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The Practicing Catholic

Intentionally, joyfully living the faith ... we hope.

Author: Deacon Joel Schmidt

Mass Forward: A Reflection on Sunday’s Mass Readings

September 26, 2014 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 3 Comments
To whom do you bow down?

Most of us live in a world of extraordinary luxury. We can have pretty much whatever we want whenever we want it. Humility and sacrifice don’t always come naturally. This week’s readings draw a direct line from our selfish inclinations to our salvation.

Posted in: Faith, Schmidt, Joel Tagged: Mass Forward, Parable of the Two Sons, Philippians, Psalm 25

Being Deacon: Not Quite Ready for Primetime

September 5, 2014 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 15 Comments

  It’s been a few weeks since I was ordained a permanent deacon. After four years of deacon formation, there were still some things for which I was not totally prepared. Here are seven … Quick Takes style. — 1 — Everything — A good friend of mine, Deacon Andrew pictured with me above, was … [Read more…]

Posted in: 7 Quick Takes, Being Deacon, Faith, Schmidt, Joel Tagged: Being Deacon, Deacon Joel, Deacon's Wife

Take 5 with Devin Rose

May 7, 2014 by Deacon Joel Schmidt Leave a Comment

A few years ago, Lisa and I went to the 2011 Catholic New Media Celebration in Kansas City. During the conference, a number of us went out to dinner together one evening. Purely by chance, Devin Rose and I ended up sitting next to each other. Upon discovering that we were both converts, we shared our conversion stories and generally chatted each other’s ears off. He mentioned that he had written a self-published apologetics book, which had caught the attention of Catholic Answers. Devin’s book, The Protestant’s Dilemma, is finally available.

Posted in: Faith, Schmidt, Joel Tagged: apologetics, Take 5

Mass Forward: A Reflection on Sunday’s Mass Readings

April 26, 2014 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 2 Comments

Joel helps us prepare for this Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word with a reflection on the Mass readings.

Posted in: Faith, Schmidt, Joel Tagged: Blessed Pope John Paul II, Divine Mercy Sunday, saints

A Taste of Benedictine Hospitality

March 30, 2014 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 2 Comments

As the youngest of 11 children, five brothers and five sisters, in a devoutly Catholic farm family, Fr. Guerric Letter learned early on to cook for a crowd and pass rigorous sanitary inspections. On the occasions when his mother and sisters would take a day off, the men still needed to eat. The one instruction he received from him mother and sisters? Don’t leave the kitchen a mess.

Posted in: Schmidt, Joel, Soup & Stories Tagged: Conception Abbey, Diaconate, Lent, Recipes, Soup & Stories

Marriage is like Chicken Soup

March 19, 2014 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 3 Comments
Engagement Picture, 2004 (image courtesy of Stalzer Photography)

I learned to cook out of necessity. I was 34 when Lisa and I got married, so I would have starved otherwise. I had also found that women were usually impressed by men who could cook. Let’s be honest here. Before we met, I was single in my early 30s with no prospects. Needless to say, I was getting desperate.

Posted in: Schmidt, Joel, Soup & Stories Tagged: Lent, Marriage, Recipes, Soup & Stories

Mass Forward: A Reflection on Sunday’s Mass Readings

February 23, 2014 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 4 Comments

Joel helps us prepare for this Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word with a reflection on the Mass readings.

Posted in: Schmidt, Joel Tagged: Mass Forward

Why I Love My Wife, Volume 3

February 14, 2014 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 5 Comments

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to read from 1 Corinthians for a friend’s wedding. I’ve never really heard it or read it the same way since. It’s the standard to which we should hold ourselves, particularly as a married couple and parents. It’s a high standard, but so much depends upon how well we love. We directly impact the salvation of our spouses and children by how well we measure up to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. So, how’s my lovely wife doing?

Posted in: Family, Schmidt, Joel Tagged: Lisa Schmidt, Marriage, St. Valentine's Day, Why I Love My Wife

Mass Forward: A Reflection on Sunday’s Mass Readings

November 16, 2013 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 3 Comments

Joel helps us prepare for this Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word with a reflection on the Mass readings.

Posted in: Schmidt, Joel Tagged: Mass Forward

Take 5 with Lino Rulli (and Win a Copy of His New Book)

October 1, 2013 by Deacon Joel Schmidt 13 Comments

Lino Rulli is just plain funny. So funny, in fact, that he almost runs the risk of not being taken seriously. However, in his latest book of humorous anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, he engages and entertains, yet enlightens and evangelizes. I recently welcomed the opportunity to interview Lino about Saint, and he didn’t disappoint. Following the interview, learn how to win a free copy of the book.

Posted in: Schmidt, Joel Tagged: Giveaway, Lino Rulli, Saint, Sinner, Take 5
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Deacon Joel and Lisa Schmidt

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