Every single word of this is true. …
Once upon a time: Keeping theology consistent
Faithful continue to observe the commandments of the Church By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Time to go to confession? Our theology has been pretty consistent over the years. Following the Council of Trent, Catholics pretty much observed the commandments of the Church: annual sacramental confession, followed by holy Communion. Favorite times …