Every Lent, the church invites us to draw closer to the Lord by taking up the ancient practice of fasting. Every Ash Wednesday, we are urged to return to the Lord “with fasting, and weeping, and mourning” as we turn away from our sins and seek God’s mercy. (Joel 2:12). More »

We’re often urged to “pray for vocations.” Almost always, this is meant as an encouragement to ask God for more priests and religious for service to the church. Certainly, this intention is crucial and timely. More »

It has been seventeen years since Pope John Paul II issued his encyclical letter The Gospel of Life. More »

As an idealistic college student, I had all sorts of grandiose ideas about ministering to the poor. They ranged from political action to overseas missions. However, I soon discovered that my gifts do not lie in politics or foreign travel. I’m more comfortable working within familiar structures and programs, as a catechist or liturgical minister. More »

To the ancients, a name was not merely an identifying label, but a revelation of a person’s character and his or her role in society. It is the name that both defines and reveals the inner workings of the individual. More »

Every new year presents us with an exciting challenge and opportunity. As another year fades into memory and as we stand on the brink of a new beginning, we almost naturally ask ourselves, “What can I do this year to better myself?” More »

At the conclusion of Dickens’ immortal tale "A Christmas Carol", Ebenezer Scrooge awakens from a terrible and frightening dream. Suddenly, this old curmudgeon, known mostly for his bad temper, starts laughing! More »

I like to think of the Advent and Christmas seasons as a great opportunity for a spiritual housecleaning. Every year the church gives us a chance to clear our hearts and make room for the divine guest, Jesus. More »