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Juan the stranger

Published December 5, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

As my son-in-law swept up the toddler for her evening nap, I stepped silently out the front door for an evening walk, rosary in hand. It was dusk, and the sky was alight with rose colored clouds. Everything looked pink. As I walked, the beads slipping quietly between my fingers, I alternately poured out my… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published December 5, 2017

This Advent, Let Our Relationships Be Transformed

Published November 27, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Marriage and Love, Young Adult, Youth

The King’s Criteria        In the rhythm of this getting-back-to-normal after the long Thanksgiving holiday, if we glance up we see that Advent is just ahead. And while Thanksgiving can often bring many blessings as we enjoy time together, oftentimes relationship challenges surface as well. We speak of Advent as a time to prepare… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published November 27, 2017

Thanksgiving All Year Long! Part II

Published November 21, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith

This “Thanksgiving Day” begin with mass, thanking God for His daily blessings and favors. The Catholic Catechism explains: “Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is….The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participating in that of their Head.” (2637) Yes, let this… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published November 21, 2017

Making the Root of Holy Wisdom Our Own

Published November 13, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer, Resources, World and News, Young Adult

“…and he shall find her sitting by his gate.” You know those moments when you’ve been thinking about or reading about something, and then it happens to come up at Sunday mass? When the readings or the homily are about exactly what’s been on your mind/heart? I love when that happens! That happened to me… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published November 13, 2017

Thoughts on the “thoughts and prayers”

Published November 8, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer, Social Justice, World and News

Some people are upset about the “thoughts and prayers” response to mass shootings. I understand. I am tired of hearing that myself. It seems such a fill in the blank response; even glib and inappropriate when we all feel sickened by this cycle of seemingly endless gun violence followed by the same responses and counter… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published November 8, 2017

Angels & Dragons V: Minor Exorcisms

Published November 4, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith

With today’s increase in pagan practices such as astrology, mediums, psychic readings, cleansings, New Age religion, Reiki, magic, angel touch, witchcraft, tarot cards, séances, Ouija boards, ghost hunters, Satanic music or worship, etc., people who have participated in any of these occult practices, including Christians, may feel demonically oppressed. When combating evil spirits there are… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published November 4, 2017

Is God Punishing Us with Nuclear War and Meteors

Published October 28, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Faith

This article is a continuation of two previous articles (Is God Punishing Us with Hurricanes and Earthquakes? and Is God Punishing Us with Fires and Shootings?). The church approved private revelations of Fatima and Akita seem to disagree with the conclusions of those articles, “The Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published October 28, 2017

How to Show Gratitude to Your Guardian Angel

Published October 25, 2017 • Written by Cristóbal Almanza Filed Under: Faith

Since the moment of your conception, you are accompanied by a great spiritual being known as a guardian angel. Their mission is to guide and protect you and do everything they can to guide you to heaven. They are the faithful companions that have never left our side. It feels almost too incredible to be… [Read More]

Written by Cristóbal Almanza • Published October 25, 2017

Note to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

Published October 24, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

  I run to the place we always meet, all the way crying angry tears. In the candle light, I kneel. I cross myself.  I breathe. Breathe.  In this quiet room is my refuge, the nearness of the One I love. I know I have come close to Jesus.  I know the Eucharist is truly a beating… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published October 24, 2017

Philosophy in Catholicism and Everyday Life

Published October 20, 2017 • Written by Zachery Algaze​ Filed Under: Faith

Modern Catholicism has roots all the way back to when Jesus Christ was alive, but the ideas and values of Catholicism originated long before Jesus himself. Plato, one of the first Greek philosophers, believed in two separate worlds known as the world of being and the world of becoming. The world of becoming is where… [Read More]

Written by Zachery Algaze​ • Published October 20, 2017

I Already Love You (The False Self Part II)

Published October 16, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer, Young Adult

Since the last post seemed have struck a chord with y’all (I received quite a response!) I wanted to pick up where we left off, and give you my two best “signposts” for how to move forward in this whole allow-your-false-self-to-be-chiseled-away thing. Signpost #1: Keep your eyes fixed on our merciful, loving Father There is… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published October 16, 2017

Is God Punishing Us with Fires and Shootings? Part II

Published October 16, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Faith, World and News

This article is a continuation of “Is God Punishing Us with Hurricanes and Earthquakes?” More specifically exploring the fourth possible option mentioned in the first article if God is indeed punishing us with evil? The answer is yes and no. YES, when we die, and NO, while we are living here on earth. NO PHYSICAL… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published October 16, 2017

Carmelized Fatima Clips

Published October 10, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

During the final apparition of Fatima Mary appeared briefly in the brown habit of Carmel, or as “Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,” a silent witness to Carmelite spirituality and the order’s special and unique relationship with her. Carmel is a Marian order. Our devotion to Mary is intimate and deep. We have long considered ourselves… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published October 10, 2017

Litany of the False Self

Published October 2, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Faith, Family, Marriage and Love, Prayer, Young Adult, Youth

You know those moments at work which you wish you could take back? Where you make a mistake in front of a whole group of your coworkers and your cheeks flush and you shrink a size or two? I had a few of those moments this week. And in God’s fantastic sense of humor, on… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published October 2, 2017

Angels & Dragons IV: St. Michael’s Protection

Published September 28, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith

September 29th is the Feast Day of the Archangels. With the evil and cataclysmic events occurring in the world, surely it is time for St. Michael the Archangel to arise… “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a TIME OF DISTRESS such as has not happened… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published September 28, 2017

St. Therese Day Family Traditions

Published September 26, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Prayer, Youth

Here is how my daughters and I celebrated St. Therese day, (October 1) when they were growing up, and we still do!   After dinner on the evening of St. Therese day, we read the book God’s Little Flower, the story of St. Therese. Even after the girls were “too old” for this book, we… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published September 26, 2017

The Most Important Prayer in a Cataclysmic Event

Published September 19, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith, World and News

During a life-threatening cataclysmic event like a major hurricane, earthquake, tornado, fire, tsunami, or other disasters, our most important goal is to save our lives but most especially our souls if we are facing imminent death. To save our souls there are four ways to forgive mortal sins, but three of them will most likely… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published September 19, 2017

Holy Name of Mary (Miriam)

Published September 12, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family

[Jewish parents,] choosing a name is a big deal. A person’s name is not a mere label; it expresses the essence of its bearer. The letters that make up your name, its sound and its meaning are descriptions of your soul. Only a prophet has the vision and foresight to know which name fits the… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published September 12, 2017

Is God Punishing Us with Hurricanes and Earthquakes?

Published September 9, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Faith, World and News

We are having unprecedented hurricanes and earthquakes plus many deaths from the “destructive forces of nature.” (CCC 309)   The big questions in the back of everyone’s mind is are we at the point in the bible where it says, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published September 9, 2017

Differences Between Gifts and Charisms

Published September 6, 2017 • Written by Zachery Algaze​ Filed Under: Faith

God is definitely somebody who is very unpredictable once a person first experiences the real world, because he made all of us with gifts of course, including with all the wonderful fruits of the Holy Spirit, but how can a person tell the difference between a gift and a charism? I can say that from… [Read More]

Written by Zachery Algaze​ • Published September 6, 2017

The Crowd Mentality of Today (Conviction & Stress Part II)

Published September 4, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Prayer, Resources, Social Media and Tech, Young Adult, Youth

When I was young I had an odd, somewhat unconscious anxious habit. Someone would say, “It’s like in that movie _______, ya know?” and I would say, “Yeah,” and they’d continue with their story. The conversation kept flowing, the other thought I was in tune with them, and all was well. Except that I had… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published September 4, 2017

Angels & Dragons III: The St. Michael Relic Stone

Published September 2, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Faith

In 490 AD, through a series of miraculous events, St. Michael the Archangel indicated that he had chosen a cave in Gargano, Italy, to be a shrine in his honor.  He appeared to the local bishop, and he explained how unique and special this cave was to him, “I am the Archangel Michael, and am… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published September 2, 2017

The Immaculate Heart of Mary – The New Ark

Published August 15, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith

“Go into the ark, you and your whole family.” (Gen.7:1) This year, 2017, is the centenary year of the messages of Fatima.  On May 13, 2010 when visiting Fatima, Pope Benedict XVI said, “[May] the centenary of the apparitions HASTEN the fulfillment of the prophecy of the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” and… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published August 15, 2017

Pilgrimage to Jerusalem (Ps. 84:5)

Published August 5, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Events, Faith

“Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover.” (Lk.2:41) Jesus went on pilgrimage to the “Holy City” (Mt. 4:5) from infancy until His death.  We don’t often think of Jesus on pilgrimage to the “City of David,” (1Chron.15:1) but Jesus’ parents would make pilgrimages three times a year as God decreed,… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published August 5, 2017

Speaking ill of the dead and why we should

Published August 1, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Prayer

As we walked out of my mom’s funeral, my brother said, “Let’s talk about how Mom used to cheat at scrabble.” We chuckled. “Really,” he said. There’s a tendency to make people perfect after they die. But if we talk about their faults it keeps them human and real to us.” “Well,” I said, “She… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published August 1, 2017

A visit to St.Mary Magdalene

Published July 18, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

I have come to the top of the mountain to a place we now call, St. Baume (Holy Balm) * to visit my patroness, St.Mary Magdalene. I am not in as good a shape as I used to be. Getting myself up this mountain was not that much fun for me, plus I’m very banged… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published July 18, 2017

#CatholicConvo Through the Eyes of an Texan

Published July 13, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog, Events, Faith, Resources, Social Media and Tech, Young Adult

  “Uplifting, motivating, challenging, community, transformative.” That’s how Theresa Prudhomme, a mid 20s young professional from Katy, describes her experience of #CatholicConvo in 5 words or less.  The weekend before last, while we were all firing up the grill and making July 4th plans, Theresa joined thousands of lay leaders, religious, priests and bishops from across… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published July 13, 2017

The Brown Scapular and “The First Born” (Col. 1:15)

Published July 9, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith

July 16th is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel where the faithful have their Brown Scapulars blessed, and they are enrolled into the Order of Mount Carmel.  The feast originated when Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251 and said, “Receive my beloved son, the scapular of thy Order…. [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published July 9, 2017

July 4th is Love

Published July 4, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Social Justice

I know that today we’re supposed to think about the history of winning our independence. I do. I think that is OK. We think about freedom and the Constitution too. We are glad we don’t live somewhere there isn’t freedom. We are grateful to be Americans. We are proud of ourselves. That is cool. But… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published July 4, 2017

Summer for your Soul

Published June 26, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Prayer, Young Adult

  In the Sunday homily yesterday, the priest preached about the relationship between the body and the soul, taking this line of scripture from the Gospel reading as a starting place: “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published June 26, 2017

Pray with me: the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

Published June 19, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

  Opening Prayers for the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen. Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Thy well beloved spouse, and Queen of the Holy Rosary. Help us to… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published June 19, 2017

Diversity in Ministry Part III – Financial

Published June 19, 2017 • Written by Cristóbal Almanza Filed Under: Faith, Social Justice

In the first two posts of this series, I explored how diversity in Gifts and Age can provide a richer experience of the faith and allow parishes to better minister to the community. Christians of all denominations today tend to look for communities where they feel like they can belong to the larger group. Sometimes the neighborhoods have similarities… [Read More]

Written by Cristóbal Almanza • Published June 19, 2017

Freedom & our relationship to God: Are we galley slaves or free children?

Published June 12, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer, Young Adult

In the echoes of Trinity Sunday, I found myself thinking about how we are called to relate to this mystery that is the Triune God, and how we are made in the image of God.  The priest reflected on this during his Sunday homily, about how it’s pretty much impossible for our minds to capture how… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published June 12, 2017

A little shisha, a little Nostra Aetate, a slice of real life

Published June 6, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Church Documents, Faith

We are sitting on cushions at a low table, enjoying shisha from a shared hookah in the corner of a light, airy building in a shopping center in Central Texas. There is country music on the radio, and a minty, fruity smoke rising around us in the late afternoon sun. Frank, (or as I call… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published June 6, 2017

Strewing Flowers at the Corpus Christi Procession

Published June 4, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Events, Faith

For centuries one of the customs at Corpus Christi processions is strewing (throwing) flowers before Jesus in the monstrance to proclaim Him our King in a very special and public manner.  Many saints have written about this wonderful experience but one of the most well known is St Therese of Lisieux (Doctor of the Church),… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published June 4, 2017

It Is Finished! (Jn. 19:30)

Published May 24, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith, Family

  The fight went the distance!  Fifteen rounds of pure guts, grit, and blood!  It was a courageous nail-biting fight of perseverance and determination that left the onlookers spellbound. Those on the sidelines witnessed a tenacious battle against our oldest and unseen enemy – death.  My mom, Gloria Rodriguez age 89, passed away on May… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published May 24, 2017

Tiny Dynamine: a reflection on my mom, Delphia

Published May 23, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family

Today is my mom’s birthday. She would have been 68 today. And I feel like talking about her. She was a warrior for love, justice, and for her children. I want you to know her. I want everyone to know her. She had several names but the one she liked best, and that suited her… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published May 23, 2017

Easter Joy, Family, and Heaven

Published May 10, 2017 • Written by William Rooney Filed Under: Column, Faith

On Easter Sunday 2017 my family and I gathered at the family home to celebrate Easter by partaking in our regular Easter feast (our family does food well). My grandparents and many of my dad’s graduate students joined us for the feast.  I enjoyed getting to know some of the graduate students better during dinner… [Read More]

Written by William Rooney • Published May 10, 2017

The 7 Contemplative Gazes

Published April 23, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith

Peter constantly gazed at Our Lord but like most of us listened poorly.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains how “gazing” at Jesus is a form of contemplation by stating, “Contemplation is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus.”  (2715)  Contemplation is the highest form of worship, and it is none other than two… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published April 23, 2017

“Do you want to live?”

Published April 8, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Youth

I had had a big fight with my mom and brother. I was walking super fast across town. It was cold and I had forgotten a jacket. A car full of girls from school drove by, rolling their windows down to jeer and shout insults. I picked up a few rocks and bottles to throw… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published April 8, 2017

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