One might think that when a man is called to deacon formation, the journey leads him and his family closer to Jesus and His Church. True enough. However, the demands of this journey have provided a plethora of opportunities for our family to get really good (read, bad) at being busy. Many of the spiritually strengthening devotional practices that were once a regular part of my life have given way to the all-consuming formation process. I’m running around performing acts of service like Martha yet still feeling hungry for something deeper. It all came to a head one recent evening while eating dinner with my family — a fist pounding on the table and tears streaming down my cheeks kind of encounter. At that point, Joel insisted it was time to walk away from the diaconate, if only to get me OFF. THE. LEDGE! . . . → Read More: Me Time, Jesus Time and Tips from Vinny Flynn
Women deacons. It’s in the news again thanks to comments a German Bishop recently made about the potential of a new “diaconal” role for women in the Church. Given this topic is one that’s generating conversation and Joel is currently in deacon formation, we felt called weigh in on the issue over at Catholic Stand. . . . → Read More: So You Want to be a Deaconess?
It’s a celebration of motherhood, both physical and spiritual, this week on Catholic Women Now. With our roving reporter hats on head and recorders in hand, Julie and I took to the streets and chatted with moms. Catholic Women Now is heard only on Iowa Catholic Radio. Tune in! . . . → Read More: This Week on Catholic Women Now: Celebrating Moms
Hot diggity! I’m on a “Pinisher” role lately. I recently spotted a few ideas on Pinterest for how to assemble a family May altar in your home. Given the month of May is dedicated to Mary, I set out to create an altar to honor Mary. Now the next logical step is to actually gather the family around the altar and pray a Hail Mary or two. So here are some tips for praying the Rosary with kids. . . . → Read More: May Altars and Tips for Praying the Rosary with Kids
On May 1 our parish began a novena for those wishing to conceive. We will pray this for first nine days not only in May, but for the first nine days per month for the extended future. We are praying the Novena to St. Gerard, the patron of motherhood. If you have a heart for this issue, please join in our heavenly petition. Or perhaps you know one who might find consolation in this prayer? If so, please consider passing this along. . . . → Read More: Novena for Those Wishing to Conceive
My friend Dorian came up with an awesome link-up idea called “Pinisher” — a movement to get Pinterest-slackers like me to actually finish something I’ve pinned. How many of you have actually baked, crafted, decorated, repurposed, reused, bought, planned, played, etc. anything you’ve pinned? Really … all of you?! Well kudos and more power to you because this meme pretty much sums up my success with Pinterest. . . . → Read More: Go ahead, call me a Pinisher. I dare you!
We don’t want to beat a dead horse but since it’s already dead … Julie Nelson and I talk about the challenges and rewards of bringing kids to Mass on our latest episode of Catholic Women Now. . . . → Read More: This Week on CWN: Why Kids Belong at Mass
Pornography is not just a topic for the ol’ boys clubs. Research indicates that pornography viewing among women is spreading widely. Why should I care about what you do in the privacy of your own home? I care because of the image St. Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 12:26, “If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it…” When a person is caught up in a sexual addiction of some kind, the impact on family members and others can be devastating. . . . → Read More: Porn-addiction: No longer a taboo topic
Felix was the first Capuchin Franciscan ever canonized. In fact, when he was born, the Capuchins did not yet exist as a distinct group within the Franciscans. Born of humble, God-fearing parents in the Rieti Valley, Felix worked as a farmhand and a shepherd until he was 28. He developed the habit ... […]
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