Posts by Sr. Mary Valerie Schneider

Spirituality is a way of seeing life and living it. One of many ways to see life and live it is seeing and living that is rooted in liturgy, the Mass, sacraments, and Church Year. Liturgical spirituality is based on our identity as the Body of Christ and living according to the rhythm of the…

Are you binge watching Hallmark movies? Are predictable tear-jerkers a way to relax after a day of frantic Christmas shopping? Are the movies a welcome relief from news channels? Do you find relief from Hallmark after reading the Church’s lectionary readings? What? What! In late November and some days in December the Church sets before…

Several Advent hymns use the word “Maranatha” such as “Maranatha, LordMessiah” by Kathy Powell and “Maranatha, Come” by Francis Patrick O’Brien.” Theword “Maranatha” is derived from two Aramaic words for “Lord” and “come,” thus wesing “Come, Lord Jesus.” Once you hear the refrains of these two hymns, theywill stick in your heart and humming for…

Our backyard is bordered by a wood fence and gates. Until recently the cornfield on the other side was almost hidden by prodigious growth—wild, straggly, and shamefully allowing an invasive species. After much toil and time, the undesirable parts are cleared. The corn has also been picked. No longer can the deer, as well as…

Throughout the past year we Sisters have observed 150 years of ministry in the United States. We celebrated on July 4, the actual date of our sisters’ arrival. (You can see the name of our foundress in a ledger at Ellis Island.)  Another celebration occurred on November 10, when we invited relatives, friends, benefactors, and…

You’ve probably seen Halloween decorations in stores since summer. Indoor and outdoor decorations are rivaling Christmas décor. The one-day event of October 31 has sprawled through the whole month of October. By November 1 ghosts and witches will vanish with only a trace of Halloween candy 90% off left. Yet the Church Year observes Halloween…

Want a meaningful gift for Christmas? Want to have an impact beyond Christmas Day? Today I received my Joy to the World magazine from Heifer International. I love looking for the best gifts that fit my budget and still lift people in developing countries from their poverty. It’s wonderful to look at all the good…

Since you’re reading this blog, perhaps you have some connection to the Sisters of Notre Dame. Did you know they have an associate program? (Most religious orders do.) An associate feels he or she has something of the Notre Dame charism (spirit) and could assist in the prayer and works in which the Sisters are…

My home is situated on roads lined with the most colorful trees in Whitehouse, Ohio. Looking out my window or walking or driving down the road provides a panorama of spectacular colors. But not this year. My throat doesn’t catch in an intake of surprise. Rather I feel disappointed at the drab, dry red leaves.…

We are in the midst of a Synod on Synodality. Perhaps its outcome will have far-reaching impact for Catholics around the globe. But the full effects of the synod may take years, and historians decades from now may be better equipped to report the synod’s results. The same was and is true of Vatican II.…