Lent
Best Foot Forward
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on Best Foot Forward
My only brother, John, died a couple of years ago. Our lives took very different paths, yet since his death I have been so aware of his influence. He taught me how to tie my shoes before I started kindergarten, and I think of him every morning as I double-knot my shoestrings to begin the Read More
Christ Leads the Way
Father Paul Turner Comments Off on Christ Leads the Way
The Stations of the Cross form a mainstay of Catholic piety during Lent. Images of the 14 stations adorn the walls of the church year-round — whether in bas-relief, sculpture or paint. People may avail themselves of this prayer whenever they wish, and many exercise this private devotion when visiting a church. But during Lent Read More
With Our Whole Heart
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on With Our Whole Heart
One of the first voices we hear on Ash Wednesday is that of the prophet Joel, who says: “Yet even now — oracle of the LORD — / return to me with your whole heart, / with fasting, weeping, and mourning. / Rend your hearts, not your garments, / and return to the LORD, your Read More
Becoming Vulnerable
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on Becoming Vulnerable
Last Lent, I had lunch with an elderly Holy Cross religious. He told me he spent 40 years overseas. His eyes gleamed as he shared his experiences with people who showed him the beauty of lived faith, people with whom he worked formed his heart. He became so energized, offering me a glimpse of the Read More
When Things Disappear
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on When Things Disappear
Not that long ago, a few parishioners invited me to their home for dinner. Following the meal, their two young daughters treated all those present to a fairly impressive magic show in the game room. The half-hour presentation included many disappearing acts featuring money, jewelry and even one of the girls themselves. “You should try Read More
Priestly Renewal and the Call of Lent
Father Jeffrey Kirby Comments Off on Priestly Renewal and the Call of Lent
As priests, we sometimes hear from (or about) spouses who are so busy with work, family and children that they begin to forget themselves and their nuptial union. In trying to serve their families, they begin to lose their marriage. The hustle and bustle of important and pressing duties, responsibilities, commitments and expectations have overwhelmed Read More
Focus on What Is Essential
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Focus on What Is Essential
I remember having a trying day many years ago when I worked in the chancery in a leadership position. I shared my frustrations with a seasoned co-worker nearing the sunset of her career. She listened attentively to my angst. Then she said, “Dave, just try and focus on that which is essential.” Her words were Read More
Our Lenten Pilgrim Journey
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Our Lenten Pilgrim Journey
Nearly a year ago I was blessed to be on retreat with the Ohio and Michigan bishops at a retreat house in Michigan. The retreat master was a retired bishop from England. I introduced myself to him, and we both shared our stories. In the end, he said, “I guess we are all pilgrims.” The Read More