Sister Philomena told us, “You love Jesus as much as you love the person you love the least.” “Holy Cow!” I thought after hearing that pronouncement. The first person that came to mind was Aunt Pearl, my 90 year old aunt. She smelled like steamed cabbage, belched all the time …

Have you ever had a nickname? I have a son who is known by most of his friends as Donut. There are folks who couldn’t tell you his given name. Nicknames are expressions of endearment. Princess, Sparky, and Red tell us about unique qualities and relationships. In a way, when …

Just about any white-collar worker under the age of 40 will confess that he or she works at least sixty hours a week, goes to work early, leaves work late, and brings work home. What has happened to us? Why has the culture replaced all other values with a need …

Do you remember what your parents would say to you when you questioned why you had to do something? Their answer was swift and lethal: “Because I said so.” Somehow, we knew that response ended all arguments and pleas on our part. Our parents made it clear that there would …

“Leap and there will be a net.” This little message has resonated in my heart since I first heard it. It is as if the Holy Spirit wants it known that we should be taking risks if we really believe what we profess. Discipleship is no place for people who …

I just can’t get out of my mind a Bugs Bunny cartoon that depicts the night of the Academy Awards. Elmer Fudd stands at the podium about to announce the Oscar for “Outstanding Cartoon Character.” Bugs is sure he will win. As Elmer Fudd describes the amazing attributes of this …

Three eighth-grade girls came into my office recently and asked, “Mrs. Hunt, can we tape you as you answer our question for a religion class project?” “Sure,” I said. “What is the question?” “We want to know how to make the Mass more interesting for people our age.” Quickly, I …

In days gone by, Catholics married Catholics. That was the bottom line. In fact, most Catholics did not even attend weddings of other faiths. We were encouraged to marry Catholics, and woe to anyone if he or she fell in love with a Protestant, much less a Hindu, Muslim, or …

The tomato wars are about to begin. Hundreds of local gardeners have their starts under grow lights and can’t wait to plant their little seedlings. It isn’t sugarplums they dream of. It is big, juicy tomatoes, straight from the garden on a warm August day. The dream includes a “mater-sandwich:” …

Thousands of Catholics in our archdiocese will come to Mass on Easter Sunday. At least 40 percent of these good people haven’t been to church since Christmas. For their sake and for the sake of all of us who are so pleased to see them, I offer a few instructions …