The Synod is “intended to inspire people to dream about the church we are called to be, to make people’s hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds, to weave new and deeper relationships, to learn from one another, to build bridges, to enlighten minds, warm hearts, and restore strength to our hands for our common mission.”
Month: September 2021
The Gift and Challenge of Vincentian Imagination
We talk, perhaps too glibly, of the Vincentian charism. For a moment, I would like to reframe the conversation. Let’s talk about the Vincentian imagination!… and how it led to the “Vincentian Question.”
Lots of Words But… What’s the Issue?
I offer just two words not in any of the lists of racisim-related words… but at the heart of any discussion. Our Father! These two words, taught by Jesus himself, are key to who he is and who we are.
Why Is There So Much Hatred Today?
Recently, I prepared to lead a discussion on why there is so much hatred in our world. What follows draws heavily from Why People Hate: The Science Behind Why We Love to Hate.
Is “Our Father” a Challenging Prayer?
God willing, after all this, we will think no longer in terms of ‘them’ and ‘those’, but only ‘us’” (No. 35).
For this reason, I have wished to devote the Message for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees to the theme, Towards An Ever Wider “We”.
Catechetical Sunday – Beyond Prepping For a “Regents Exam”
Catechetical ministry is more than prepping students for the “Regents Review” of concepts they learned. It means prepping people to think and act like Christ.
Pledging a “Better Kind of Politics”?
Pope Francis calls us to “build a better kind of politics”. The USCCB suggest almost a “12 step program” for building community as envisaged when we truly commit to what we pray for in the “Our Father”.
Looking At 9/11 Through Generational Eyes
Looking At 9/11 Through Generational Eyes – While students struggle to imagine the emotions felt by those who witnessed the tragedy, however, many faculty members are struggling to forget.
Is Afghanistan a Place Far Away?
Did a question ever lead you to think more deeply? Frederic Ozanam did … and sought help to understand it at a deeper level.
Me-ism In Our World … and Church
Me-ism! A lens to understand our world, church… and the three year “synodal process” beginning October 2021.
Has Anything Changed In 20 Years?
Almost twenty years later I find myself, for different reasons, thinking anew “The world will never be the same.” The only difference is that it seems to have gotten even worse.
How a “Street Sister” Opened the Eyes of a Gifted Collegian
We are all called to fan into flame the idealism of youth. Sr. Rosalie calls us today to be mentors by our example as we walk among the least of our brothers and sisters.
Which Labor Day Are You Celebrating?
Is Labor Day the last hurrah of summer? The weekend to catch supposedly fantastic sales? A recognition of the dignity of work? It is all that and more!
Stories of Jesus’ Interruptions
Living with the Jesus of Interruptions. – How many times are you interrupted in the middle of your plans? Do you think of interruptions as annoyances … or opportunities encounter a body of Christ?
Rom 16, 13 reads: "Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother—a mother to me also." If this…
Have a blessed Holy Week!
I have never thought about the people that were named in the Gospels. I would agree that they may be…
Generally, I love the laconic nature of Mark's Gospel. The Passion narrative is very compelling in its starkness, with one…
Father John, Blessings to you as you step cautiously down that new path. Grace and Peace be with you!