Before I move on from my January saint of the month and share February’s, here are a few thoughts resting on my heart inspired, in part, by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. It’s a confluence of ideas, of sort — Old Testament figure meets the first American-born saint who then collide with a pop culture icon. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but work with me here.
We often tell the story of how we met, but do we ever wonder why we met? If God has a plan your life, and He brought the two of you together, God must have a plan for your marriage, too. What is it?
So how is Catholic school treating your family? That’s the question Joel and I have received a lot since enrolling our oldest child in Catholic school and not homeschooling this year. Given it’s National Catholic Schools Week, the time seemed right to offer a response to that FAQ.
Ever say YES! enthusiastically to something and then wonder, “What made me think I ought to agree to that request?!” When the lovely Southern Belle Mrs. Erin Franco came knocking on my door, asking me to chat on The Right Heart podcast, I eagerly accepted her invitation. I didn’t think twice, even though we hadn’t yet decided … [Read more…]
It’s that time of the year when many of us enlist the help of an online saint generator to randomly select a saint who journeys with us throughout the year. Rather than journeying with one random saint this year, I’ll walk with at least twelve. Think of it as a saint of the month club. My January saint of the month is Elizabeth Ann Seton – daughter, wife, mother, widow, friend and the first American-born saint.
At the time Israel was being conquered, the prophets were proclaiming the coming of a savior. Imagine the longing of the Israelites to believe this message, which must have sounded too impossible to believe. Deacon Joel shares his homily for the Fourth Sunday in Advent.
These two new children’s books published by Ignatius/Magnificat by well-known author/illustrator Maïte Roche make excellent Christmas gifts. (P.S., they’re good for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atriums, too!)
“How do you know your dad is in Heaven?” That was the pointed question that helped me understand how praying for the dead is one of the greatest acts of charity we can perform. Today the Church observes the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls). In its honor, here’s the rest of the story behind that question.
“Dichos” is the Spanish word for proverbs or wise sayings used in Mexican culture. One “dicho” I recently read about is “The saints cry over lost time.” It was once a popular expression often said by parents to help keep their kids on task. It’s been a helpful saying, not so much for keeping my kids on task, but motivating me to get rolling on a special project!
A little Friday fun thanks to Harry Connick, Jr.