Every year the Church asks 1.2 billion faithful Catholics to pray, fast, and give alms more for 40 days (plus a few for the Triduum and such) to prepare for 50 days of celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.  

If you asked those 1.2 billion people which is longer, Lent or Easter, how many would realize it’s Easter?  

Seriously, if you have a family and/or are employed, you need St. Joseph!

 Two months ago, I would likely have taken one look at an article with this title and kept on scrolling.  It’s not that I was anti-St. Joseph or anything.  It’s just that I’ve never experienced “needing” anyone outside of my family to take care of my family.  These kinds of articles tend to talk about people who lived long ago, did important stuff, and are now saints we should build a devotion to.

We have entered the “joyful” week of lent!  The fourth Sunday, which in our house is affectionately called, “PINK Sunday!”  Of course, we know that it is Laetare Sunday, but I have a lot of priest friends and I am married to a deacon, and they loudly proclaim that they are wearing rose, NOT pink.  (Of course, I disagree and chalk it up to them being color blind 😊)

Intentionality!!!  What is intentionality?  According to good ole Webster, intentionality means to be deliberate or purposeful.  Thus, my challenge to you this Lenten season…Be intentional! 

card by Olivier Heitz

Tis the season we all come together around a beautifully lit tree to pray before a nativity scene. Some of us even have a family Advent wreath, sing Christmas carols and more. But it is our unique family traditions that truly imprint the magic and beauty of the season on our hearts. Our instructors share some of their treasures: live nativities, ornament exchanges, old fashioned pictures, Jesus' stocking, Christmas book a day, and more. All of these make their Christmas season a time apart from time, a moment that will remain with them forever. They invite you to start your own traditions too!

Last week’s blog was about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Specifically, how it changes us, sets us free and thus changes the world and influences our neighbors and families. Making the journey to the confessional, to seek Jesus in this beautiful and intimate sacrament is often scary and can be a bit intimidating. Today, I’m going to share some resources and ideas for helping to prepare our hearts, minds and souls to jump back into Confession. 

For most Catholics, Lent 2020 has been a Lent like no other. We have found ourselves giving up things we never thought of giving up, due to forced quarantines, lock-downs, lay-offs, and perhaps for many of our Catholic Marriage Prep couples, even wedding dates and receptions. The global pandemic, and our response to it, has made us reflect on our own mortality, our faith, and our priorities in life.