The Year of Prayer: Don’t wait for guidance; just do it
Recently I shared on social media that for Lent, and for the “Year of Prayer,” I was committing to memory a version of the Breastplate of St. Patrick. It is … Learn More
Category: Columns
Why does a paschal candle holder have bee artwork and when does Lent officially end?
Q: In my parish, we have an antique candle holder for the paschal candle. The design on the candle stand looks like it has some sort of insect, and so … Learn More
Reaching out in faith: Should Jesus be depicted on crucifixes as alive or dead?
Q: I have a friend who observed that some crucifixes depict the Savior with his eyes open and some depict him with his eyes closed. He wants to know which … Learn More
We should always ask: who I should be when I grow up? (Ordinary times)
Recently, I was in the happy company of a seven-year-old. She asked me the delightfully shocking, and shockingly delightful question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The … Learn More
Five ways to make Holy Week more holy (Lent)
As we prepare to enter into the most sacred days of the liturgical year, we have a prime opportunity to make up for any shortcomings that may have been part … Learn More
Joseph’s perfect wife and her perfect son
A while ago, writing about St. Joseph, I was intent on lifting up his human experience while calling out quick attempts to idealize this important person in Jesus’s life. Joseph … Learn More
The Church is mission
Synodality calls us to be a Church in mission. The Church does not merely “have” a mission.
Looking at the Oscar nominees for best picture through the lens of human dignity
Awards season is particularly exciting for a film reviewer. I enjoy talking about the stunning work of actors, editors, directors, writers, make-up artists, composers and others. But as a Catholic … Learn More
The roller coaster that is March (Ordinary Times)
As we entered March, side by side in the grocery store, lay both bags of salt to pour on icy sidewalks for winter’s last hurrahs and bags of topsoil to … Learn More
‘You will never wash my feet!’
Soon enough, we will be celebrating Holy Thursday, also known as the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Gospel reading for that Mass is John 13:1-15, which is not … Learn More