Entries by John Romanowsky

Watch Cardinal Tagle’s Unforgetable Homily on Hope

Hope was the theme of this year’s Mid-Atlantic Congress. This theme came alive in an unforgettable way in the words of Cardinal Tagle, 32nd Archbishop of Manila in the Philippines. His “keynote homily” had the over 1,500 participants sometimes laughing, sometimes wiping away tears, as he unpacked the true meaning of Christian hope. We’re happy […]

The Choice Before Us: Safety or Health?

This post corresponds to the Mission Priority “Send” Not too long ago, I was speaking with some folks who worked at a parish. They were eager to discuss this whole evangelization thing. Suddenly, in response to what I thought was an innocent question, one of them exclaimed: “Wait a second! What if we do go out […]

Here’s to New Life Bearing Lasting Fruit in the New Year

“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 […]

Why They Leave. Why They Come Back – Survey Series #12

Corresponds to Question 19 and 20 of the survey Everyone’s faith journey is unique. But I have to confess that in one respect my own journey could not be more average: when I stopped practicing the Catholic faith it was the result of gradually drifting away. My parents took us Mass every Sunday, we dutifully “got […]

We Believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church: Why Every Head Needs a Body – Survey Series #7

Corresponds to Question 27 of the survey. We just returned from our annual visit to see my wife’s family in Spain. As she does every year, my mother-in-law brought the whole family together for lunch. (By “lunch,” I mean a feast lasting an entire Sunday afternoon.) Everyone had already visited with us individually; but make no mistake: […]

New Easter Catholics: Why Too Many Leave Too Soon and What We Can Do About It

One of the joys of Easter is witnessing the entrance of new sisters and brothers into the Catholic Church. Just like beaming newlyweds remind older married couples of when they first fell in love, these new Catholics remind us what a precious gift our Faith really is. But what happens when the celebration fades into […]