An Increase of Faith
In today’s gospel the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. They found themselves ill equipped. While truth resonated through Jesus’s words and actions, they were asking to have what Jesus had so that they could more adequately do it.
Fixing the Scales
Most of the evil in this world can be traced back to a feeling of entitlement that lurks deep within each of us — a frantic concern for our own good that we find difficult to shake. The same instinct that compelled Eve to reach for the fruit that would give her the knowledge of good and evil still compels people to focus on what they are owed, on what they have “earned,” on what they have “coming to them.”
Social Media Strategy 101 for Your Parish Community
Good news — social media strategy for parishes does not need to be confusing! We’ve put together a simple step by step guide to follow to get you started, or restarted, on the right foot when it comes to your parish’s social media presence!
Living the Call to Discipleship
Each of us is being invited to seek those things that are of God and “compete well for the faith.” This means that we are called to persevere in living out our individual, unique vocation of service to God and the Church.
Rise, and Go to Your Father
There’s a certain respect that is shown by someone who takes the time to come to the door, ring the bell and wait to be greeted. Being willing to go through the niceties for the sake of appearances is a small act of deference on the part of the person doing the picking-up.
Tell Your Story: 65 Unique Ways to Reach Your Neighborhood
How well does your neighborhood know your parish? Do your neighbors know about the ministries you offer? If you need some help reaching out to the communities around your parish, we’ve collected 65 unique approaches to help share your story!
Where’s the Sacrifice?
The “it” never really matters much. Taking out the trash, painting the bedroom, traveling to your in-laws’ for Christmas. The heart of the matter is the sacrifice and desire. That’s what it all hangs on. Am I with a person who will sacrifice for me?
Giving Voice to Our Faith in the Public Square
Our responsibility to bring our faith into the public square is founded on the commandment that we love our neighbor as ourselves. As followers of Christ, it is our vocation to give a voice to the voiceless.
A Layperson’s Guide to Smartphone Church Photography
You don’t need to hire a professional photographer every time there’s a parish event to build a high-quality photo library for your community! Here is an easy guide for the photography layperson to capture fantastic photos for your church’s digital and print media with just your smartphone.
Humility and Stewardship
Our destination is what matters as we approach the proverbial table. Are we headed for the place of honor, expecting it to be waiting for us? Or are we making our way to the lowest place, simply thankful to be invited to the meal?
The Grace of Indelible Value
Value is assigned by the one with authority to confer it. Our value as humans is assigned by God Himself, that transcends personal preference or public opinion or any other human convention. Today’s Gospel parables have one thing in common: the intrinsic value of what was lost.
Parish Dispatch: Rev. Paul-Michael Piega, S.T.L., St. Patrick Catholic Church, Hutto, TX
We are honored to work with vibrant parishes across the United States, each one working to bring the Kingdom of God to their neighborhoods. Father Paul-Michael Piega serves at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hutto, Texas. Here he answers some questions about his special parish.