Laughter a key ingredient in growing a relationship; children offer top 10 tips for good spousal friendship The 2013 Marriage Celebrations with Bishop Stika are over for the year and planning for the 2014 celebrations has begun. During his homilies at the three celebrations this year Bishop Stika shared a …
Understanding the sacraments: ‘Heal the sick’: a mystagogical catechesis
Healing was an important part of Jesus’ earthly ministry; the apostolic Church continues this ministry Healing was an important aspect of Jesus’ earthly ministry—“his many healings of every kind of infirmity are a resplendent sign that ‘God has visited his people’ and that the Kingdom of God is close at …
Once upon a time: World is witness to new, improved papal election
Holy Spirit at work as selection of pontiffs for over a century has been a smooth process without controversy Wow! Habemus papam! Awesome to today’s ninth-grade student, the election of Pope Francis in March seemed quite different from that student’s experience in primary school. To that same individual’s parents and …
He dwells among us: A miracle repeated
For 2,000 years, the Church has been blessed and guided by a successor of St. Peter The Church is now without a Pope—the See of Peter is vacant. Although he who was called Benedict XVI still is with us, we nonetheless mourn the passing of his pontificate, lifting him up …
Living the readings: From the heart of Lent…
To Easter glory, the good news of Christ’s resurrection lifts us all By the time March begins, Lent already has completed 40 percent of its lifespan. Deep into this time of relearning the basics of our faith and intensifying our relationship with God, the Sunday Liturgy of the Word continues …
Marriage enrichment: Make significant days a family affair
Holidays, feast days are ways parents can establish traditions that can be handed down to children Recently, a dear friend of mine gave me a gift of Irish-themed kitchen items. She gave them to me because she knows that I love St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day has been an …
Understanding the sacraments: Penance–a mystagogical catechesis
Mercy is stronger than sin for penitents who undergo conversion through the action of the Holy Spirit The purpose and effect of the sacrament of penance is to heal our relationship with God. “Indeed, the sacrament of reconciliation with God brings about a true ‘spiritual resurrection,’ restoration of the dignity …
Once upon a time: Holy Mother Church blessed with great popes
The best pontiffs have made significant contributions through teaching, acts of initiative, wisdom I love popes, especially holy and great ones with which Holy Mother Church, the body of Christ, has been blessed during the modern times of pontificates beginning with Blessed Pius IX (1846-1878) and continuing to the present: …
He dwells among us: Joy and ashes
Ashes should be a distinctive sign, not only of our Catholic faith but also of our joy in Christ and his cross It always amazes me how quickly we seem to transition from the joyful celebration of the Christmas season to the penitential season of Lent. But their close proximity, …
Living the readings: From strength to strength
God creates us and renews us in power For some reason many people fear the number 13. Those folks are facing a serious problem this year as we navigate the uncharted waters of the 13th year of the 21st century. One of the first problems it presents to the Christian …
Stewardship in love and marriage
February is an appropriate time to enhance the beauty, faith, sacrifice, and joy of marital relationships The January edition of The East Tennessee Catholic contained an insert describing the purpose and focus of the 2013 Bishop’s Appeal Campaign. The title of the campaign is “Love Never Fails,” and the idea …
Understanding the sacraments: The Eucharist–a mystagogical catechesis
Through the source and summit of Christian life, we enter into the mystery in every aspect of our lives According to Blessed John Paul II, a mystagogical catechesis of the liturgy helps the faithful to do three things: “to understand the meaning of the liturgy’s words and actions, to pass …
