My mother called with the news one cold October night. “Hello, Janet? I just wanted you to know that Grandma Grace is dying.” She continued with details of how Grandma had begun refusing food two days before. More »

“I plead with you. Do not do me an unseasonable kindness.” More »

When we examine our attitude toward evangelization, it is clear that the degree to which we are willing to evangelize is linked to the degree to which we have understood the great work that Jesus has done in us and in the church. More »

“Here’s something you might want to do,” said my husband, as we left church one Sunday. He pointed to an item in the parish bulletin: Has your life ever been touched by the Sisters of St. Joseph? Would you like to return the kindness? It went on to ask for volunteers to help out at the local nursing home for the retired nuns from the order. More »

We all face times in our lives when we feel alone and confused. Our marriage may hit a rough patch, or our children may be struggling. More »

Most Catholics are very familiar with the Rosary, but many are surprised when they discover the level of depth that is possible while “telling the beads.” An essential component of the Rosary is the association of one of the mysteries of Christ’s life with each decade. More »

How did the son of a wealthy merchant become the town beggar? What would prompt a popular young bachelor to start talking dreamily about “Lady Poverty”? What would cause him to abandon the party scene and spend his time rebuilding a ramshackle old chapel stone by stone? More »

Every child has certain weaknesses and insecurities. Furthermore, our children are going to be mentally bruised and wounded as they make their way through life. More »