Blog
Transubstantiation: A Big Change
There are certain fundamental precepts or teachings about our Catholic faith that we must know. The teaching of transubstantiation is one of them. It's a big word, with tremendous meaning and powerful implications for our life. Whenever someone complains about a...
Believe in Miracles Literally
For reflections on the gospel readings visit www.myCatholic.com. Jesus "broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to distribute. He divided the two fish among all of them and they ate until they had their fill." –Mark 6:41-42 In the Christmas season, we...
POPE FRANCIS’ 2016 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
When Pope Francis met with Vatican employees and their families, he gave them some practical suggestions that sounded exactly like New Years Resolutions. If you are having trouble setting your resolutions, get your inspiration from Pope Francis himself: “Take care of...
Too Busy for Joy?
I am not sure if you have ever been a member of a choir, but for those of you have been, you will remember that preparing for Christmas meant weeks (and hours ) of practice. My dad, at different times, was both a church organist and choir member - and I have very...
The Christmas Story and Abortion
In a recent conversation with a friend of mine who is an accountant, she lamented how this time of year is her busiest season. In contrast, my job of being a pro-life educator means year end is my slow season: people generally don’t want to hear about a negative...
Heartfelt Gratitude for the Gift of a Priest
I will never forget the heavenly joy filled my heart during a Mass at Toronto’s Holy Angels Church. My family had arranged our schedules to be at a special Mass, as Fr. Peter Gioppato, the pastor, celebrated 50 years in religious life. Fr. Gioppato has many God-given...
Is Your Life a Mess?
I do my best to read the Bible daily, turning my home page into MyCatholic.com is probably one of the best decisions I have made. It is a healthy reminder to keep the noise out of my mind first thing in the morning, turning to scripture and the beautiful reflections...
Book Review: The Defining Decade
Two winters ago I walked into an appointment for spiritual direction...and was directed to the self-help section of the book store. I had been told to buy The Defining Decade. I read it in a day and a half; it was transformative. The Defining Decade challenges...
Jubilee of Mercy in the Archdiocese of Toronto
The Jubilee of Mercy was announced by Pope Francis as a year to be lived intensely in each local Church throughout the world, allowing every person to encounter the mercy of God. The most evident sign of this pastoral care is the chance to open a Door of Mercy in...
Seven Tips for Mothers – Who are Mothering Teens+
Love conquers, transitions, love embraces change, love is challenged, love travels a journey through a variety of different circumstances, love forces us to grow. Through prayer and meditation we are given the graces to love in all circumstances. Our Lady embraces...
Confessions of an Early Advent Advocator
I love Christmas! I start my shopping in July, I plan Christmas events in September. If I could skip right over Halloween and set up my Nativity set in October, I would! (Honestly, I have actually done that last one). When they start advertising the 25 days before the...
Book Review: Stay With Me by Carolyn Astfalk
Stay with Me by Carolyn Astfalk (Full Quiver Publishing 2015) Catholic author Carolyn Astfalk celebrates the release of her novel, Stay with Me, published by Full Quiver Publishing. Billed as an “edgy Theology of the Body romance,” this book is a nice, thick read at...
Daily Take – Your weight & Your cross
Many women struggle with their weight. Often a gospel reading will appear in the daily readings that really resonates with that struggle, that cross. Have you turned to the Bible in your struggle? Which readings have helped you? Consider today's reading (below). Does...
Daily Take – Do you beg Christ?
In order to succeed in it (prayer), it should be done when we first awaken, when our whole being is calm and recollected. We need to make our meditation before anything else. ...
Movie Review – The Intern
If your planning to go see a movie, Nancy Meyers' latest movie, The Intern is a good choice. It is a fun, innocent romantic comedy with a few surprises - it's a bit like cotton candy. Although it's very pleasant escape, definitely a chic flick, there might be a few...
The Catholic Mom’s Guide to (mostly) Keeping it Together
Every autumn, Catholic moms brace themselves for the beginning of what seems like non-stop activity: kids in school, extracurricular activities, professional and volunteer commitments. As women and as moms we fill our lives with activities that put other people's...
Have trouble getting up?
"This morning I lay awake powerless to over come myself and to make my promised visit to the chapel. Then I felt prompted to pray ; I said five aspirations and rose without difficulty. How many victories I could win by this easy and powerful weapon!" Fr. William Doyle...
Book Review: Restored: True Stories Of Love And Trust After Porn
Every once in a while God urges people to do the tough stuff. Writing a blog about pornography ranks up there with the "tough stuff" for me. After the recent news of the "affair" website Ashley Madison being hacked and 40 million user's information being leaked God...
You Are BEAUTIFUL
My morning routine consists of trying on 15 outfits with none quite doing it for me- Too tight, too frumpy, too short, too long, too black, too colourful... Ladies you know how the story goes, I'm surely not the only one!! Gosh such self-loathing craziness! Today was...
Pope Francis in the USA
Tuning into the coverage of the our Holy Father's visit to the USA, has been such an incredible blessing. Moments of joy, spectacular welcoming crowds, political speeches, blessings of children, devotional prayers, homilies and an overwhelming spirit of joy...
A Family That Prays Together…
…Stays Together. That was the message of Servant of God Patrick Peyton, the founder of Holy Cross Family Ministries who was best known as the “Rosary Priest.” Just in time for the World Meeting of Families, Saint Benedict Press has released a new book chock-full...
Advice for Parents with Children Who Have Left the Church
My child has left the Church, what should I do? Why does it seem like my prayers are not answered? Those two questions are heavy in the hearts of many faithful Catholics. Fr. Thomas Grafsgaard, pastor of St. Wenceslas of Dickenson, North Dakota, made these questions...
Saint Cornelius Still at Work Centuries Later
Yesterday was the feast of Saint Cornelius. To many this is an obscure, long ago Pope they would never know of if they didn’t attend daily Mass to learn he even existed. Well for me, he is a constant prayer partner whom I happened to meet by chance after a night of...
Lessons from a Fire
One year ago, shortly after 7am, on a morning I had planned to sleep in, I was awoken by a fire. Yelling startled me awake and when I looked out my bedroom window where I used to live in Brampton, Ontario, I saw that my breathtakingly beautiful place of worship, an...