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What to give up

By Elizabeth Foss
A few days before Lent began, my friend Helen posted a quote that struck and stuck as I was pondering the whole “what to do, what to give up” question. On a stark black background, with no pretty picture or accompanying caption, I read, “Hold loosely to the things of this life so that if […]
2/23/23
Reading Time 3 min

Lent and family life

By Soren Johnson
Lent will be upon us soon, and likely with it, our self-designed plans for asceticism. If you’re like me, you are prone to creating far-flung lists of new and renewed disciplines that, one or two weeks into Lent, buckle and collapse under the weight of the “lather, rinse, repeat” cycle of daily life.     Monotony. […]
2/15/23
Reading Time 3 min

Find silence

By Elizabeth Foss
This year, Lent begins Feb. 22. That means that right now is the perfect time for “pre-Lent” — a short period of time before Ash Wednesday when we have the opportunity to prepare our hearts and our environments for Lent. The time is now to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to renew your […]
2/14/23
Reading Time 3 min

Lenten conversion

By Msgr. Charles M. Mangan
I was asked to hear confessions Dec. 23 at the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md., close to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary where I teach. When I arrived, I noted on the door that the shrine was closed for the day, out of caution for the faithful, due to the cold and […]
2/14/23
Reading Time 3 min

The church and China

By Russell Shaw
Why hasn’t Pope Francis spoken up forcefully about the oppression of the church by dictatorial regimes in China and Nicaragua? It’s a fair question whose answer can perhaps be found in the precedent of several popes of the 20th century. First a quick look at what’s been happening lately in those two countries. In China, […]
2/12/23
Reading Time 3 min

Rules of the game

By Fr. Richard Miserendino
GOSPEL COMMENTARY Feb. 12, Mt 5:17-37 If you’ve ever enjoyed the comedy of a kindergarten soccer game, you know that, regardless of their passion, the pint-sized athletes often need to be reminded of the rules of the game. Invariably, the finer points elude them — such as which goal is their own. A good coach […]
2/11/23
Reading Time 3 min

To be seen or not to be seen?

By Fr. Steven Oetjen
Gospel Commentary Feb. 5, Mt 5:13-16 Our Lord tells us today, “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mt 5:16). But in the very next chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus will say, “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may […]
2/4/23
Reading Time 3 min

Snow and silence

By Christina Capecchi
I have loved photography for years. I think I finally found my niche: snow photography. Every time it snows — frequently here in Minnesota — I grab my phone, slip into my boots and start snapping. Some prefer their trees laced with pink apple blossoms or blazing with red maple leaves. I’ll take an evergreen […]
2/1/23
Reading Time 3 min

Good stories

By Elizabeth Foss
I’m a story person. I love a good story. Growing up, I escaped into novels, and I believed that there was no story arc that didn’t come to a satisfying conclusion. The satisfying conclusion, of course, meant that the heroine, who essentially lived a good and virtuous life — even if she’d taken a detour […]
1/31/23
Reading Time 3 min

Sacred Days of Ordinary Time

By Lucia A. Silecchia
With a new year still in its infancy, I find myself surrounded by new calendars. In so many different ways, these are tangible reminders of the importance of time. Scripture speaks often about the sacredness of time, with the assurance that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the […]
1/30/23
Reading Time 3 min

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