One of my favorite Thanksgiving memories happened in holy surprise. I had been called to my first parish in Chicago, and traveling to see family wouldn’t be convenient. My wife…
Focal verse “God created humans in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Reflection I recently taught a confirmation…
Josh smiled as he watched his kids, ages 8 and 10, help carry one end of a single mattress. Carrying the bottom end, he coached the children as they made…
Focal verse “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Reflection Saturday mornings in our family have become cheerleading days. My…
A new school year has begun. New teachers, new schedules, new routines and rhythms. This is an exciting time, but it can be difficult, and not just for students. All…
Focal verse “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Reflection As I write this note, my daughter will begin second…
Let’s be honest: transitions are difficult. As summer comes to a close, families might despair at returning to a school schedule. Yet children, teens and adults thrive on structure. Does…
Focal verse “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Reflection Turn the calendar to August and you may see numerous things…
When my children were young, I spent way too much money on far too many playthings. With my grandchildren, I had a chance to pull back on the gifting (with…
Focal verse “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). Reflection Summer mornings at the park…
Focal verse “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). Reflection Last fall…
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was in Europe, separated for months from my family back in the United States. Even after I reunited with my husband and teenage…
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