Memorial of Saint Joan of Arc

The cover of a spring issue of America stated “Joan of Arc slays Mark Twain.” The writer, Ted Gioia, quoted Twain as saying “Joan of Arc is my very best book.” Many literary critics are baffled by Twain’s admiration for the young woman who commanded military forces at age 17 and whose decisive battles reclaimed…

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Memorial Day — Picnic Prayer

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of traditional picnic and vacation time. The ordinary obligations of life recede, but there is never a vacation from our Christian vocation. Here are some ways to include something spiritual or religious in your picnic and travel. Pack a prayer in your picnic basket. Ask your pastor to bless…

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What Song Has Rocked Your World?

Little children repeat and repeat and repeat songs. Why? Because of the experience connected to the song. The song is fun, its words funny, it has actions easy to remember and delightful to do. Adults repeat songs, too. Is there a funeral that doesn’t sing “Amazing Grace” or “How Great Thou Art” or “On Eagle’s…

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Invitation and Command

Sometimes Jesus Christ invites us:  “Remain in my love.”  Sometimes he gives a command:  “Love one another as I love you.”  These words are from the Gospel for today’s feast, that of Saint Matthias, Apostle. Fifteen years ago today my father died. Because my father’s middle name was Matthias, the death date is easy for…

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Bringing the World into our Church Buildings

Only 1% of nones attend Mass weekly. 9% attend once a month.  When analyzing this situation, some claim the nones want identity and stability. Pope Francis’ most recent exhortation Rejoice and Be Glad claims The Beatitudes give us our identity. “Blessed are the poor in spirit. . . the peacemakers. . . those who suffer…

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May 6, Death of Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring

Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame On May 6, 1889, the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, died of tuberculosis in Cleveland, Ohio. Due to extreme heat, she needed to be buried quickly, thus not allowing more than a few Sisters to be present at her burial in a…

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The Baptismal Font is a Tomb

From the earliest years after Jesus rose from the dead, the tomb has been a symbol of the baptismal font. Just as the women carrying spices wondered how they would ever roll back the stone, the earliest Christians wondered whether they could surmount the impediments to new life in Jesus Christ. Could they roll back…

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