Author Archives: admin

About admin

I am a Catholic clinical psychologist with a solo practice in Omaha, NE. In the Franciscan seminary, I completed about 2/3rd of an M.Div./MA in Scripture. In my 3rd year of temporary vows, I discerned a call to the married life. My lovely wife Mary and I have a son, Michael, as well as a number of children preceding us to Heaven through miscarriages. We are delighted to be in the Omaha archdiocese and love the Heartland.

Be Here Now

Posted on December 6, 2016 by admin

“Be here now” was Fr. Dacian’s mantra. He was the director of my novitiate in the Franciscan seminary. A novitiate is a year dedicated to prayer and discernment of one’s vocation. It should be ideal for focusing on the present moment. Yet even … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic Prayer, Psychology | Comments Off

Waiting for Fire

Posted on November 29, 2016 by admin

Advent has begun. Once again, we are waiting for the light. The days have barely begun to darken, and already we’re waiting for them to lengthen and lighten. As Advent begins, the Mass readings look forward to Jesus’ return as the Light and … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Renewal | Comments Off

Radiant Femininity

Posted on November 22, 2016 by admin

On a recent retreat, I meditated on the story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. What icons of radiant femininity these women of God are! The episode (Lk 1:39-56) is familiar. Mary has just found out she will be the mother of … Continue reading →

Posted in Women's Issues | Comments Off

Real Life Is Meeting

Posted on November 15, 2016 by admin

“Real Life Is Meeting” is a line from Martin Buber’s classic theological/philosophical work I and Thou. Buber, a devout Jew, distinguishes between “I-It” relationships and “I-Thou” relationships. In “I-It” relationships, I treat the other as an object, a means to an end. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Western Culture | Comments Off

Election Reflection

Posted on November 8, 2016 by admin

In my 39 voting years, no election has inspired such controversy as this one. Conflict, anxiety, and divine reassurance came to mind on this momentous election day. Battle lines are being drawn. That line from the 1966 Buffalo Springfield classic, “For What … Continue reading →

Posted in Western Culture | Comments Off

Divorce and Other Lies

Posted on October 25, 2016 by admin

Good parents strive to be honest with their children. They want their children to know that they can trust their parents, no matter what. Yesterday, I was on Relevant Radio’s On Call show, with Wendy Wiese. A grandmother called in. Her … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Life, Marriage | Comments Off

“As Is” : The Real Deal – Part II

Posted on October 18, 2016 by admin

To be taken “as is” is an essential ingredient of counseling. Carl Rogers was a therapist known for his theory that “unconditional positive regard” is the basis of good therapy. He actually saw it as the only necessary ingredient, which isn’t so. … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology | Comments Off

“As Is”: The Real Deal – Part I

Posted on October 11, 2016 by admin

“As is”. When I see an ad for something being sold “as is”, the associations are mainly negative. The computer, car, or house is unusually low priced, yes. But the vendor knows that the item has some problems. He or she … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Change of Scenery

Posted on September 27, 2016 by admin

Everybody needs a change of scenery now and then. That’s what vacations, weekend getaways, and summer homes are all about. But God sometimes calls us to changes of scenery that also lead to changes of heart. Some time ago, an … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic Prayer | Comments Off

The Depth of the Lay Vocation

Posted on September 20, 2016 by admin

The depth of the lay vocation is like a treasure hidden in a field. It often isn’t obvious, even to the lay person him- or herself. But it’s truly there and truly precious. In comparison with the priesthood, the lay person’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Renewal, Family Life | Comments Off