Category Archives: Church Renewal

The Catholic Sex Scandal: Scarred, Broken, and Chosen

Posted on July 5, 2019 by admin

A deeply troubling trend has arisen in the wake of the new wave of Catholic Church sex scandal revelations. Deeply committed Catholics, some lifelong, have begun to leave the Church. These are people deeply committed to the Eucharist and the … Continue reading →

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A New Novena to the Holy Spirit: Unleashing the Power

Posted on June 21, 2019 by admin

We recently celebrated the feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down as a mighty wind and appeared as tongues of fire over the heads of the first disciples. Forty-two years ago, I experienced my own Pentecost, referred to … Continue reading →

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Living and Active, Part I

Posted on March 28, 2017 by admin

“The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb 4:12). A client last week shared how he’s discovering the power of the word of God. A cradle Catholic, he’s experiencing new life in the Lord, as … Continue reading →

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The Power of the Holy Spirit

Posted on March 14, 2017 by admin

In a previous post, I mentioned “Alpha”. It’s a kind of “Jesus 101” evangelization course that we’re kicking off at our parish. This weekend was the Alpha retreat, which is devoted to seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. … Continue reading →

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Belong, Believe, Behave

Posted on February 7, 2017 by admin

The parish model of Catholicism, as it currently functions, is dead. We need a new paradigm. As Pope Francis has repeatedly said, the Church needs to go out into the marketplace, because increasingly, most of the people out there will not … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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Christmas Lights

Posted on December 24, 2014 by admin

On this holy eve, I wanted to offer a few reflections on how the feast of Christmas lights the world and our hearts. Christmas lights the world by warming,  by dazzling, and by conquering the darkness. Christmas warms us. A … Continue reading →

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Zeal for Souls

Posted on October 31, 2014 by admin

“Zeal for souls” is a phrase seldom heard in homilies, on retreats, or in conversations even among devout Christians. This is striking, since zeal for souls has been the force powering the lives of every canonized saint and every significant … Continue reading →

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Anxiety and Trust, Part I

Posted on October 18, 2014 by admin

Anxiety is in the air, and trust can be difficult, with fears about –  for many Catholics – the Synod on the Family. We have, in addition, Ebola, ISIS, the world economy, and the persecution of Christians abroad and –  increasingly … Continue reading →

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