Cover image art: "St. Joseph and Baby Jesus" by Jason Jenicke. 

What's the first image that comes to your mind when you think about "masculinity"?

This will most likely differ drastically from person to person, and could range anywhere from images of suits, slick CEO's, and Don-Draper-types to beards, big trucks and Chuck Norris. 

In today's modern culture there seems to be a lot of conversation centered around what's been termed "toxic masculinity." This focus on what's considered...

I think it's safe to assume we all want to experience peace in our lives (and could probably use a little more of it these days).

Beyond wanting more peace, so many people have expressed to me their desire to tangibly feel loved by God - to be able to truly rest in His presence.

Our brains can make this so difficult, though! I'm sure you can relate to the following scenario: You go to prayer or attend Mass... after a little while though, you start thinking about the conversation you had with...

The month of March is designated in the U.S. as "Women's History Month" - a month-long celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of women.

Throughout her history, the Church has also celebrated and held up as examples many incredible, beautiful, passionate and holy women. Coincidentally, it is during this month that we celebrate one of the greatest "accomplishments" by any woman ever.

On March 25th, we celebrate a major feast day, the Solemnity of the Annunciation: that moment when...

"Stay quiet with God. Do not spend your time in useless chatter."
These wise words are from a sermon given by St. Charles Borromeo back in the 1500's, but I thought them a timely reminder for our present day.

There's definitely a lot of "chatter" in our modern lives - in the news, in social media, in our own heads. We're living through turbulent times, and all the change and uncertainty can amplify the "noise" of anxious ruminations, contributing to feelings of overwhelm.  

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Note: For those of you who aren't married, hang in there with me - some of this info can apply to any relationship.

Living out the sacrament of marriage in a peaceful, prosperous time can be challenging.

Living out that same sacrament during a time of pandemic, social unrest and economic uncertainty? The level of difficulty gets ratcheted up a few notches.

So how is your marriage doing?

Has the stress of the past year impacted your relationship? Have you grown in intimacy & friendship...

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone, and while you're talking and sharing your opinion or thoughts, you can tell that they aren't really listening to you? They're jumping in at every little pause or opening, waiting to give advice or explain how you're wrong...

During emotionally charged conversations, maybe you've found yourself not listening and instead creating a case in your head for why the person you're conversing with is wrong (and noting all the...

A short reflection for Epiphany, 2021. 

The year 2020 reminded us that it’s really scary to not be in control; to live in time where things can change rapidly from moment to moment.

We learned that what we take for granted now might be gone tomorrow, and that we have no way to know what will happen in our future.

With everything going on in the world right now, it can feel dark and frightening. So many people I've spoken to find themselves entering this new year with more...

“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Ph 2:5-8)

The reality of the Incarnation is one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. If we don't stammer and stutter in its recitation, stumbling over ways to think about...

We're officially heading into the last couple weeks of 2020... and I'm thinking we're all feeling ready to put this stressful year to rest.

With Christmas approaching next week though, you may be feeling as if you can't rest just yet because of all that needs to be done to prepare for the holiday.

It's important to recall simple ways we can increase peace and joy in our lives and the lives of those around us as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation: one of the most incredible events ever...

As we near the end of what has been an unpredictable and difficult year for many, it's important to recall simple ways we can increase peace and joy in our lives. In an interview from 2014, Pope Francis shared his list of 10 ways to find happiness; these guidelines are worth revisiting as we prepare for Christmas, the feast during which we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace into our world and our hearts. (These principles are based on a more...