“Do you have the Christmas spirit yet?”
As Christmas drew near, this is the question we asked one another as children. The “Christmas spirit” was something tangible and unmistakable: we knew if we had it or if we didn’t. Mounting excitement at the immanent arrival of Santa Claus and his sack of toys? Okay, yes, perhaps. But there was more to it. Read more
“Okay, people. Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Santa’s coming to town!” said the store manager. “Santa?! Here?!”, yelled Buddy enthusiastically. “I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!!”
If you haven’t seen the movie Elf, consider doing so. It’s one of my favorites this time of year. But what does this have to do with what we are soon to celebrate? Read more
This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: Archbishop Pierre’s message on Young Adults; Myths about your deaf parishioners; Breaking Down Racial Barriers in Detroit: inspiring VIDEO; Liturgy resource: Great is the Mystery; Transitions: New Director of the Office of Respect Life; plus this Thursday’s blog post. Read more
My wife and I had our fifth child on November 6. Well, let’s be honest: she had her and I was there in support. My daughter’s birth coincided with the presidential election and the onset of Advent, which has left me thinking about the strange Biblical intersection of babies and politics. So far, my reflections have led to a few reconsiderations about the birth of the One we call Messiah. Read more
This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: Ministers of Communion resource; GIVEN success; Interpreters’ needs during Mass; Transitions; plus this Thursday’s blog post. Read more
In 2002, I was employed as an emergency interviewer at an outreach center here in Baltimore. One of the first people I met was a religious sister, whom we’ll call “Mary,” who was the AIDS/HIV coordinator. Sister Mary instilled in me a culture of encounter, the importance of being compassionate to people no matter their condition or situation, and the need to meet them where they are. Read more
This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: New Auxiliary Bishops for Baltimore; GIVEN; Young adult ministry forum; plus this Thursday’s blog post. Read more
It is the first week of Advent and we are preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ, who is Emmanuel (God with us). It is a time of preparation and a time for joy as we remember the birth of our Savior, treasure His presence in our lives, and anticipate His coming again. Read more