It has been six months now since my mom’s death.  These months have been an odd blending of sorrow, celebration and deep introspection. I have found it extremely peculiar how all of these things coexist with such intensity and rise to the surface most very unexpectedly.  The one tha...
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Several months ago the department in which I work was moved to a new area in the factory. One of the many adjustments I had to make was where I would sit with my friend for breaks and lunch. I know that seems minor in comparison to the challenges we all face each day, but it was important for us to...
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I volunteer as a substitute teacher for the Religious Education program in our parish.  I never know what age group I will have until they call me to take a class. The last time I was called, it happened to be the Kindergarten class.  They were a lively bunch but well-behaved.   I no...
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In these last few months, many people in our Catholic community have experienced the pain of having personal and professional relationships strained and even torn apart by angry political discord. A friend of mine recently confided that she blocked many of her parish friends on Facebook because the...
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Every journey of discovery begins with a question.   What if the world is not flat?  Where does life begin?  How does life begin?  What is beyond a star?  What is at the depths of the ocean?  Questions have led people to explore the complexities of the universe, t...
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Ok, I will admit it; I am a Hallmark movie watcher. Many of you probably are too – but would never admit it for fear of being seen as sappy or too sentimental.  Well at Mass on New Year’s Day, a fellow Hallmark watcher stepped into the light, and I was delighted. Yes, Father fesse...
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This past fall my husband and I, and a friend, took a vacation to Philadelphia. It was our first time visiting this historic city. I will admit I prefer to stay close to home most of the time; so visiting a new, unfamiliar place always gives me a bit of anxiety, especially if it is a big city. Usua...
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“Certainly sons are a gift from the LORD, the fruit of the womb, a reward” (Psalm 127:3, NABRE)   Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated in our Diocese from Jan. 29 through Feb 4.  I was very blessed to have attended eight years of Catholic school in my small hometown.  ...
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An “epiphany” is a revealing moment that changes our perception. I have always loved the Feast of the Epiphany.  When I think of the visitors kneeling before the Christ child with their gifts, I recall my own personal epiphanies – those times in my life when I was compelled t...
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A few weeks ago my 7-year-old grandson was sick and had to miss a couple of days of school. By the time day two rolled around he was beginning to feel a little better and decided he needed a “to do” list. His mom took a picture of the list and sent it to me via text message. Among the m...
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