The following is the text of the Christopher News Note “Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” If you’d like a pdf or hard copy, see the end of this post: The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. — Romans 5:5 When we are baptized, we receive the Holy Spirit who will transform us, if we cooperate. Our growth in personal holiness begins as we have access to... Read more
“Fear and faith have one thing in common: they both ask you to believe in something that hasn’t happened yet.” Former “American Idol” contestant and country singer Danny Gokey lived those words after his wife Sophia died due to a congenital heart defect during their fourth year of marriage. Sophia had experienced ongoing medical problems since 2005, but during a surgery in 2008 meant to correct the issue, she had a negative reaction. During a follow-up procedure, her heart failed... Read more
Though born with cerebral palsy along with minimal hearing and vision, Noah Voelker of Gainesville, Florida, always enjoyed being outdoors and in the company of other people. Since there weren’t many opportunities for recreation for the disabled in his area, his parents created “Endeavor Recreation.” This charity, now called “Noah’s Endeavor,” allowed Noah and other young people like him to enjoy playing, painting and friendship. His mother Shelly explained the impact the group had on him: “If there’s anybody who... Read more
The following column was written by The Christophers’ Jerry Costello: If she had done nothing more than run the Dope Open, that would have been plenty. Her name is Mary Mulholland, and the Dope Open, which she started in 1968, went on for 42 years and was easily the most successful charity golf tournament in the history of the State of New Jersey. It raised more than $15 million, not only for drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers but also for... Read more
This week’s reflection by Father Jonathan Morris covers the importance of serving others, of following Jesus’s example when He said, “I have come not to be served, but to serve.” Beyond that, Father Jonathan also addresses the issue of helping others because it makes us feel good. Is that a reason why we should be of service – or is it the byproduct of a deeper call inside each of us? Read more
Being a huge history buff helped author Melissa Kuch ground her debut young adult fantasy novel in reality. “The Hypothesis of Giants: Book One – The Assumption” (which I reviewed here a few months ago) doesn’t just include the angst, adventure and romance teen novels are known for; it also provides a look at the principles on which America was founded through the lens of a future in which freedom of speech and religion have been outlawed. And since American... Read more
Silence is all astronaut Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) wants since her heart and soul were destroyed following the death of her four-year-old daughter in a freak accident. Stone exists, but doesn’t live. That’s why her first mission to space seems to be ideal. She’s surrounded by the peace and silence she craves – except for the playful chatter of her crewmate, veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney), who’s commanding his last mission. During a spacewalk in which Stone is... Read more
When Dan LaHood was in second grade at St. John Baptist De La Salle grammar school in Chillum, Maryland, God was already planting seeds for his future. Dan’s teacher chose him to be the companion of a student named Danny Alexander, who had muscular dystrophy. Though Dan was supposed to be Danny’s helper, the opposite happened. During a recent interview on “Christopher Closeup,” Dan recalled, “This kid was so independent, so tough, so resilient, so fast on his crutches. He... Read more
The following is the text of the Christopher News Note “Seeing Christ in Others.” If you’d like a pdf or hard copy, see the end of this post: “No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us.” —1 John 4:12 What do you see when you look into the eyes of the homeless woman pushing a cart down the sidewalk in front of you,... Read more
This week’s video reflection from Father Jonathan Morris about being gentle and not hurting others is especially appropriate for the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, which is today October 1st. Though it was difficult, St. Therese practiced kindness toward the few Carmelite nuns in her convent, who often frustrated her or belittled her. She offered her frustrations to Jesus, and followed His way of responding to others. Father Jonathan’s video has a similar theme, so consider his insights. Read more
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