Today the Church sets before us the witness of one of the early virgins and martyrs – St. Lucy. Many stories and legends surround this Saint, but in some way all remind us of her joyful fidelity in encounter with suffering. St. Lucy was truly “light” for others. We’ve often

Today is the Christmas play at the school where I teach, St. Richard, Swanton, Ohio. Its title is Bed, Bethlehem, and Beyond. Although the play opens with Mary and Joseph trying to find a bed for the night, the narrator reminds us that the incarnation began at the Big Bang

So a red-shirt frosh has captured the Heisman and set a new record for the books. A winner! He must be full of happiness at such recognition; Texas A&M must be rejoicing along with him. We have a winner in today’s Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent. John the

The Church celebrates three major comings of Christ during Advent: the historical coming of Jesus born 2000 years ago (Memory), the Second Coming (Majesty), and his coming in to our lives moment by moment (Mystery). There are many reminders of Jesus’ historical coming: manger scenes, Christmas trees, Christmas plays, Advent

“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways and we may walk in his paths.” — from Isaiah 2: 1-5, reading for the first Monday of Advent I am no stranger to mountains, having lived

Every year in early December there is a collection for retired religious sisters and brothers. You may wonder what we Sisters of Notre Dame—and other congregations–do when we retire. Well, we keep right on working! There’s always something to do for God! We have sisters who do prison ministry, adult

Have you ever had the thought: “I’m the only one working around here!” or “I’m the only one putting in my hours all the way!” I suspect most of us have thought this at one time or another and then dealt with the feelings that come up around that thought!

The Church devotes the month of November to remember those who have gone before us. We have prayed for all our deceased loved ones. Perhaps our thoughts were turned toward heaven more frequently in November. What do you expect when you arrive in heaven? What excites you the most through

Well, we’ve had Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I just recently learned that tomorrow is “Giving Tuesday.” Some have set aside this day to draw attention to our need to respond to the needs of those around us. Our Sister Elizabeth Maria, pastoral associate at St. Wendelin, Fostoria,

Reading the Bible may do you very little good. (Did you re-read the sentence? Did you think it was a misprint ?) Well, reading the Bible may do us very little good if we don’t put it into practice. The Bible encourages us to praise God and give thanks for