The feast of the Archangels, aka Michaelmas (poor Raphael and Gabriel, always overlooked — bet they wish they had swords, too), has long been a date associated with the turning of the seasons. But what good for modern Catholics? Hark, I bring glad tidings: It’s also the vigil of the vigil of the end of Summer Shipping Surcharges for certain suppliers of papist-friendly chocolate. You can thank me in a week or so. In other useful links today: How to... Read more
One of my pleasures lately has been the privilege of getting to watch bunches of priests and laypeople do the Catholic thing and do it well. It is heartening to see so many faithful people love God so fully, and put that love into action. Thus last week I found myself watching two priests do exactly the thing they needed to be to doing, mentoring a dozen or so disciples-in-formation. In the course of group conversation, Father G.* posed a... Read more
So yesterday a famous person was slated to make an appearance at the building across the street from where my kids have class. To make it more exciting, the proposed schedule was this: I drop kids off at class: 5:00 pm. Celebrity event begins: 6:00 pm. I pick up kids, u-turn, and dash down the road to religious ed which is already starting: 6:30 pm. This does not bode well. Adding to the excitement, I still haven’t checked the oil... Read more
What were the Holy Father and President Obama talking about that kept them so long? Excerpts from the long conversation . . . “I thought Americans like you come early. You say no? Okay, we sit here a while.” “I brought a game to pass the time. I show you a picture of an innocent human being, and you tell me if it’s okay to kill that one.” “No, no, let’s the play the game again. The answer to all... Read more
Some friends are lamenting the plague of poorly-behaved children at what ought to be decent restaurants. These are people who like children, but who want to eat with the sure confidence that a stranger’s fork won’t be launched across the room by the little monster making the high-pitched scream as he races through the establishment. As a parent, you don’t want to be “that family.” But we know children have free will, and that we cannot control other people, we can only... Read more
This week while the executive director of Family Honor is up at the World Meeting for Families, I’ll be getting ready for my first presentation of the new school year. Family Honor offers courses in chastity for parents and for parents-and-teens. Last year was the first year my husband and I participated as presenters, and I’m absolutely sold. As a teacher and speaker, working with Family Honor is a dream. Here’s why: Your whole team is thoroughly trained. It’s not... Read more
Imagine, just hypothetically, that you had a torn window screen. Maybe one that looked like this: Unsightly. Obviously the screen needs to be replaced. But you’re Catholic, you’re busy! And anyway, you believe mosquitoes offer a unique opportunity for redemptive suffering. What you need is a Divine Mercy window cling: And there you go, all fixed! Now the view from your bedroom window says, “We pray extra much!” instead of “We need to go to the hardware store!” ... Read more
The answer is no, and neither should any other kind of hospital. In the news right now, the ACLU is suing a Catholic hospital in Michigan for declining to sterilize a woman who is requesting a tubal ligation. Earlier this year, a Catholic hospital in California caved to ACLU pressure and decided to go ahead and sterilize a patient. The ACLU’s campaign has been building for several years, triggered by the number of mergers in which a Catholic hospital system acquired... Read more
I should probably tattoo today’s Gospel reading on the back of my hand.* I was limping through the first two readings this morning trying to drum up a little spiritual enthusiasm, and then I hit my most desperately-needed annual pep talk from Jesus there in the Gospels. It’s the Everyone’s a Critic talk. Providentially, today’s readings fell on the 16th of the month this year, which means I write about it at CatholicMom.com. An excerpt: Our Lord points out: You... Read more
A catechist wrote to me privately asking for ideas on how to invite parents to start attending Mass with their children. Below is more or less what I suggested she consider including in her talking points: 1) Compliment the parents and thank them (sincerely) for their obvious love for their children and their faith, and for the effort they are making to make it possible for their children to attend your religious education program. 2) Acknowledge that we all have... Read more
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