Where Service Meets the Hidden Hunger A couple Sundays ago, I was kneeling in my pew during Mass when I noticed a look on the Deacon’s face that I recognized immediately. One of our priests has been dealing with some … Continue reading →
A quiet anniversary I did not see coming I opened the bulletin to our pastor’s weekly article, and there it was, his reflections from Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Something in me tightened, the way it does when the … Continue reading →
What stirred up a blessing, law, and the heart At our last Men’s Welcome Team meeting, we looked ahead to the coming Sunday’s Gospel and talked through what we thought we already knew. Everyone in the room knew the Beatitudes, … Continue reading →
Hearing God When Movement Feels Impossible I realized during Mass that hearing and listening are not the same thing. Words often reach the ear without resistance, yet meaning asks for patience and attention before it settles into the heart. In … Continue reading →
Learning to Listen When God Comes First Last Sunday, during the Communion procession, something unexpected happened. The sound system failed, and the choir director was unable to announce the hymn. No song number was given. No page was named. For … Continue reading →
Learning to refuse temptation and reach for peace I came home from work the other day and my son met me with a sheet of paper he had put together from a prayer he found online. It had the prayer … Continue reading →
When One Small Word Carries True Belief Last Sunday I served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) at Mass and found myself paying closer attention to something more than usual. I felt my heart slow down and became … Continue reading →
Praying with John in the waiting A few Sundays ago, I sat in the pew and felt drawn into the readings in a way I did not expect. First came Isaiah, full of promise and healing. Then James spoke about … Continue reading →
How Joseph and My Dad Taught Me the Meaning of a Name The Fourth Week of Advent always feels close and tender. The candles burn a little lower. The edges of Christmas come into view. This year, the Gospel from … Continue reading →
Finding joy on Gaudete and Laetare Sundays Last Sunday, I sat in the pew with my family. The entrance procession passed by, and I saw the priest and deacon in a color we do not see every week at Mass. … Continue reading →