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Gianna’s Lullaby: Dedicated to a Saint who Adopted Me and My Parish
One of the most beautiful parts of our faith is knowing that we are connected with those who have gone before us even though they are no longer with us. We really can have relationships with saints, and we build them just like we do with those among the living- by spending time with them…
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Is the Church Really Where Dreams go to Die?
I’ve always had a conviction that the Catholic Church in the West isn’t relegated to the malaise it is experiencing today. I’ve always held that our tomorrows could be much better than our present if we just live out the hope that our faith inherently allows us to freely do. We are followers of Jesus,…
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How God Used My Dentist to Save My Soul
I was hurt by the Church years ago. I had no idea how to handle or work through it at the time, so I reciprocated in kind and left. I left the faith behind and spent the next few years living a spectacularly-sinful life that could give the original prodigal son a run for his…
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The Bread of Life: My First Communion Song
The Bread of Life was meant to be a short and sweet song about Communion that could be sung at Mass. Instead, it turned into a little miracle that I hope will touch your heart as much as making it fed my soul. No matter where you are in life, come to Mass and encounter…
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Parents of Wayward Kids- be Encouraged. Jesus was Full of Surprises too… Just ask Mary.
I often wonder what went through the heart and mind of Jesus while he spent time in the temple as a kid. He was just a boy, yet he was among clergy and religious leaders who were his children. He created them, he loved them, and he knew them. They may have been amazed at…
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Why is There a Different Standard for Lay Ministers Compared to Priests?
Priests are responsible for teaching us what the Church believes. They’re not responsible for telling us what they think about this or that. Fair enough, that’s what we pay them the big bucks to do. We need that objective, reasoned, neutral presence and influence that keeps us grounded in the faith. Their role is to…
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How My Love for Priests Led Me to Discern the Diaconate
Why does a half-baked musician trained in the sciences and peacebuilding want to become a deacon? I don’t know exactly, but it seems like a good fit for where my heart is at. I always had an affinity for priests, religious and lost souls. I’m blessed with a special, familial love for them that I…
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The Christian Music Industry: The Scam I used to Shipwreck my Faith
I’ve been a songwriter and composer for most of my life, and I’m remarkably blessed because of the gift of music that God gave me. I say that because music comes naturally to me, and I had very little in terms of formal training. To take it a step further, I’ve also felt obligated to…
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Is Following a Calendar the Best Way to Encounter God?
The intent of a liturgical calendar is designed to draw us into a richer, fuller walk with God and promote a sense of unity within the broader Christian universe. Yet, I often wonder if we’re selling ourselves short by focusing on a timetable instead of letting the Holy Spirit do what it wants to do…
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How Teaching Science Draws Me Closer to God
I’ve always been fascinated with science- especially natural science. Looking at the stars at night, clouds in the day, or how nature does its thing constantly reminds me that God is present and active everywhere. Yet, I frequently encounter Christians who get nervous, don’t know quite what to say, or immediately bring up controversial issues…
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The Dream Maker: Dedicated to Those who Persevere
Sometimes it takes a long time for God to make himself known to us. Sometimes we must suffer in order to enjoy the rainbows. Sometimes our tears borne from seasons of emptiness are necessary to appreciate the fullness of grace that God lavishes on us. To those of you who are in the wilderness, going…
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Remember Christmas- With an Easter Egg at the End, so Don’t Blink
Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I don’t believe for a second that it’s “just for kids”. Christmas is a celebration of the greatest gift that has been given to ALL of us, and the holiday season is the perfect time to pause and reflect on how that gift unfolds in our lives every single…