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This morning I read a thought-provoking blog from a well-known deacon in the Church who wrote about the challenges of Church and culture and the interwoven nature of the two. He stressed that one of the reasons he was writing on this topic was because “the younger generation is watching.” That’s a scary prospect, when…

One of the things I love about spending time with my very young grandchildren is being privy to their moments of wonder. An amazing monsignor, who spent many years as a diocesan director of religious education, recently reminded me that “children are open to wonder, and we need to capitalize on that,” sharing that a…

In light of the second annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis in 2021 and observed on the third Sunday of July, I was asked to write an article on the unique experience of senior grief. I interviewed a psychologist and family counselor who serves in a grief support program,…

One of our favorite summer dishes is ambrosia, a mixture of fruits, coconut flakes, mini marshmallows, cherries, and whipped topping. While the sugary additions diminish the healthy aspect, my sons will fight over the last bowl and have always agreed to the meaning of ambrosia as “nectar of the gods.” I’ve recently discovered that ambrosia…

All of my children were raised Catholic, went to Sunday Mass, received all their Sacraments, and were educated from K-12 in Catholic schools. And yet, when a crisis arises in their lives, they call me for prayer. Now, with families of their own, I’m not sure why they are reticent to pray. I feel like…

Years ago, during counseling for depression, my therapist brought up the topic of letting go.  I was having trouble considering the possibility of leaving my home where all my sons had been born and raised and in which the entirety of my married life had been spent. I was balking, so being a woman of profound…

I have no doubt that teachers often find themselves in a similar situation as parents when dealing with children – talking and no one is listening.  “I may as well be talking to the lizard,” my daughter-in-law is sometimes heard to say. She is in good company, not only with teachers but with the saints.…

Robert Frost, a renowned American poet, was also a teacher, so he knew what he was talking about when he said, "I am not a teacher, but an awakener." As an awakener, teachers enable students to learn information and develop critical thinking skills, hone insights, become courageous learners who are not afraid to fail, and…

Who would have thought that American icon Bob Ross, a non-imposing, encouraging television artist and TV host popular in the 80s, would be trending in 2022?  As youngsters, my older sons sat mesmerized watching “The Joy of Painting” as Bob took his brushes to a canvas and, in half an hour, had created an amazing…

Last week, as I made plans to attend yet another wake for a beloved family member, I did what most of us do in times like this. I remembered what was. I remembered times spent together, celebrations, hardships and simple quiet moments shared. I remembered her unique smile, her indomitable spirit and her joy in…