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.
The Prayer of an Earthen Shelter
Perhaps Christ’s admonition to renounce our earthly possessions is not just about things that fill our dwellings, but anxieties, fears, expectations — these possessions we hold in our minds and cling to like a child clings to an old, smelly blanket.
Chancing the Narrow Gate
From doctors to counselors, anthropologists to schoolteachers, it seems like everyone has their own parenting style to peddle, guaranteeing it will result in a happy and well-adjusted kid. But of all the parenting approaches I’ve come across, I’ve never encountered a philosophy that rejects discipline altogether.
Using Parishioner Art on Bulletin Covers
Sean Reilly is the Director of Communications at Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights, Illinois and he’s discovered a fantastic way to connect his church’s ministries to their larger church community using original bulletin cover art each week.
A Steward’s Growing Pains
Have you ever written a check or seen the charge on the credit card machine that had far too many zeros on it for your comfort? It’s a little easier to bear when you’re forking over dollar signs for a fun vacation or even a worthy cause like your child’s education.
A Meek and Humble Heart
Jesus is the ultimate example of humility — incarnate, reliant on Mary and Joseph as an infant and child, handing himself over to be crucified, and now allowing himself to be consumed by the faithful daily, in the guise of bread and wine in the Eucharist.
Practical Ways to Recruit and Maintain Volunteers
Recruiting and maintaining a consistent volunteer corps may require some creativity. Beginning with identifying parish needs, recognizing groups and individuals available to whom you can reach out, and most importantly, helping parishioners discern how their gifts and talents can bless the Church …
The Disciple of Discipleship
What is it that you desire most? This is a powerful question that must be asked and answered if we want to avoid a haphazard, disjointed, and chaotic life. It also must be asked and answered if we claim to be a person of faith who is committed to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Caught in the Rising Action
Think of some of your favorite iconic movies. I’m not talking about the feel-good comedies or the offbeat coming-of-age flicks. I’m talking about the movies that you found had a profound impact on you or made you go “Hmmm.” I’m willing to bet that the plot of this film features some tough moments and difficult scenarios.
4 Tips to Make Your Church’s Homepage More Inviting
We hear it all the time: “When people visit our website, we want them to know that we are a welcoming and inviting community!” Our experts share 4 tips for parishes who want to create the most welcoming homepage user experience possible.