If you are like most people, it is very likely you have made at least one New Year’s resolution to kick off 2010. The typical list may include losing weight, quitting smoking, drinking less and exercising more. Sound familiar? But, how often do we make firm resolutions to help us become better Catholics? What can…
Look around after Mass or observe the folks attending ministry meetings and parish events and ask yourself: “Where are all the young adults?” According to the Fast Facts on Young Adults page listed on the USCCB website, the Church defines “young adults” as 18-40 years of age and says that 40% of Catholics today belong…
September 2, 2009 Friends-good morning. In Eucharistic Adoration this week I read a meditation from In Conversation With God, by Francis Fernandez, which absolutely got my attention. Here is an excerpt which I hope will resonate with you and make you reflect on your actions as it has with me. EXCERPT FROM In Conversation with God, by Francis…
August 21, 2009 Friends-good morning. I came across this passage from In Conversation With God and would like to share it with you. It really made me stop and reflect this morning and I hope you also find it helpful. Have a great day. In Christ, Randy Living Examples (An excerpt from In Conversation With God by Francis…
I recently read a meditation by Frances Fernandez from In Conversation With God on the topic of human respect which has stirred a lot of reflection and thinking over the last few days. Do we ever stop to consider how many times a day our thinking and actions are influenced by a concern for what…
July 8, 2009 “Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him and if they were to allow His grace to mold them accordingly.” — St. Ignatius Loyola What is the connection between surrender and strength? Surrendering to Christ and putting His will before my own for the first…
December 29, 2008 I would like you to join me in a different kind of commitment for next year. This is the kind of commitment that will cost us something for sure, but the reward is great. In the coming year let’s make every effort to acknowledge Christ before others and defend (as well as follow!) in a…
In these difficult times, it can be very challenging to think of others and not just ourselves. Our personal struggles often keep our focus inward and not outward towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. If these words resonate with you, I would like to provide some encouragement to break out of this inward focus…
November 10, 2008 It is a gross understatement to say that we live in very trying times. Our country is at war, our economy is a mess, atheists are one of the fastest growing groups in our country and our families are under siege. My intent is not to depress you, but get your attention on the reality…
October 21, 2008 “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” -Matthew 5:13-14 and 16. Most of us spend the majority of our…
October 8, 2008 When I imagine a fortress, it invokes thoughts of strength, security and protection. The image is comforting, particularly when used in relation to one’s faith. I was speaking with someone I met recently about my faith and learned that he, too, was Catholic. After hearing my story, he explained to me the role faith played…
September 18, 2008 Before I began my RCIA classes in the Fall of 2006, I studied the Catholic faith in earnest. I tend to intellectualize everything and my first thoughts were to learn everything I could about our faith. I quickly realized there was more to our wonderful Faith than knowledge, history and tradition! I then began to…