Unity in Families

By Lisa Janusa

A sea captain needs to have a sextant to safely steer his ship through stormy seas. Today, all families, likewise, must have a reliable tool to navigate safely through family discord.

Every family will experience challenges to peace and unity. Unity in families should mirror the unity within the Holy Trinity. Read More

Waking Up to the Ever-Present

By Charla Misse

 

I would say most people use a daily alarm for something – maybe an alarm to wake up, a reminder to take medicine or an alert to take a computer break.

As we are bombarded with increasing levels of distraction, it is easy to lose track of time, and it is easy to forget what is important. Read More

Baptism: A New Beginning in Christ

By Gavin Lewis

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) 

When you were baptized, something truly extraordinary happened. You became a new creation in Christ! Just like a butterfly emerges from a chrysalis, baptism marks the moment you began a brand new journey with Jesus. Read More

To 360 or not to 360

By Kim Roberts

Technology can be extremely helpful in day-to-day activities. I mean, who doesn’t use at least one App at least once a day?

Whether it’s to get from one location to another, to find a recipe, cruise social media or order from Amazon, we are a society that has become used to the comfort and ease that technology provides. Read More

Discernment Questions for Parents

By Phillip Garside

It is the parent’s charism to signify the paternal image of God in this world. The

way our children regard us as parents speaks to the way we are sculpting that image.

 

Some simple questions about our parental methodologies that take the Imago Dei into

account can help us grow as parents and grow in how we understand ourselves as

children of God.

 

How do we want to be regarded by God? Read More

Old-Fashioned Charm

By Stacy LaMorte

When was the last time you received a handwritten letter in the mail? Not just a greeting card that was signed by the sender, but a real, bona fide note or letter the way we used to write them to a pen pal or someone we love?

It sounds so old-fashioned, but I encourage you to send one soon. Read More

Couples benefit from joint decision-making

By Ty Salvant

Derrick and I have hosted families and individuals in the past. I didn’t ask the first time, which led to a lengthy discussion on couple decision-making.

We have compassion for large families, and we practice stewardship regularly. There is a collective “we” when I share how I accomplish tasks, write blogs or participate in organizations. Derrick is my partner, assisting in many of those tasks. Read More

Let God help you win the game of life

By Vivian Marino

What if I told you that we were going to play a game, and that the name of the game is life? Not Life as in the board game we all know, but instead the real-life game.

This game has three simple rules, but do not confuse simple with easy.

The first rule – When playing, you must walk by faith and not by sight. Unlike the board game of Life, there is no clear road map; you are basically playing blindly. Read More

Receive The Peace of Metanoia in Stillness with Jesus

By Gina Sternfels

My baby is off to college. Yes, he is an 18-year-old, 6-foot 2-inch son who is always my baby!  He towers over me, but that sweet face with big eyes and a radiant smile is still the little one in my arms.

He prayed about where to go and finally narrowed down the nationwide colleges to Ave Maria in Florida. In planning to get him there, I thought we would all move him in. It is not about location, but about getting your child settled in and caring for everything, so it is just right.

The realization that my husband and I could not take the time to travel and move him in was like the rug being pulled out from under me. To keep things simple, it was apparent I should stay home to care for our other son with autism to re-acquaint him with the routine as school was getting started. The little voice in my head wanted to cry and scream out loud that I was going! Read More

Behold

By Greg Zambrano

Towards the end of the Mass celebration, we hear the priest say the word “behold.” It reminds me of Ecce Agnus Dei, behold the lamb of God, and also Ecce Homo, behold the man from John 19:5 when Pontius Pilate presents Jesus after the scourging at the pilar.

The priest is giving everyone a moment to observe, cherish, glance, admire and adore our beloved king and savior. If the priest asks us to behold Christ, let us all do just that. Read More