The sounds of Good Friday
It’s an image and moment of Good Friday I’ll never forget. More poignantly, it’s the sound that still resonates in my mind and heart more than a decade later. I took an extended break — longer than I...
View ArticleWhy is Easter 50 days long?
“Michael,” I shouted, “your time’s up! Come out of there!” My frustration was building as I stood in front of the inflated carnival castle filled with small children jumping and bouncing to their...
View ArticleHow a garage sale chalice and you can become new again
Imagine walking through a garage sale dotted with forgotten toys, 1980s videos, tired-looking clothing, and there — sitting between grandma’s old dishes and Tupperware — is a case containing an...
View ArticleAsh Wednesday Gospel reflection: An outward sign of our faith
A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. (Psalm 51:12) Ash Wednesday, in all its solemnity and reverence, is one of my favorite religious days. I love the humble act of...
View ArticleLiving Lent to the Fullest
Lent this year comes at the end of a long winter. The gray skies and lack of sunshine can be taxing on our spiritual and psychological health, and we may not feel motivated to enter into this holy...
View ArticleFive Individual Lenten Practices
1. Read the Bible daily. Make time every day to read a passage from Scripture. By daily immersing yourself in the stories and lessons of Scripture, you will better prepare yourself for Easter. If you...
View ArticleFive ways to celebrate the Easter season
Attend Easter Vigil Mass The Easter Vigil is the perfect celebration of Easter, starting with the beauty and silent meditation as the church is lit solely with candles. This celebration of Jesus’...
View ArticleFive Ways to Observe Holy Week
1. Attend the Chrism Mass At Mass on the morning of Holy Thursday or another day near Easter, each diocese’s bishop consecrates the Holy Chrism that will be used throughout the year. Two other oils...
View ArticleUnique Ways to Commemorate Holy Thursday & Good Friday
The Easter Triduum is the liturgical season lasting three days and commemorating the Last Supper, the Passion, and the Resurrection. Across the country, churches and individuals commemorate these holy...
View ArticleSpring cleaning your home — and your soul
It’s finally spring and with the thrill of opening the windows on that first warm day comes spring cleaning. The latest craze in organization calls for people to rid their homes of objects that don’t...
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