The Word Among Us

Marriage & Family Resource Articles

Marriage & Family Resource Articles

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My wife, Mary Lou, and I have raised seven children. We made many mistakes along the way, but fortunately nothing that we did wrong seems to have permanently damaged any of our sons or daughters. More »

In the movie “Fiddler on the Roof,” Tevye asks his wife, Golde, “Do you love me?” She responds by listing some of the everyday services she performs for him. Indirectly, she is telling him that married love is intricately related to darning socks, washing clothes, and the countless other ordinary ways in which a husband and wife serve each other. More »

Years ago, as a fledgling reporter for a diocesan newspaper, I remarked that the paper’s weekly presentations of the Sunday Gospels for children were too complex for four-to-twelve-year-olds. “If you think you can do better, give me three columns by the end of the week,” my editor replied—and suddenly I had added “columnist” to my job description. More »

One day, in a fundraising mailing from a religious organization, I received a five-by-seven image of Christ that depicted him in a way I had never seen before. More »

“Why do we have to fast?” Maybe it’s one of your children who asks. Or maybe it’s a cry from deep within yourself, as you’re fighting the urge for a snack. More »

Some years ago, I told my spiritual advisor that I was prepared to undertake any Lenten fasting or penance he suggested. I felt noble as I made my valiant offer, but this wise and holy priest didn’t act impressed. More »

One of the most enlightening concepts developed by Christian psychologists over the past twenty years is the recognition of different “languages” of love. People have different ways of expressing and communicating love. Likewise, each of us has certain preferences for how we want to be loved in return. More »

Some of the happiest days in my son’s life—and in mine—occurred during the years when he was playing baseball in Little League. More »