The idea of joy in suffering is a pretty tough pill to swallow. It’s one I’ve wrestled with for years because, although it’s hard to perceive light in the dense fog of trials, Jesus and the saints say it is possible. I’m challenged to search beyond formidable sadness, grief, confusion—everything …

August begins the annual ritual of children dragging their parents to the shopping mall for new clothes, backpacks and sneakers, in preparation for their return to classrooms, playgrounds and athletics fields. The nervous anticipation of going “back to school” is as common to the American experience of growing up as …

Lord our God, in your wisdom and love you surround us with the mysteries of the universe. Send your Spirit upon these students and fill them with your wisdom and blessings. Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies and draw ever closer to you, the source of all …

We’ve researched where to find birth, baptismal and death certificates, census documents and other records. Now, let’s organize the data into a genealogical timeline! WHY A FAMILY HISTORY TIMELINE? It is an important research tool that can aid in the where, when and why of our ancestors’ lives. The timeline …

For political leaders We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.

At the entrance of a parish school where I previously served as principal is a reproduction of the Renaissance artist Fra Angelico’s “The Annunciation.” In the painting, St. Gabriel comes to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce that she will give birth to the Son of the Most High and …

Q: Tell us a little bit about who you are. Where are you originally from? I was born in Cleveland and moved around often. My father was a football coach, and we lived in northern Kentucky for three years while he coached at the University of Cincinnati. After attending Ohio …

Catholic diocesan seminarians head back to campuses and classrooms in August. In some ways, they will have experiences similar to most—days busy with reading texts, attending lectures, writing papers and enjoying extracurricular activities. Additionally, Catholic seminarians are in the process of formation, as men who will serve God by serving …

What is the role of parish councils? I understand that some councils are being reorganized due to Beacons of Light. How will the new councils function? The Church recognizes the lay faithful’s vital role in assisting with their parishes’ governance, including participation in pastoral councils. This is one of many …

It is said that we should never stop learning. Every day presents us with opportunities to learn more about ourselves and the world in which we live. God also is constantly working to draw us deeper into the truth of who He is and who He created us to be. …