Author: Deacon Joel Schmidt
Being Deacon: Not Quite Ready for Primetime

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…]
Take 5 with Devin Rose

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.
A Taste of Benedictine Hospitality

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.
Marriage is like Chicken Soup

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.
Why I Love My Wife, Volume 3

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

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.