Praying

My mother always said, “Just think about the mysteries”

Dear Father, I generally read the obituary column in my daily newspaper. Lately I’ve noticed that in obituaries which are clearly for Catholic families, there is a decrease in the number of funeral Masses that are included as part of the…

If it’s honest work, there’s holiness to be found in any way you make a living

After years of neglect by her drug-addicted mother, the social worker finally put eight-year-old Carol, into foster care. She was adopted by a loving family, but the damage had been done. Carol was wounded at a very deep level. Racked with…

I grew up with a dad who prays the Liturgy of the Hours, and as a result, the Church’s daily pockets of prayer have always held a special attraction for me. Perhaps when I am an older woman, I will live the kind of life conducive to praying…

Dear Father, I know praying together as a couple is important to do, but my husband feels awkward about it, and honestly, I do too. How can we overcome our hesitation, and how should we start?  — Anonymous, Missouri First, thank you for…

I have a theory: God gave us cats to show us the stupid ways we act toward him, and God gave us dogs to demonstrate how he really wants us to treat him. My whole life long, I have been a cat person. I was heavily influenced by my…

“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” — Pope Benedict XVI You change into your comfortable jammies and settle yourself in the recliner. A text message lights up your phone: Your…

Get in touch with God's love and healing power through this Lenten prayer exercise

The single most powerful thing Catholic parents can do for their children is teach them to pray. Depending on the child, this may be an easy or difficult task. By teaching your children to pray, you give them the opportunity for a close…