A couple of weeks ago I was in a conversation with some couples and one of them recounted an incident that took place some time ago. The story had to do with a fairly expensive Land Rover sport utility vehicle. You could see the love of the SUV in the …
He dwells among us: Bucket lists
Joy comes from being the hands, the face and the heart of Christ to others Have you ever been asked, “What’s on your bucket list?” For those not familiar with the phrase, it is a list of things that a person wants to do before he or she dies. For …
Living the readings: What’s in the old closet?
There is much in store for us during the month Lent begins Most every house or apartment has a store-all closet into which all sorts of memories are relegated. Chances are that you recently put your Christmas items up in that same closet so they will be available next December. …
Once upon a time: Catholicism’s westward journey
Christ is as present today in Diocese of Knoxville as he was in early days of the Church It was the mid ‘60s of the first century of the Christian era. Our first Holy Father was well into his fourth decade as Christ’s vicar on earth. The Church was well-established …
Marriage enrichment: Showing caregivers a little love
Valentine’s Day is a good time to let them know how we feel Valentine’s Day is the day typically set aside for couples to express their love for each other. Although it is a special day for couples, the greeting card industry celebrates all forms of loving relations. When my …
Understanding the sacraments: Preparing for Lent
Looking at our campaign of Christian service as we anticipate the Easter celebration The opening prayer for Ash Wednesday describes Lent in striking military language—we are embarking on a “campaign of Christian service” in which “we take up battles against spiritual evils” and arm ourselves “with weapons of self-restraint.” A …
He dwells among us: The journey to Bethlehem
‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,’ and St. Joseph is our sure guide With the beginning of Advent, the Church marks the start of a new liturgical year, a full month before we celebrate the beginning of a new calendar year. And this seems fitting …
Living the readings: An epic unfolds
The Christmas story is another example of God speaking to us Thanks to the timing of Advent, with its First Sunday in November, the message of Christmas unfolds before us as an ancient epic might. Back in antiquity, classic writers would start their stories of great events and great people …
Once upon a time: Sharing stories of Christmases past
There was a time when midnight Mass was a 5 a.m. liturgical celebration Midnight Mass hasn’t always been held at midnight. One of Pope Pius XII’s last great gifts to the Church was the beginning of the restoration of Easter Vigil (time of day and language). By the time the …
Marriage enrichment: Home for Christmas
The Holy Family serves as a wonderful example of how we share our children All of our children will be home for Christmas. We are very excited about that fact! And two of them will be bringing their spouses with them. Our son has been married for three years now …
Understanding the sacraments: Nourishing our relationship with God
Introducing the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy In my previous column I discussed the Synod on the Family’s emphasis on the importance of popular piety and family devotions. In that column I mentioned the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (DPPL), produced in 2001 by the Congregation …
It All Comes Clear Now
By Father Joseph Brando November, in these parts, is the time when trees reach their brightest glow. Then their leaves, by means of a parachuting parade of color in a gloriously choreographed leap, dance to the ground. When that display is completed, the people who lived, spring and summer, under …