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The Need for Connection
Father Patrick M. Carrion Comments Off on The Need for Connection
What is the password to the Wi-Fi here? I only have one bar on the cell service in this area! My cell phone needs charging, only 10% left. I can’t find my iPhone. I might be missing an important text or call! People panic when they do not feel connected. How and why in the Read More
Outstretching Arms and Hands
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on Outstretching Arms and Hands
Last year, I concelebrated the Liturgy of the Eucharist next to an elderly priest confined to a wheelchair. As we prayed the Lord’s Prayer, he outstretched his hands and arms. His gesture caught my attention, my heart. His furrowed brow revealed his ache to express his heart to God. He lifted his trembling hands; smooth Read More
Hearing God’s Voice
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on Hearing God’s Voice
As a child, I used to attend Mass with my paternal grandparents, who worshipped at a beautiful Church that sat high on a hill overlooking the city of Pittsburgh. One particular Sunday, the priest gave a homily talking about hearing the voice of God. I can remember him saying, “If you listen hard, God is Read More
When Reality Gets in the Way of Our Dreams
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on When Reality Gets in the Way of Our Dreams
When I was a teacher, I often had to interrupt students who were dreaming, either because they were truly asleep (and drooling) or staring off into space. I imagine that lectures on ancient history were not terribly exciting for them, and the classroom did get unusually warm in the afternoons. If we are being honest, Read More
Rebuilding Your Parish
Father Michael White Comments Off on Rebuilding Your Parish
The National Eucharistic Revival (NER), sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, entered its second phase this past summer. It is styled the “Year of Parish Revival.” This effort could be an important opportunity for parishes looking to finally move on from our collective COVID-19 setback or reignite energy and enthusiasm in the face Read More
Criticisms and Complaints
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on Criticisms and Complaints
“My child, when you come to serve the Lord, / prepare yourself for trials” (Sir 2:1). This Scripture passage was presented to me once by my spiritual director for meditation, and I have pondered it greatly since becoming a pastor. Trials certainly can take many forms. They may present themselves as a financial crisis, a Read More
Straddling Power-Distance Ambiguity in Parishes
Owen Phelps Comments Off on Straddling Power-Distance Ambiguity in Parishes
One challenge for priests that can bleed into a host of other challenges related to effective parish leadership is the matter of “power distance.” Power distance refers to the extent that less powerful members of organizations accept — and actually expect — unequal power distributions in their organizations. People who study this can measure it. Read More
Joy in Salvation
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on Joy in Salvation
“Nothing in this world is to be taken seriously, nothing except the salvation of a soul,” said St. Philip Neri. Or it might have been Archbishop Fulton Sheen. With the internet as the arbiter, it can even be tough to take attribution of quotes seriously. However, even salvation can present moments of whimsical enjoyment. A Read More