Parent: “I lost it today. What can I do?”
My friend's husband had just lost his job. She herself was caring for her elderly parents. So when her son rolled his eyes at...
Pep Talks for Catholic Parents: An Introduction
When my husband heard the title of book he thought it was a great idea, until I mentioned who the author was. He...
Catechist: “I don’t know enough about this week’s topic.”
Perhaps it would be true to say, "We never will." One of the enlivening realities about our faith is that there will always be...
Catechist: “I’m discouraged. They’re not in church on Sunday.”
Often we might hear our youngsters say, "We don't go to Mass on Sunday." This challenges us to a precarious balance: to not respond...
Catechist: “I don’t know all the answers. Why did I say yes?”
A bishop new to his diocese visited the oldest priest in the the diocese and asked him, "What has helped you to stay faithful...
Parish Leader: “My home life is suffering as a result of parish ministry.”
Like the call to have a regular spiritual practice, the need to "have a life" outside of parish work is essential. It not only...
Parish Leader: “I can’t seem to find time for my own spiritual life.”
Hildegard of Bingen wrote that "there is nothing sadder than a drooping soul". What's needed is the "greening power" of prayer. As parish ministers,...
Parish leader: “I built it and they didn’t come.”
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, programs fail. Our great ideas are overlooked. What we think should matter to people doesn't. Rather than jumping to...
“Study this Catechism with Passion and Perseverance.” – Benedict XVI
BY PAT GOHN
The Youcat, or Youth Catechism, released in 2010 under Benedict XVI's pontificate, contained an emphatic message from the pope in the foreword: "Study this Catechism!...
Books We Recommend
The Wolf and the Shield by Sherry Weaver Smith (Pauline Books & Media)
In ancient Ireland, eleven-yearold Kieran struggles to find his way in...