COLLECTION OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS ETC.
We like numbers. In ministry and evangelization efforts, we want to see big numbers, or at least numbers that demonstrate that our hard work is paying off. The problem is, numbers are often an illusion and a temptation to pride. As we have seen through multiple studies, the numbers don’t reveal activated disciples. With 22%…
Reading 1 Jeremiah 17:5-10 Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis no longer needs the “noninvasive mechanical ventilation” he has used most nights since experiencing a breathing “crisis” Feb. 28, his doctors reported in a bulletin released by the Vatican press office March 19. “The Holy Father’s clinical condition is confirmed to be improving,” the bulletin said. In addition to…
Read More “Pope’s doctors report more improvement, but no date for his release” »
The Annunciation When Mary was asked to be the Mother of God, she must have thought of you, dear St. Joseph. I think she probably admired God’s great providence in giving her such a husband — one in whom she … Continue reading → The post The Joyful Mysteries with Saint Joseph appeared first on…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Amid widespread uncertainty and social fragmentation, Pope Francis urged young people to embrace their vocation as “pilgrims of hope,” offering their lives generously in service to others and as a response to God’s love. Every vocation in the church — to ordained ministry, consecrated life or life as a layperson —…
Read More “Pope urges young people to embrace vocation as ‘pilgrims of hope’” »
John Buralli, the seventh minister general of the Franciscans, was born at Parma in the year 1209, and he was already teaching logic there when at the age of twenty-five, he joined the Franciscans. He was sent to Paris to study and, after he had been ordained, to teach and preach in Bologna, Naples and…
Read More “Bl. John of Parma: Saint of the Day for Thursday, March 20, 2025” »
The month of March is dedicated to the Head of the Holy Family, good Saint Joseph. Rather than write something of my own for the occasion, I thought I would share a medley of offerings on today’s saint with my … Continue reading → The post A Potpourri for the Feast and the Month of…
Read More “A Potpourri for the Feast and the Month of Saint Joseph” »
Reading 1 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 The LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go, tell my servant David, ‘When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. It is he who shall build a…
Read More “Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary” »
About forty-five years ago, my mother took my sister Molly, age five, and my brother Matt, aged three, into Little Folks clothes store at the mall in Quincy, IL. When they went to the fitting room, all three of them couldn’t fit in it because it was little—Little Folks. So, Matt sat at a small…
St. Teresa of Avila, the Doctor of the Church most known for her writings on prayer, so much so that she is named The Doctor of Prayer, encourages all to have recourse to the great St. Joseph, whom she names The Master of the Interior Life. This title bears great weight, as the only other…