We ended the day of my mother’s funeral looking forward to the new life ahead of us. No better tribute could be offered to such a selfless and sacrificial woman.
Faith in Focus
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Why I take my teens to Mass—even when they struggle with Catholicism
I hope their belief will deepen. And I hope that my fellow Catholics in the pews will demonstrate that the wider church wants them there too.
Posted inFaith in Focus, Politics & Society
I was at the first Earth Day. And I carry what I learned about care for creation to this day.
The first Earth Day aligned people of all political stripes and cultural backgrounds, because who wouldn’t want to conserve the environment and stop air pollution?
Posted inArts & Culture, Faith in Focus
Writing music for the women of the Passion helped me embrace the contradictions of being Catholic
The Notre Dame Folk Choir was like a family I did not want to leave behind.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
The grace of going through confirmation in college
Many young Catholics I know were compelled to be confirmed by family members who felt the sacrament was important. My situation was the opposite—I was confirmed of my own volition.
Posted inArts & Culture, Faith in Focus
Balenciaga Pope: What an A.I.-generated puffer coat reveals about Francis’ appeal
Pope Francis didn’t wear Balenciaga. I can’t imagine he ever will. But if we keep our eyes peeled, it won’t be long before we see him do something just as eye-popping to reveal once again to us the challenging, merciful love of God.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
The case against confirming baptized Christians at the Easter Vigil
To receive already baptized Christians into the church at the vigil may be well-intentioned, but liturgically speaking, it is akin to suggesting that the candidates were not actually Christians before being received into the church.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Pope Francis’ hospitalization actually gave me hope for the Catholic Church
I was pleasantly surprised to realize that amid all the polarization and turmoil found online among Catholics, we can still come together to pray for an old man who happens to be our pope.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Praying for a child who has left the faith? Join the St. Monica club.
The St. Monica Ministry is composed mostly of mothers but welcomes anyone who wishes to meet regularly to pray for people who have left the Catholic Church.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
A Prayer for Pope Francis During his Hospitalization
As Francis faces this new illness, help the doctors and nurses who care for him, help him to bear any pain with grace and help him to heal quickly.