I Saw Jesus at Mass
Posted on April 11, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Mary Bruno
We all know Christ is present at Mass, but it’s quite special when we are able to see such a striking resemblance of him in the congregation.
My husband Chris and I moved to the northshore several years ago and began to notice a doting father caring for his handicapped daughter every Sunday at Mass. His care and attention captivated us both – a beautiful representation of Christ himself right there in the pew.
Confirmation is the beginning of adult faith
Posted on April 8, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Michelle Macicek
Our oldest daughter recently received the sacrament of confirmation. While there are many reasons to find joy in this, there was one I was most excited about.
When our children are baptized and receive their first Communion, we invite those present – family and friends – to write a small note of encouragement or their favorite Bible verse for them. We keep these notes in a box and planned to give them to our children to read before they make their confirmation. Read More
Holy Family Reflections
Posted on April 6, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Kim Roberts
I recently attended a Council of Catholic School Cooperative Clubs meeting at St. Clement of Rome in Metairie, and Father Andrew Rudmann, parochial vicar of the parish, addressed the group.
He captured my attention immediately with his first question, “How long do your children exist?” After a moment, everyone knew the answer, “Forever.” Read More
Prayer for the Bad Guys
Posted on April 4, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Charla Spalluto Misse
When my son was 6 years old, seemingly out of the blue, he said to me, “We need to pray for everyone, even the bad guys.”
I am always grateful when he shares his insights and teaches me things. I listen closely and think about his ideas. When I asked where he learned that, he said that he “just knew it” and went about his play. Read More
P Kid Popcorn
Posted on April 2, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Charlotte Phillips
Several months ago, when we got home from school, our oldest son asked if they could play outside and eat popcorn before starting homework. It was such a beautiful day that I couldn’t tell him no!
He went inside to pop the popcorn while his sister and brothers played. When the bowl of popcorn appeared, they all gathered under the oak tree in our front yard. My mama heart filled with joy as I watched my four beautiful children giggle and share their special snack. Read More
Let us Break Bread Together
Posted on April 1, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Sarah McDonald
Have you noticed that since the world started its assault on bread (and pasta), it seems like a sadder, angrier place?
Think about it, since the war on grain began, mortal enemies have been made of the “opposite” side of one’s ideology, and civil dialogue has become a lost art. Read More
Prayer Time
Posted on March 30, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Megan Lacourrege
Liturgy of the Hours is a form of prayer that priests and religious say daily, but anyone can choose to do it as well. There are seven different prayer times each day, using the psalms, Bible readings and more.
When I met my husband, he had been in the habit of praying vespers (evening prayer) each day around 7 pm. He invited me to join him at that time, and so vespers has been part of our evening routine for the last eight years. Read More
A Covenant of Life and Love: Why Children Should witness the sacrament of marriage
Posted on March 25, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Ana Borden
During the days prior to my sister’s and brother-in-law’s wedding, our children had many questions about the sacrament of marriage, and, of course, about their roles as ring bearers and flower girls.
We were very happy to see their excitement and, most importantly, to see them witness their stunning aunt and her groom exchange vows. Their participation in the ceremony fueled their questions about the vocation of marriage, and their presence was a testament of the beauty of ours. Read More
This Is The Day The Lord Has Made
Posted on March 23, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Kim Roberts
I was watching a documentary in January about basketball legend Kobe Bryant commemorating his life on the one-year anniversary of his tragic death.
During the documentary, several things stood out – one being the reason he changed his jersey number from 8 to 24 while playing for the Lakers.
While most of us remember Kobe’s amazing career and that he won three NBA championship titles as No. 8 and his final two wearing No. 24, he appeared in eight All-Star games with his first number and 10 with the new number. Read More
Planning Confession
Posted on March 21, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Charla Spalluto Misse
Going to confession is not “regularly recurring” on my schedule. When I go to confession, it takes a lot of planning.
Of course, it takes spiritual preparation to truly search my heart, consider the implications of my actions and thoughts and assess whether I was listening and answering God’s call. Read More
A Call Out of Comfort
Posted on March 28, 2021 Leave a Comment
By Gina Sternfels
Comfort.
Don’t we want that? The definition of comfort is a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. That sounds great, but God calls us for more.
In a Bible study this week, a friend commented on how uncomfortable the Holy Family had to be following God’s plan. I had not thought of it that way. It was not easy for them, but they said, “yes,” walking in faith and trust obeying our father. Read More