Columns
Prison Mass ‘most beautiful’ for Catholic singer
When Sarah Hart was writing original songs for her new Advent and Christmas album “All the Earth Alive Rejoicing,” she was struck by how complicated Mary and Joseph’s situation must have been in light of Mary’s pregnancy and the scandal it would cause.
Christmas and a tale of two memoirs
On a cold December night, the kids and I snuggled into pillows and blankets to watch “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” my all-time favorite version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Advent and the paradox of Ordinary Time
Every year, as Advent and Christmas approach, I seem to have the same conversation with one of my students.
On Advent, beauty and the Catholic Imagination
Advent has come quickly this year, riding the tails of Thanksgiving. After a busy week with the kids home from school, deer rifle season and resting up, it wasn’t until late in the evening that we talked with the kids about it being Advent and what that means.
On the Feast of Christ the King
On the last Sunday of each liturgical year, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.
Jesus is the light in the darkness
Sometimes we think everything must be flawless to celebrate a holy and perfect Mass. But often just the opposite is true. I arrived early Sunday to St. John the Evangelist in Birchwood because I was the Sacristan and reader for Mass. I like to be prepared; I like everything to be flawless.
Post-election reflection: Move beyond the ballot box
Whether or not your desired candidates will be sworn into office, the one thing we all seem to agree on is that we’re exhausted and “over” this election! Accusatory ads, divisive campaign rhetoric and polarized partisan dynamics have put the worst of human behavior on display these last months, and we’re ready to move on.
Gifford’s ‘Herod and Mary’ a study in contrast
A paranoid ruler feels so threatened by manipulative forces around him that he suspects his children are trying to overthrow him, leading him to torture and execute them. No, it’s not the plot of some new TV show. It’s a piece of history about King Herod, the man who ordered the murder of all boys under age 2 after hearing from the Magi that the king of the Jews was born in Bethlehem.
To create a culture of life, give abundantly
“I came so that they might have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came to give us life. Have you ever stopped to ponder the effect of the Eucharist in your life, and the life it brings to each of us whether we are fed physically by the bread of life (Body of Christ) or sit in silence before the Eucharist?