Thursday, December 30th, 2010 | By Joel & Lisa Schmidt
Why do we love Catholic blogs? Largely because maintaining one is a lot of work! When you find a good one, you know the person running it is dedicated and passionate about their mission. Each person is trying to use their knowledge, experiences, and perspective to communicate the truth and lead others closer to Jesus, one post at a time. We present, in alphabetical order, seven Catholic blogs you should resolve to read in the New Year.
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 | By Sarah Underhill
A note from the Editor: The Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent focuses on Joseph’s role in the Christmas story. In Joseph, God gives us a model of faith, obedience, and service through sacrifice. I often think about my father when I read and reflect upon Saint Joseph, so it is timely to share a piece my sister wrote about our Dad. I am very proud to share Sarah Underhill’s touching story during this Fourth week of Advent. – Lisa
I recently attended Mary Poppins the Musical at the Des Moines Civic Center with my sister, Lisa. Mary Poppins, like many other musicals, holds special childhood memories for us, . . . → Read More: Advent Week 4 Reflection: Feed the Birds, That’s What She Cries
I recently participated in the Festival of Lessons and Carols at my parish, St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) in West Des Moines, Iowa. While Lessons and Carols is a rather new tradition here, it originated in 1918 at King’s College of the University of Cambridge in England as a thanksgiving service after the close of World War I. The festival was first broadcast by BBC Radio in 1928, and except for 1930, has been broadcast every Christmas Eve since, propelling its popularity far beyond Cambridge.
A traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols is arranged with nine Scripture passages (the lessons) that recount the full Christmas story, beginning with the Fall . . . → Read More: From the Mouths of Babes: Lessons and Carols
In the spring of 2007, my husband Joel and I realized we were expecting our first child. We were so excited and shared the news with our family and friends on Easter Sunday. A few weeks into the second trimester, I started experiencing some signs of miscarriage, and my doctor sent me immediately to Mercy Hospital for an ultrasound. When I arrived at the maternity floor, I immediately noticed Saint Gerard Mejella prayer cards scattered throughout the waiting room and hanging in organizers on the walls. (Thank God for Catholic hospitals!) I grabbed one and started reciting the “For A Mother With Child” prayer on the back of the . . . → Read More: Saint Gerard Meets Saint Lucy
Friday, December 3rd, 2010 | By Karen & Tom Quiner
Slowing down and finding time for prayer doesn’t take away from the joyful fun that the secular world seeks out of Christmas. Do you need to slow down because you’re movin’ too fast this Advent season? Taizé may be just right for you. . . . → Read More: Visit Taizé this Advent
Friday, December 3rd, 2010 | By Joel & Lisa Schmidt
With many families reporting much concern about prime-time television broadcasting content that is not suitable for their families, two key corporate sponsors have partnered to provide family-quality entertainment on a major network TONIGHT (Friday, 12/3/2010). This FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT initiative is set to fill the void by providing quality, family entertainment with movies that families CAN enjoy together. A strong showing will help open the door for future family-friendly movies to be shown during this Family Movie Night broadcast. Though I have not yet seen the latest movie they are promoting, all indications are that NBC’s “Family Movie Night” is a project worthy of our support.
Pope John I inherited the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope. When the eastern ... […]
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