When Evangelism is Offensive
I'm still mulling over a treadmill "conference" I had with a dear friend this morning at the gym. This particular person is very religious, but not Christian. My friend shared the recent experience of being invited to a "dedication" (Baptism type ceremony) for a friend's newborn child. The ceremony occurred within the context of the regular Sunday church service at a large, local, non-denominational Christian church in my hometown. Many friends of the baby were invited to attend -- several … [Read More...]
Learning to Live from Someone Who Has Died – Zach Sobiech
This video has been making the rounds since the world said goodbye to Zach Sobiech on May 20th. Gone too soon, but having touched so many in immeasurable ways, Zach tells us in his own words in this video about living life to its fullest. Please take 22 minutes today and watch this video. Then get busy living. Today. About the Video: Zach Sobiech is a 17 year old diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. With only months to live, Zach turned to music to say goodbye. Zach … [Read More...]
The Great Gatsby: Four Faith Takeaways
With the most sincere of apologies to my AP English teacher Brother Aquinas, I never read The Great Gatsby. And owing to old age, any knowledge that I had of the plot from my perusal of the Cliff Notes version has been lost through the years. So I went into today's viewing of Baz Luhrmann's take on this classic work of American literature with very little bias. I've never even seen Francis Ford Coppola's 70's version with Robert Redford. The closest interaction I've had with the iconic work is … [Read More...]
Real Men Pray the Rosary: 33 Day Rosary Challenge
Editor's note: While we're already well into the month of May, it's not too late to jump on board with this wonderful prayer initiative! I thank David Calvillo, author of Real Men Pray the Rosary: A Practical Guide to a Powerful Prayer, for sharing the following. LMH Real Men Pray the Rosary: 33 Day Rosary Challenge “The Rosary is for old ladies and funerals.” Yes, I was one of THOSE people. I thought I was way too cool and sophisticated to pray the Rosary. I was a man. Despite being … [Read More...]
Pope Francis to “Unlock” Pontifical Mission Societies’ “Missio” App
From the Catholic geek files news desk comes the exciting update that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, will engage in a historic moment on Friday when he activates a brand new smartphone app called "Missio". I'll share the full press release below, but just have to say that this is a fascinating development in the New Evangelization. Having recently had the opportunity to attend and speak at the National Meeting for Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, I truly feel a part of their … [Read More...]
Space Oddity – May God’s Love Be with You!
If you haven't seen it yet, you simply must take five minutes and enjoy "Space Oddity", the amazing video recently released by Astronaut Chris Hadfield performing David Bowie's classic "Space Oddity" shot entirely in the International Space Station. By the time you read this, it's fairly certain that the video will have been viewed over 8 million times on Youtube. As someone with wanderlust, I dream about one day having Hadfield's view of God's majesty on display. It's so easy when … [Read More...]
Does God Exist, Does Brandon Vogt Ever Sleep and Other Strange Notions
Although it's been widely covered across the Catholic blogosphere, the launch of the amazing new site Strange Notions has me starry-eyed. Here's the fantastic trailer for the site: Gorgeous, compelling, provoking - right?! But that video is only a tiny hint at what's contained within the virtual walls of Brandon Vogt's new masterpiece. From the site's About page comes the answer to the question "What is StrangeNotions.com?" StrangeNotions.com is the central place of dialogue between … [Read More...]
Tell Me about Your Favorite “Social Media Priests and Deacons”
OK team - I'm back again looking for your help! To help me with a special presentation I'm working on, please name your favorite "Social Media Priests and Deacons" - not just the "superstars", but especially links to everyday pastors and associates who "get" using these tools to support the work they do in their parishes. Thanks in advance for your help! … [Read More...]
Liguori Publications Announces New Publisher and New President
As one who has greatly enjoyed the work of Liguori Publications in recent years, my heart skipped a beat when I received the following press release regardling an upcoming change in leadership. I've enjoyed a terrific working relationship with current Liguori President and Publisher Rev. Matthew Kessler. Fr. Mat offered me a few wonderful opportunities to be a part of Liguori products, and I will treasure a great visit I made last year to their Missouri headquarters. I wish Fr. Mat all the … [Read More...]
“A Taste of God’s Grace” Women’s Retreat Invites You
Need a Spiritual Boost? Ever wonder what "Grace" is all about? Consider attending “A Taste of God’s Grace”. This women's day event will feature Catholic writer, speaker and EWTN host, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, and Catholic author and CatholicMom.com contributor, Allison Gingras. The retreat will be held at the Holiday Inn, Danbury/Bethel, Ct. from 9 – 4 on Saturday, June 22nd. Visit http://tasteofgodsgrace.eventbrite.com to register or Call 508-243-1133 for more … [Read More...]
Join the Discussions of the Year of Faith
Follow Patheos
Catholic: