A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of covering a story with ties closer to home. Every year we try to include something about the summer youth events – Extreme Faith Camp and Totus Tuus – that take place in the diocese.

One Saturday morning last fall, I randomly – and providentially – discovered a renowned Catholic poet with ties to Cumberland while visiting the city’s historic library. Little did I know then just who Sr. Madeleva Wolff was, nor the impact she would have on my life and the potential impact I might have on continuing her work of promulgating creative writing, especially the art of poetry, as the spiritual tool she believed it to be.

Almost two years ago, a tribute article for the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was put on my list of upcoming stories. I have thought about what to write several times, but I could never have known that reflecting on his legacy would coincide with that of my last living grandparent.

Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays where God is still given a seat at the table.

When I recall how it felt to put my first-grade son on the bus for the first time, I can still sense the lump rising in my throat. It was one of the first concrete acts of letting go for me as a mom.

Before you start reading this column, I’d like to ask you to grab some paper and something to write with. We’re going to do a short exercise.

In his message for World Communications Day, released Jan. 24 – the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists, and just in time for Catholic Press Month – Pope Francis speaks primarily of the need to listen.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With fresh-cut trees, spiced drinks and gingerbread cookies, it’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas, too.

Corralling my daughters as Mass ended, I routinely sang the recessional’s lyrics, yet they touched a poignant place inside. In high school I often attended the 7 a.m. daily Mass with my dad, and “Faith of our Fathers” was a popular hymn among the “old-timers” crowd.

Four years has flown by since I started this job in July 2017! It has been a privilege to meet so many faith-filled and service-minded Catholics, visit your parishes and share your “Superior” stories.