Do We Really Want To Hear?
Jesus stands before us today and eloquently details the first and second commandments. When we respond to him will he be able to affirm that we did so with understanding? Could Jesus, as he did the scribe, confidently tell us that we are not far from the Kingdom of God?
New Ways to Engage Families in Your Parish
Not only do young families bring a vibrancy to parish life, but they represent the future of the faith. Is your parish looking for ways to energize existing member families and attract new ones? Here are some ideas that can jump-start your engagement with this important demographic.
What’s in it for me?
I think we’ve all been guilty of looking at a situation and wondering what’s in it for us. Often, our first reaction to one of these requests is a heavy sigh. Sometimes it surprises us to realize that the Apostles were no different.
Blindness of Spirit
The physical healing of Bartimaeus is a powerful reminder that, when we open ourselves to God’s grace, we can be healed of that blindness of spirit that prevents us from following Jesus with freedom and joy, which is an important part of discipleship.
Top 10 Ways to Encourage Parishioners to Share their Email Address
If you don’t keep track of parishioner emails, your contact list is incomplete. Not only does email provide the parish an almost instantaneous way to connect, but it also allows you to stay in touch without the added cost of traditional mailings.
If Heaven were like Harvard
When you think about it, the virtues required to enter Heaven should be even closer within the grasp of those who never had to worry about where their food is coming from. The same is true for stewardship potential.
The Love We Are Called To
Christ did not become human to dominate others. He came to seek out the sick, the suffering, and the sinners. He came not only to instruct and heal us, but he suffered the cruelest death imaginable to open heaven to those who would believe.
How Facebook Stories Can Work for Your Parish
As Facebook and its metrics move more towards “pay for play” advertising methods, parishes without a marketing budget need to find other ways to engage and inspire followers. A great tool that you may not be using is Facebook Stories.
Therein lies the…rib
“If I were God…” is a dangerous way to start a sentence, but how many of us do this? Probably more regularly than we would like to admit. Where is the rib you are missing today? What are the opportunities God has set before you?
“Amazed, Astonished, Impossible … but …”
Many of us can resonate with the response of these disciples — ‘amazed,’ and ‘exceedingly astonished,’ or from another perspective, shocked and perplexed — because they are our very own responses today when Jesus teaches.
Tips to Keeping Your Church Office Organized
With so much to do and so little time to devote, keeping your parish office organized and up to date can be a struggle. But with a few simple tips, and easy-to-use office platforms, you can transform any chaotic office into a streamlined operation.
The Rib of Adam and the Body of Christ
Ten years ago, I wasn’t brave enough for Genesis, chapter two. A decade of marriage has shown me that this Scripture passage is not about subservience at all, but about belonging — and not just belonging within a marriage, but within the entire Body of Christ.