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Probably many of you have a sign that you know comes directly from God. Maybe it’s a butterfly that shows a deceased loved one is present. Maybe it’s a deer that reminds you of God’s great care for you. For me, it’s a heron often seen at Lial Renewal Center in Whitehouse, Ohio. Generally I…

Someone recommended a book to me that she had heard recommended by Oprah Winfrey. The title?  The Sun Does Shine. It’s written by Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent 30 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Although at first, he was justifiably angry for the blatant racism and his lawyer’s ineptness…

First Mass On May 27 Father Andrew Wellmann officiated his First Mass after the previous day’s ordination.  I can’t imagine the thoughts that went through his mind as he lifted the paten and chalice for the first time “in persona Christi.”  Were they nervous thoughts like “I hope I do this right”? Were they feelings…

Ordination Day The diocese was blessed May 26 by the ordination of three newly-minted priests. The two and one-half hour liturgy was resplendent in its beauty and symbolism. The Rite of Ordination begins with the Director of Diocesan Priestly Vocations attesting to the candidates’ worthiness. Then the candidates promise to fulfill their duties and responsibilities…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…