PERSPECTIVES
REFLECTION
How Apostles, early Christians understood the Eucharist
With interest in Bible-study groups spreading among the Protestant and Catholic churches, it is important that, along with reading and analyzing passages of Scripture, we have an understanding of the teachings of the earliest Christians taught by the Apostles.
SEMINARIAN'S DIARY
If God could make me a teacher...
It was almost 10 years ago that I walked into my classroom as a teacher for the first time. At first, I was excited to start teaching, but by the end of second period, I was thinking, "What have I gotten myself into?"
PERSPECTIVE
Darwin vs. Eden
Do you believe that the earth is flat? Do you believe the sun, planets and stars revolve around the earth? Do you believe the earth travels on the back of a turtle? Do you believe that the universe came about in six days? Do you believe humans beings were created …
SEMINARIAN'S DIARY
Taking time to figure out a vocation
When I was first accepted as a seminarian for the Albany Diocese, a priest friend gave me some of the best advice in regard to discerning the priesthood: "You're not deciding to be a priest now; rather, you're deciding if you are willing to take a year to discern that …
REFLECTION
How to grow a parish
When I think of the word "parish," the first thing that comes to mind is radishes.
REFLECTION
What's the exaltation of the cross?
Every so often, a major feast in our calendar takes precedence over our regular Sunday cycle of readings. When this happens, we have the opportunity to experience that feast that we might normally miss when it falls on a weekday.
REFLECTION
Grandma's rocking chair
"May you live to see your children's children." This blessing from our wedding 45 years ago has been fulfilled: My fifth grandchild's recent visit included taking the traditional "Grandma holding the new baby" photo. Five silver frames now hold the memories of each first embrace.
REFLECTION
Modern martyrys
When an American nun living in Brazil helped organize poor farmers who were being harassed by illegal loggers and ranchers, her opponents had a simple solution. It involved six bullets.
PERSPECTIVE
Teaching about God's gift of forgiveness
Each year, the bishops of the United States choose a catechetical theme to be introduced on Catechetical Sunday and celebrated throughout the year. This year's theme, "Teaching About God's Gift of Forgiveness," is one that each child, young person and adult needs to break open personally, embrace and live throughout …
SEMINARIAN'S DIARY
Imagination is a gift from God
Ignatian spirituality encourages us to intimately place ourselves in the mystical experience of prayer. Whether our chosen vehicle is Scripture, ritual, liturgy, formal prayer, art, icons or music, entering deeply into the experience fosters a conversation with God which forms us.
RESPECT LIFE MONTH
The truth about life
As a priest, it is always shocking to me to hear a Catholic say that he or she is pro-choice.
PERSPECTIVE
When a loved one goes to prison
When a family member, friend or loved one is jailed: • It is important for people around the inmate to respect and take care of themselves. Many times, unpleasant but real feelings of anger, betrayal, shame and embarrassment are being felt...
SEMINARIAN'S DIARY
Motherhood and priesthood
I was recently shopping for a card for my mother. I read one that was nice, but I found the last line a little disturbing. It said, "[Mom,] you are so much more than a mother to me."
VOCATION STORY
A wild and crazy journey
I am a first-generation American from the New York City area. My father was from Germany and my mother is from Cuba. While I was preparing for First Communion, I began to pay attention to the altar servers. Mass bored me and I never understood the homily.
REFLECTION
For the people who don't go to Church
Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night, wide awake for no reason, and say, "Here I am Lord...now what?"
250 X 250 AD
250 X 250 AD
Events
250 X 250 AD