“25,000 Young Witnesses”
Have you ever heard 25,000 Catholic youth and their adult leaders praising God? Or bathed in the silence as they all kneel before the Most Holy Eucharist in Adoration? Read more
When Prayers Go Up, Blessings Come Down
On July 24, 1990 the Black Clergy Caucus of the United States designated November as Black Catholic History Month. In November, we celebrate the long and storied history and heritage of Black Catholics. There is one Black Catholic in particular whom we pray will be declared a saint. Her name is Mother Mary Lange. Read more
Psalm Tones
One of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had since moving to Baltimore from Indiana has been chanting Morning Prayer with a group from St. John the Evangelist in Long Green Valley (Hydes). Last winter, Msgr. Richard Cramblitt shared with me that he had a group of parishioners who prayed Morning Prayer daily in the chapel. For Lent, they hoped to begin chanting the Office. I was intrigued. Read more
Sacrament and Solidarity
The sacramental life of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, particularly the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist, gave St. Mother Teresa everything that she needed to serve the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. Read more
Atlas and Christ
A Reflection from Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, from his book, Our Grounds for Hope: Enduring Words of Comfort and Assurance
“Opposite St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York is a giant statue of Atlas, bending and groaning and grunting under the weight of the world. That is modern man! Read more
Caring for Ourselves so We May Care for Others
I have often heard that before I can care for others, I must care for myself. Another way of looking at this is that I can’t give to others what I don’t have myself. If I am to minister to others and lead them to a relationship with Christ, it is essential that I take time for my own relationship with Him. Read more
A “Me First” Mission
This blog post corresponds to the mission priority of Encounter
It’s not often in Christian theology that we hear encouragement to live “me first.” This is one of those rare exceptions.
Fear not – this is not a heretical blog post about the virtue of selfishness. It’s about one of the six core mission priorities set forth for our Be Missionary Disciples pastoral planning process, the priority of “Encounter.” Read more
A Thanksgiving Prayer
In November of 1791, Archbishop John Carroll wrote a beautiful prayer for our country. This November, as our country prepares for a transition in government, we pause for prayer. And we pause to give thanks! Let us recall the words of our first bishop and hold our country in prayer. Read more
Holy Leisure & Delighting in People
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton reflected on a moment of leisure:
“I set off into the woods and soon found an outlet in a meadow; and a chestnut tree with rich moss underneath and a warm sun overhead. Here, then, was a sweet bed. The air still, a clear blue vault above – the numberless sounds of spring melody and joy filled the air – and my heart was made to be as innocent as a human heart could be, filled with an enthusiastic love to God and admiration of His works . . . God was my father, my all. I prayed, sang hymns, cried, laughed, and talked to myself about how far He could place me above my sorrow. Then I laid still to enjoy the heavenly peace that came over my soul; and I am sure, in the two hours so enjoyed, grew ten years in the spiritual life. . .”
The Sound of Silence
I had the privilege of leading a couple of parish retreats this summer. The participants were parish volunteers from all different kinds of ministries. They gave themselves a gift of time with our Lord, and I was truly evangelized by their faith and their presence.