Dark Devotional: When Apologetics Fail

Last updated on: May 14, 2021 at 1:16 pm By guest writer

Twenty years ago, when this tired millennium was fresh and youthful, so was I. I was a newly-wed, eager-to-please young liberal-arts-graduate-slash-oldest child starting life in a new part of the country. Obviously, a woman-child in my position would be in search of a solid identity, one that could undergird my new adult life while pleasing my parents several states away. A millennial in spirit, I began my search for self on the internet. Yahoo! promised answers, and I had questions.... Read more

Fictional Saints

Last updated on: May 12, 2021 at 8:08 am By Marybeth Bishop

Saints are dead, to begin with. They’re dead, and Catholic, and they were very, very holy. Holy enough to be determined to be in Heaven with God, and thus able to perform miracles through their intercession. But we constantly hear, “Oh, she/he’s an absolute saint!” Usually this describes someone alive, who has to put up with something—an uncooperative spouse, or many unruly children, or a particularly difficult situation. In other words, we use it to describe someone who is alive,... Read more

Dark Devotional: Where is the Good?

Last updated on: May 7, 2021 at 8:44 am By guest writer

Last week, Mary wrote about how the USCCB lobbied behind the scenes to prevent the formation of a National Suicide Hotline. The reason, if you have not followed this story, is that the bishops were concerned that such a hotline would be affirming of LGBTQ persons. To put it baldly, the USCCB opposed the establishment of a National Suicide Hotline because it might provide assistance to gay and transgender people. This is an oversimplification, but it is not inaccurate. Reflecting... Read more

Things Keeping Us Going: Bird Watching Edition

Last updated on: May 3, 2021 at 7:32 pm By Kristen Allen

I have the tremendous good fortune to work walking distance from the Charles River. Foolishly, I rarely take advantage of that. Today, though, I checked out a new path that followed a wide curve, with forest on one bank, and an urban neighborhood on the other bank. The weather was glorious, and it seems like everyone was out for a walk. Including this crew: These fluffly goslings were flanked by their parents, who were VERY vigilant to make sure I... Read more

Dark Devotional: Who Owns the Vine?

Last updated on: April 26, 2021 at 8:26 pm By Marybeth Bishop

“The sexual abuse is awful and all, but you just can’t leave! You don’t want to go to hell!” This was actually said to me when I wrote a piece about whether to stay in the church or leave when the 2018 abuse scandal broke. While the church has not taught that those outside it cannot attain Heaven since before Vatican II, this is still a common misconception. A portion of today’s gospel doesn’t help: Anyone who does not remain... Read more

Things Keeping Us Going: Bonus Long Weekend Edition

Last updated on: April 26, 2021 at 7:00 am By Kristen Allen

I’ve been working–in person, on site–since June. I took my first day off (not counting the weeks we were closed at the end of December and the end of February) this past Friday. I stuck close to home, and fell in love–with my house and yard, with my valley, with my family and friends, and with my husband–all over again. After sleeping in a bit, and enjoying our morning coffee out on the deck for the first time of the... Read more

Dark Devotional: Anointed Sheep, Shepherd and Queen

Last updated on: April 20, 2021 at 3:53 pm By guest writer

The parable of the Good Shepherd . . . This is a familiar one, especially for those of us who spend time in a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd “atrium,” that specially-prepared space where we gather with even the youngest children to “listen to God,” reflecting on Scripture together and “working with” materials that aid in that reflection. One of the most treasured materials in that atrium space is the sheepfold, wherein we slowly proclaim this parable of the... Read more

Things Keeping Us Going: Vaccinated Edition

Last updated on: April 19, 2021 at 9:34 am By Kristen Allen

I got my second shot on Saturday morning at Gillette Stadium, where the New England Patriots football and New England Revolution soccer teams play. The clinic is set up in one of the luxury club levels. It was kind of cool to see where the folks who DEFINITELY have better paying jobs than I have get to watch the games. Since all of my trips to Gillette have been in nosebleed seats or working in a concession stand, this was... Read more

Dark Devotional: Of False Ghosts and Real Monsters

Last updated on: April 16, 2021 at 8:34 am By guest writer

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see... Read more

Things Keeping Us Going: Squeezed All the Juice Out of The Weekend Edition

Last updated on: April 12, 2021 at 5:22 pm By Kristen Allen

I almost forgot to write a post for today! This weekend was jam-packed with joyful moments: I had Zoom meetings with Mary, and with two nifty poets. I played with the World’s Best Baby. I puttered in my garden. (EVERYTHING is starting to bloom!!!!) I saw my Other Favorite Cousins (they’re ALL my favorite) for the first time in almost a year. I made her squeal with glee when I gave her a pot of “wild” violets that originated in... Read more