During my time as a Franciscan Friar, a priest named Fr. Stan Fortuna wrote a song called “Everybody Gotta Suffer.” Fr. Stan is very talented in his music and his ministry. The song is catchy and I often think of how he sings the word, “Everybody.” It reminds me that rich and poor alike are all on the same journey to Heaven. The song reminds us that this journey is one that passes through the gate of suffering, and no one escapes this necessary way of getting to...

This month brings with it one of the most loved and hated days of the whole year- Valentine’s Day. Of course it is a Hallmark creation that most of society eats up hook, line, and sinker, but it is a real part of our society nonetheless. There are bound to be as many sales on roses and chocolates as lists of things to do for singles and reasons to not want a relationship. Valentine’s day can draw a stark dividing line between those in love and those in want.

While it is sad that...

I will admit, I did not watch the Grammy’s last night. However as I perused Facebook news for my daily 10-minute catch-up I found out about the Queen Latifah wedding event that took place on stage.

Included in these newsfeeds were scathing articles announcing (once again) the destruction of mankind as we know it. Other people saw this as a beautiful witness to the openness of humanity and love and wanted to throw it in the face of “extremists” who don’t agree. It is...

Most marketing campaigns have what’s called a “call to action.” You’ll notice on websites trying to sell you something that there is always a button or link that says “buy it now,” “subscribe,” or “learn more.” A call to action is a directive from the company that is trying to get you to do something. Here’s our call to action:

Forgive someone now.

Think about someone that has offended you. It might be easy to think of this...

It seems that dating for Catholics in big cities is a frustrating and difficult experience. After living in DC for five years, and now being in NYC, I see certain common trends, and I imagine such complaints can be heard in other areas of the country as well. I’m definitely interested in finding out so please comment and respond if you have any thoughts to share after reading this article.

In my clinical work I find myself often helping young adults navigate the difficult course of...

Most people agree that pornography is not socially acceptable. No one thinks people should talk to their parents about porn or bring it up with friends. There is an inherent sense that guys probably shouldn’t talk to women about it. Sometimes there is pressure for women to accept the fact that guys watch porn, and go along with the “Everyone does it” attitude.

In their hearts though, not many women like to think about their husbands, boyfriends, or guys who might be looking...

First of all let me begin with what this article is not. It is not a response to the media distortions of the memorable interview with Pope Francis. There are enough authors out there already filling that space. I’d rather focus on what Pope Francis actually is saying to me as one of his flock, and admit that maybe there is something here to personally grow from. Second of all, this article is not advocating or in any way considering a “change of Church teaching.” If...

It’s really interesting how many people are curious about therapy over Skype and how many questions I get about it. Admittedly, it was tough at first to decide whether or not to offer video-based counseling. I had many of the same questions myself. After 8 months of providing therapy over Skype, I want to offer some of my (developing) thoughts.

First of all, the most obvious question concerns the lack of personal connection. This question goes much deeper into an issue about technology...

Everyone get ready for another Kermit Gosnell article. I know, I know, that’s so long time ago.

Let me first say – of course I think infanticide is atrocious and deserves news coverage. Jesus said very clearly what should be done with people like Gosnell; something about a boulder, a rope, and a boat. But what did he say to us? What are we to do if not just tweet? The answer lies within (your television).

After years of trying to hold off, I finally got hooked on the show The...

Integrating the field of psychology into a Catholic framework is not an easy task when you consider that the founder of the field (Freud) wrote,

“Much will be gained if we succeed in transforming hysterical misery into common unhappiness.”

Catholicism, however, is concerned with becoming human – fully human – and therefore fully alive! The end of Catholicism is happiness beyond our wildest dreams, not just “common unhappiness.” While this ultimate joy is...