Vocations
What Can Priests Do to Encourage More Vocations?
Father Daniel J. Schmitmeyer Comments Off on What Can Priests Do to Encourage More Vocations?
As director of vocations for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for the past 10 years, I have tried nearly every program, event and suggestion offered to me to help encourage more men to prayerfully discern a vocation to the priesthood. What I have found makes the biggest difference and helps the most is prayer. This includes Read More
If I Had to Do It All Over
Father Patrick M. Carrion Comments Off on If I Had to Do It All Over
If I had to do it all over again, would I? Would you do it again? Are there regrets? Probably, we all have asked ourselves or been asked by others these simple questions. The questions might be regarding a place you have visited: “Would you vacation there again?” The inquirer may be asking more for Read More
‘What Are You Looking For?’
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on ‘What Are You Looking For?’
In January, on the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, we listen to Jesus in John’s Gospel ask us a very familiar question, “What are you looking for?” This question, from the divine, is anything but ordinary. It services as a spiritual touchstone for us priests and leaders. This wellspring of grace is poured out to Read More
Servants of the Risen Christ
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on Servants of the Risen Christ
For 40 years of priesthood I have prayed the multifaceted images, metaphors and names of Christ in the Easter season. I have counseled rough and addicted people with the Good Shepherd. I have offered congregations Christ’s first word of “peace” after the Resurrection. I have sorted through hardships in fragile marriages with the consoling image Read More
World Day of Vocations
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on World Day of Vocations
When I was a pastor, I always found the Easter season to be a time pregnant with grace in the parish. In addition to celebrating the good news of the empty tomb and welcoming the newly baptized into the fold, there is an abundance of grace that flows from our parishes in the way of Read More
Configuration to Christ the Priest
Deacon James Keating Comments Off on Configuration to Christ the Priest
“Come, follow me” (Lk 18:22). Complex responses may be evoked in those who hear this simple invitation. In the context of the Gospel of Luke, the one receiving this invitation refused it and went away “sad” (v. 23). He could not or would not respond. Most humans, upon hearing this call, immediately count the cost, Read More
God’s Team
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on God’s Team
Catholic Schools Week was always one of my favorite times on the academic calendar as a student. For five days we had interruptions in our schedule for games, activities and special treats. I still remember the motto for one of the Catholic Schools Weeks: “Great Beginnings Last a Lifetime.” When I was in first grade, Read More
Promoting Vocations
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Promoting Vocations
In my portion of the Lord’s vineyard, which is predominantly rural, this is the time of the harvest. Farmers are gathering all that was sown. The fields are becoming increasingly empty, but the barns and silos are full of the fruits of many labors. While I am not a farmer and admittedly know little about Read More