lit-seasons

saints and souls in november

Saints were people just like us who, in some way, perfected the virtues we strive for, and through their intercession we know that they are advocating for us in Heaven. Luckily you can have as many saint friends as you like for any occasion or cause ...

wishing you a happy, holy halloween

Just because some people do Halloween badly doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t wear costumes, light jack-o-lanterns, and pray for the dead like the good, holy, God-loving saints-in-training we are.

life and freedom: the feast of corpus christi and juneteenth

On this day I remember and give thanks for Jesus in the Eucharist and for the complete of the freedom given to the slaves. Jesus wants us ALL to not only be free here on Earth, but to be free from our sin and attachments to them and the things of thi...

rising from the tomb

A challenge to reflect on the spiritual tombs that we have placed ourselves in and allow ourselves to be more emotionally present and available in this Easter season to others around us.

new wine for lent?

I believe that Christ wants to give us new things, that new abundant, finest wine that we desire, but we have to make some change or effort to get rid of the old wineskins first. We have to become better receptors, even more open receptors, if we wan...

advent in the glorious mess

Many of us, whether or not we admit it, are more like the Grinch than we are Saint Nicholas. We hold on to baggage from our past, have a difficult time forgiving, and isolate ourselves from the company of others in order to hide our weaknesses. Adven...

jesus, the prince of peace, even among the diapers

The greatest consolation comes in the recognition that God can bring about something so beautiful as our soul united with Him through whatever broken mess we offer to Him, and with that consolation, we can experience a real and abiding peace.

an easter challenge to be the body of christ

Catholicism is no stranger to racism. Even though there have been countless documents, prayer services, book clubs, discussions, town halls, and other events concerned with cleansing us of this original sin, it is still prevalent in our society and w...

march madness: lent edition

With Lent upon us, many of us are fasting or making sacrifices, trying to imitate the life of Christ and bring ourselves closer to Him in the process. However, as many of us come to find, this can often feel maddening. Both March Madness and our Lent...

an unforgettable good friday

On Good Friday, beginning on Holy Thursday evening, the light fades and you are in darkness and peril. Will you even make it to the end? The light is not visible at this moment. But you have to persevere through it. Holy Saturday is a day of quiet da...

let him be crucified

The truth of the matter is that we all say those words every single day of our lives. We yell “crucify Him” when we neglect our prayer life, when we intentionally miss mass, when we push the boundaries of chastity with ourselves or with someone else,...

pick up your lenten cross and follow him

Lent is a God-given opportunity to reset goals, priorities, and ideals. Where is God asking you to pick up your Lenten cross and follow Him?

st. joseph reminds us how to dad

Joseph shows us what all fathers are called to do: be a responsible presence, protect and defend, and be in humble service to their families and all they meet.

the reality of mary's pregnancy

Mary was really, truly, humanly pregnant. She went through all of the human elements of what it means to be pregnant.

how to christmas like a christian

So, let’s say you are a Christian. Christmas is a pretty big deal, right? The birth of the savior of the world warrants some major celebration. One problem, lots of your friends, family, and even society at large love Christmas but don’t seem to care...

lean in

A poem about Lent

this triduum, where will you be?

Can any liturgy compare to the Triduum liturgies? Participating in Mass and services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil transports us to a supernatural plane. Experiencing the washing of the feet, kissing the wood of the cross, and ...

don't just die. rise.

The Resurrection is what it’s all about. The Resurrection is the linchpin, the cornerstone, the climax. As Pope Saint John Paul II said on November 30, 1986 (just four days after I was born!) “We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!” ...

2021 advent reading list for catholic millennials

Advent is a liturgical season that invites us to delve deeper into our faith as we prepare our hearts for Christmas Day. It also coincides with a time of year that is perfect for cuddling under a blanket with a warm drink and a good book. Here are so...