COLUMNS

Never forget: It's all about attitude

Sometimes the things we're told should go without saying are the things that most need to be said.

Preparation for the test

I remember the colossal relief I felt after my doctoral defense, noting that I would never have to take a test again. But of course, bigger tests awaited.

Of virtue and sin

There’s an axiom which says: “Nothing feels better than virtue.” There’s a deep truth here, but it has an underside.

Of faith and fish

For Catholics and other Christians who observe meatless Fridays, fish figure prominently, and this makes me (pardon the pun) happy as a clam.

To be in God's hands

Like most Catholics, I planned for Lent. I had my list of suggested "give ups," "to dos," goals. I like to be in control. There are aspects of this personality trait that are positive, but essentially wanting control is often a futile endeavor.

Asking, and answering, questions of faith are important steps on the journey

In my line of work, I often turn to well-known and credible research entities to get news about data related to the Church and her people.

Advance funeral planning can spare loved ones extra grief

No one expected Joe to die. Replace the name “Joe” with anyone you’ve known into that sentence. 

The lingering bonds of our most important friendships

I didn't have many friends in high school, but I did have a core group of those I considered close. At a time I didn't trust many people, they were the ones who taught me how to have faith in others, not by word, but by action.

Nothing is ever really ours

Everything is gift. That’s a principle that ultimately undergirds all spirituality, all morality and every commandment. Everything is gift. Nothing can be ultimately claimed as our own.

Confession is good for the soul

Confession is good for the soul. How profoundly true this old adage is and it is so helpful because it leads people to realize the need they have to unburden themselves from truths that can be difficult to open up about.

The sins we ignore

When I was a young woman, I saved my money from my first year of teaching and left for Ireland the following summer. Young and a bit naive, I simply purchased a one-way ticket for my lifelong dream and flew to Shannon.

Spring and Easter cleaning

A bright morning sun came shining through the patio's sliding glass door and showed me what a poor job I had done vacuuming and dusting.

Nations, like persons, must learn how to forgive

Among the many things that President Donald Trump might learn from President Abraham Lincoln is the wisdom of national forgiveness.

On a Lenten journey, love takes us though the pain

Looking back over Lents past, I have to admit my most meaningful Lenten experience happened when I spent the week before Easter in the hospital with my youngest son.

Doing violence in God's name

We still do violence and evil and justify them in God’s name. We see countless examples of this in history.


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