7 promises to my middle school aged daughter: I will be your friend I know, I’m your mother. And, you already have friends. But, when I’m not telling you to clean your room or reminding you to practice your french horn, I will try to show you how a real friend acts. I will look… [Read More]
An Unacceptable Compromise (Review: “Unwind”)
“Ripped from the headlines” used to be an incredibly popular slogan for movies and TV episodes. A story based on real situations rather than one pulled from a writer’s mind was intriguing and a little frightening. When I heard the premise of Unwind, the most captivating aspect was that I could see it really happening…. [Read More]
Moral Voting in Four Prayerful Steps
I am arrogant, opinionated, and rude. It has come to my attention, in this election season, that many Catholics have committed the unforgivable sin of expressing opinions that are not my own. I am infuriated that I have to write this. What is wrong with you heathens? The choice this election is as clear as… [Read More]
Tech and Catechetics
Our youth live in a world of extreme media consumption. Many of us today are never phased by the amount of time we spend staring at a screen or the amount of screens we have in front of us any given time of the day. It is unmistakable that our American culture is over-saturated with… [Read More]
Seven Big Myths About the Catholic Church – Dr Kaczor Interview
I had the opportunity to interview Ignatius Press, author Dr. Christopher Kaczor by email through the Maximus Group this week. His new book is called The Seven Big Myths about the Catholic Church. The book has been released today, Wednesday, September 26. The book is very well written and describes in detail the seven biggest misunderstandings about the… [Read More]
Taking a Spiritual Sick Day
It doesn’t happen often, but every once in a while I desire nothing more than totally collapsing onto my bed and leaving the world for no less than eight hours – no matter what time of day. I would worry that maybe I was turning away from God in those moments, by turning to escape rather… [Read More]
they trusted and you rescued them…
In my complicated life, I find it amusing that God often reminds me of His eternal truths by demonstrating them through my children. As intellectual as I might like to think I am, I have probably learned more about the love of God for his people by watching my children play, learn and live in… [Read More]
Religious and Happy About It (Review: “OyMG”)
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, ends tonight at sundown. That might not be terribly significant to readers of a Catholic blog like ACNM, but it is to me. Not only do my work responsibilities include frequent, delightful interaction with non-Catholic religious professionals, but I like knowing that other religions have non-secularized holidays, too. The… [Read More]
When Civility Is Lost
My mom, who lives in my hometown outside of the Diocese, called me last night with a church dilemma. Her dilemma is with the upcoming election, politics have become a common topic of conversation in the pews before Mass, in the parking lot after Mass, and before, during, or after almost all events. The topic… [Read More]
Wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey.
People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect. But actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it’s more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey …stuff. -The Doctor It is not exactly a statement that would make one’s heart melt, but it did for me. Actually, many of my friends are surprised… [Read More]
Taking Care of All God’s Children: The Sacred Heart Community Clinic
Talk to any volunteer, any nurse or any doctor and you’ll find out just how important the Sacred Heart Community Clinic is. Located on the Saint William Catholic Church campus, this free ‘walk in’ clinic serves the uninsured and underinsured living in Round Rock, Texas. But, in order for the Sacred Heart Clinic to continue… [Read More]
Now That Takes Brass
Last week Kathryn wrote a post about “Stop Apologizing for Your Catholic Faith“. Well last night Cardinal Dolan didn’t need to apologize as he walked into what is being called the most pro-abortion Democratic National Convention of all time and prayed openly for the protection of the unborn. What Cardinal Dolan did last night was to… [Read More]
The Divine Eccentric: Caryll Houselander
A while back, I changed the name of my personal blog to ‘The Loveliest Hour‘. I wanted the title to be more specific and meaningful. At the time, I think I envisioned myself writing great commentaries on life and politics and religion and wanted the blog title to be about more than my family. Now,… [Read More]
Thrive – Adult Education Nights
Despite seemingly endless debates and legislation on sex education, teenage pregnancy rates and the spread of STDs doesn’t seem to be getting any better. As a society, this is causing us to completely freak out about the future of the individual lives of these students as well as the future of our society as a… [Read More]
Revival of Novenas
Novena comes from the Latin “Novem” that means ‘nine’ and would have been used in everyday Roman conversation. For example, November would be referred to as the ninth month in Latin. In the Church, a novena is a devotion lasting nine straight days, which can be used to ask God for special graces. The prayers… [Read More]
A Guide Through Rough Times
When you go through a rough patch in life and someone tries to console you with the words, “All in God’s timing,” or “God’s will be done,” and similar derivatives, do you find yourself sighing? Rolling your eyes? Or feeling spiteful? Well then go to confession honey, because I’ve been there, that’s one parasite of… [Read More]
Stop Apologizing for Your Catholic Faith
I mean it. Stop it. Stop saying, “Well, you know, it’s because we’re Catholic.” I hear and see it all the time. We decide not to wear that religious necklace or that saint bracelet. We tell our kids to keep their Catholic Bibles home from summer camp. We find ourselves conveniently “busy” when a neighbor… [Read More]
Why Should I Believe?
Bewildered truth seeker: Don’t you think it’s time for the Catholic Church to give up and get with the times? I mean, your heyday has passed, your belief system is ancient, and people are leaving your church in droves.
I’m not afraid anymore…
I’ve just realized it. Just now. I’ve been sitting here at my computer, attempting to design a stunning website for a client, listening to my two little girls (ages 4 and 6) playing in the living room next to me. They’ve been playing ‘Getting Married’. This entails putting on pretend make-up, going dancing and finding… [Read More]
Overcoming Failure in Evangelization
There is nothing sadder than seeing someone turn away from Christianity, especially from the Catholic Church. It breaks my heart every time. Even more so when they are friends or family. It’s a God given right to choose not to follow Jesus, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. “If there were no God, there would… [Read More]
Finding Jesus in The Rug
Monday mornings are typically our family “recover from the weekend” cleanings. I used to have a whatever approach to schedules, but six kids no longer affords me that luxury…or penance. However you want to look at the glass… So…first thing Monday morning, we start with our usual morning cleaning which I refer to as ordered… [Read More]
Good Where We’ve Been Good Where We’re Going To
When you say yes to something you say no to something else. I learn this adage at a “Protecting Your Goals” class I had the honor of participating in last year. Whether you are addicted to volunteering or superbly balanced in your calendar-planning, this phrase is worth reflecting on. How do your time commitments reflect… [Read More]
The Gradual Road to Hell (Review: “The Screwtape Letters”)
I have finally found some paranormal romance that I like! Well, that’s not entirely true. This week’s book is about the paranormal and does contain romance, though. I will concede only one thing to Twilight and its successors in the paranormal romance genre, and I will admit to two: they’re getting girls to read, and… [Read More]
Our Church’s Curiosity
Curiosity landed early this morning on the surface of Mars. The robot, the size of a car, was launched on November 26th, 2011 with initial planning for the mission goes back at least to April 2004. This was a long time coming for engineers and scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. With no astronauts on board, no required quotations… [Read More]
Catholics Aren’t Scared
Catholics don’t run for the hills. We don’t run away and hide to give in to the spirit of fear or despair. Catholics aren’t scared. In times of war, famine, disaster, and tragedy, we Christians are not called to look away. It is our call to act in charity to protect the weak, care for… [Read More]
An Invitation
Hey you. Stop. Just stop, and pray. And especially listen. If you didn’t read the rest of this article, got off the computer, and went and just prayed, even for thirty seconds, I would praise God with great thanksgiving. But, nevertheless, I’ll keep writing, just in case you need more convincing. You see, I’ve… [Read More]
The Sister(and Brother)Hood of the Traveling Saint Medals
We didn’t expect to be friends. Eight of us. All Catholics at Baylor University. Two seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and one freshman. Our friendship was solidified over a rebellious act – staffers sneaking away on the last night of a new freshman retreat to sleep in the chapel next to the main buidling. We… [Read More]
When to Shepherd, When to be Sheep
Last Sunday’s readings were full of shepherds – bad shepherds who didn’t care for the flock, the Lord our Shepherd who would leave us wanting for nothing, God’s promise to send a good shepherd who would care for his people, and Jesus’ gaze upon the people, who moved him, because they “were like sheep without… [Read More]
No Greater Love: 3 Heroes from Aurora
When I was sixteen, I had a boyfriend. My young heart was madly in love. I had also spent some time reading the Bible, inspired by my Baptist friends. One day, I came across this verse: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 In a… [Read More]
Hollywood Never Gets It Right (Review: “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers”)
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about and discussing media lately. Aside from my recent post on media discernment, I had a lively discussion with some friends about the same subject, and there’s always another trashy TV show or a movie like Magic Mike to start a firestorm. It’s enough to make you want… [Read More]
Bring Joy to Others
Last week, Fr. Bob Scott, CSP passed away at the age of 90. A Paulist Father, Fr. Bob served in priestly ministry over 60 years. Most recently, he was active at both St. Austin’s and the University Catholic Center at The University of Texas until about a year ago. He recently served a little over… [Read More]
Thoughts are not enough in Tragedy – Pray
Life is full of many what ifs. Tragedy is something that we never want to experience and never wish it upon anyone. On the evening of July 19, 2012, many people across the country set out to watch the midnight premier of The Dark Knight Rises. Many of us have been excited for this release… [Read More]
God and the “God Particle”
News is now widespread that the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator shared by France and Switzerland, has generated a high-energy reaction which provides convincing evidence for the existence of the Higgs boson, known in contemporary circles as the “God particle”. The Higgs field is a theoretical medium that… [Read More]
Introducing 1Flesh.org
There’s a new website going around in Catholic circles that promotes chastity before marriage, natural family planning during marriage, and more. It’s called 1Flesh.org. It’s not exclusively Catholic though, as it seeks the very broad audience of those who use contraception, regardless of faith. The catch? It’s edgy. Refreshingly edgy for some, uncomfortably so for… [Read More]
Lessons from the Giving Tree and Thorns in our Side
Growing up did you ever read the Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein ? In this sad-for-a-kid-but-wonderful book, a tree and a boy become friends and the tree gives all it can to help the boy be happy. Here’s a video version if you haven’t read it, narrated by Shel). I’ve liked sappy stories my whole… [Read More]
Fly Fishers of Men
Last week, I discovered a new obsession and, in the process, learned a thing or two about the new evangelization. While the nation celebrated the Fourth of July with hotdogs and hamburgers, my Dad and I headed into the New Mexico desert to the San Juan River for our first fly fishing trip. There is,… [Read More]
Comparing Conversions
When the well-known atheist, Leah Libresco, announced her entrance into the Catholic Church’s RCIA program I was blown away, like many others. I have to admit that, after reading her posts, much of what she said went over my head. I’m not up on ‘athiest’ speak. But, I was very excited and encouraged by the prospect… [Read More]
How God Calls Us Back (Review: “Brideshead Revisited”)
Sometimes, I fail at being Catholic. As I’ve mentioned here before, I try to live my faith and usually succeed, but I am far from perfect; if anything, I am acutely aware of how imperfect I am. The one constant is that I always come back. God is loving and merciful, so he always takes… [Read More]
Crickets, Crickets Everywhere!
Did you see something move out of the corner of your eye? Well, chances are that it wasn’t just your imagination. Unless you’ve been hiding somewhere, you’ve probably noticed that our part of Texas has been overrun by crickets for the past few weeks. It’s almost to Biblical plague proportions, or at least it feels… [Read More]
St Paul & Reflections on the Fortnight
My mind and soul are often inundated with the complex issues of today. I do my best to read multiple sources and stay current, praying and meditating upon what is said. I have to be comfortable with the fact there is no easy answer, and in dialogue with family and friends (and God), I… [Read More]
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