As I was walking through Hobby Lobby last week to buy material to make a gift, I was struck by the number of cute little plaques with words on them – tons of displays for any occasion – teacher gifts, inspirational Bible verses, kitchen signs, man-cave signs – words for everyone.They also had the material to… [Read More]
Corpus Christi Procession: “Where the Body is, there the eagles will be gathered together” (Part 4)
“Where the Body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” (Lk. 17:37 RSV) This scripture is also found in Matthew 24:28. This scripture is taken from the Revised Standard Version Bible which is the bible translation used for the Catechism of the Catholic Church since the New American Bible uses the word “vultures” instead… [Read More]
A Mexican Demon Named Charlie
The recent trending hashtag #charliecharliechallenge has been shown to a lot of teens and tweens recently through social media like Twitter and YouTube videos. In this game, you cross two pencils and put yes and no on a paper, then ask “Charlie” a question and wait to see if the pencil moves to yes or… [Read More]
Corpus Christi Procession – “That Your Joy May Be Complete” (Part 3)
The Corpus Christ procession is one of those cosmic events in our lives that recalls the words of Jesus, “That your joy may be complete.” (Jn. 16:24) In the gospel Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus in procession (Lk. 19: 1-9) and this encounter fills him with an over abundance of joy. To keep… [Read More]
Welcome to the Liar’s Club
Thank you for your interest in joining the Liar’s Club. You have been approved for membership. I would introduce you to the other members, but it would take an awfully long time to meet seven billion people. Don’t worry. You don’t have to learn everyone else’s name. Just call each of us Pinocchio. I discovered… [Read More]
A Response to “Should Children Make Up Their Own Minds About Religion?”
I did not grow up in church. That surprises people who have only known me as an involved Catholic, but it’s true. My mom’s side is the Catholic side of the family, and they’re only occasional churchgoers. My dad’s side is mostly non-churchgoing, and they’re not Catholic. When I go home for Christmas, I go… [Read More]
Central Texas Storms: How to Get Help and How to Give Help
For many in central Texas, this Memorial Day did not go as planned. Many of us looking forward to spending time with friends and family, instead found ourselves texting and calling friends and family to see if they were unharmed. Severe weather – complete with deadly flash flooding and tornado activity – hit Travis and… [Read More]
Learn Scripture By Threading
Why learn scripture? The disciples in a certain sense become “drawn into intimacy with God by being immersed in the word of God. God’s word is, so to speak, the purifying bath, the creative power which changes them and makes them belong to God”. And since Christ himself is God’s Word made flesh (Jn 1:14) –… [Read More]
Corpus Christi Procession – “One Heart and Soul” (Part 2)
The upcoming, June 7, 2015, Corpus Christi procession unites the Austin, English and Spanish communities, as when the early Church was a “Community of believers [that] was of one heart and soul.” (Acts 4:32) From the very beginning the early Christians were a convergence of a trilingual culture, so public statements were often, “Written in… [Read More]
Advice for Graduating High School Students
One of the missions God is currently calling me to serve is working with graduating high school youths, and it has been an incredible blessing for me to closely journey with inspiring teens. A couple of years ago, I wrote an open letter to my graduating students, and I still stand behind it. Now, I… [Read More]
Homily on the Ascension of Our Lord
[powerpress] This homily was given by Deacon Guadalupe at St Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Austin, TX on the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord in the season of Easter. “When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It… [Read More]
Novena to the Holy Spirit for Pentecost (or any time, really)
Special Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 1 Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and kindle in us the Fire of Love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and You Shall renew the face of the earth. O God who instructs us by the light of the Holy Spirit grant us… [Read More]
Open the Door of Mercy Homily
This homily was given at St Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin on May 7, 2015 in the 4th Week of Easter. [powerpress] Pope Francis Prayer for the Jubilee of Mercy Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show… [Read More]
The First Steps on the Road (Review: “Loved As I Am”)
To love is to do what is best for the beloved. Some people are easy to love, especially when we have great affection for them besides. Some people are rather more difficult to love. Consider God’s love for us. We rejected him from the very start of humanity, and we reject him individually now, in… [Read More]
You’re Not a Bad Mom If You Spend Time with People Who Are Not Your Baby
This segment of “Bad Mom” brings us to Part Two of this three part series. (See Part One here.) Mother’s Day was yesterday, and if your guilt about not being Super Mom 24/7 kept you from enjoying your well-earned day, then please, read this post. Preferably with a coffee or piece of chocolate. You’ve earned a… [Read More]
Corpus Christi Procession – “That They May All Be One” (Part 1)
The Corpus Christi Procession in Austin, Texas, is a very special one. This year, two communities are coming together to praise and adore the Lamb of God on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. For the first time in Central Texas history, the English and Spanish Corpus Christi Processions will… [Read More]
No One is Rich with Time
There are some mornings that I find it incredibly difficult to get out a bed. In the fogginess of one early morning, lyrics from Bono singing Beautiful Day on the alarm clock unexpectedly struck my heart. “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away.” – U2 I instantly thought of the countless moments I… [Read More]
No Room at the Inn: an ongoing true story
My youngest daughter begged me to help a friend of hers whose family had no place to live. It was an emergency situation. They had tried everything. Her friend had come to her in tears- a friend who I had only ever seen smile and laugh- a kid I remembered by his radiant smile. This… [Read More]
Homily on the Works of Mercy
This homliy was given at St Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin, TX on April 30, 2015 in the fourth week of Easter [powerpress] Jesus in the priest and in the deacon as servant. Homily based on the Gospel of John 13:16-20 The Corporal Works of Mercy Feed the hungry Give drink to the thirsty Clothe… [Read More]
You’re Not a “Bad Mom” If You Don’t Breastfeed
I’ve only been a mom for about 4 months now, and I recognize that I’m definitely still in the newb phase of parenting. But these 4 months have felt like a crash course, full of guilty, stressed and confused feelings over what I should or shouldn’t be doing. In an effort to normalize these guilty… [Read More]
Global Justice – St Ignatius Martyr Parish Social Ministry Council Panel Series
The education and sophistication that I think I have goes away when I meet the human dignity of the other who brings the wisdom of life … -Barbara Budde [powerpress] Austin Catholic New Media in partnership with Saint Ignatius Parish Social Ministry Council is proud to present this new monthly series of panel discussions… [Read More]
The Water (and Blood) of Baptism
Ten years ago I took the plunge, literally. This Easter season marks ten years since I received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. What a ride it has been. When people ask me what I remember most about my baptism from ten years ago, four things come to mind: I was wet. I… [Read More]
Why Jesus Said, “I Thirst”
“I thirst” (Jn 19:28). Jesus said this on the Cross and before he gave up his spirit. This phrase reminds us of the pain and anguish he endured for our sake. It reminds us of the death of the just for the sake of the unjust. The language and wording associated with the redemption of… [Read More]
Do Catholics Need to Believe in Saint Miracles?
There are some topics in the faith that are a little confusing and even hard to believe. Saints are certainly of particular interests. We are blessed to live in the communion of saints that surrounds us to encourage and intercede for our intentions. To be a saint, a person must have completed their life on… [Read More]
“God is it!” Facing the fear of loss
Something was wrong that day. I kept thinking maybe it was the pain med I was giving him for his broken ribs making him loopy. But something was wrong and I knew it. With an anguished heart I kept walking out into the back yard and breaking down sobbing, begging God to help us. I… [Read More]
The Radio-Man, New Media & The New Man (Vatican II & Social Communication, Part II)
Social media & technology have been coming up recently in several conversations with friends of mine. The other night at a group of us were talking about youth and smart phones. I mentioned I’d been doing some substitute teaching lately, and experienced a little culture shock in seeing how nearly every high school student and… [Read More]
Pope Francis’ Holy Year of Mercy Message
Pope Francis released the Papal Bull of Indiction of the Year of Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy titled Misericordiae Vultus on Saturday April 11, 2015. [powerpress] This homily was given by Deacon Guadalupe at St Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin, TX.
Racial Justice – St Ignatius Martyr Parish Social Ministry Council Panel Series
[powerpress] Austin Catholic New Media in partnership with Saint Ignatius Parish Social Ministry Council is proud to present this new monthly series of panel discussions on the social ministries of the church. This panel was recorded and February and discusses how Catholics can work to combat racism and build a more just world. On… [Read More]
Learning to Follow (A Reflection on “The Three Parts of Dance & the Trinity”)
I’m learning to dance. I’ve always loved to dance, even since I was the little girl in shiny gold shoes tearing it up at my uncle’s wedding. True story. I did tap and ballet for about a year when I was four. Since then, it’s been all about freestyle. I have rhythm, which helps a… [Read More]
4 Irrational Fears of a Girl During Mass
Mass is a time of community, prayer, and a whole lotta holy. But sometimes my brain will not focus for the life of me. These are just a few of the things that can distract me during mass (this was pre-baby… kids add a whole new level of distraction to the list). Enjoy, and feel free… [Read More]
Divine Mercy Homily
The second Sunday of Easter is celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday. This homily was given by Deacon Guadalupe at St Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin, TX in the Octave of Easter. [powerpress] Divine Mercy Image Prayers from the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Optional Opening Prayers You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth… [Read More]
Keeping the Faith and Divine Mercy
A Mormon once approached while I was walking through my neighborhood and started talking to me about his beliefs. I always enjoy talking to people of other faiths, especially the ones convicted enough to try and teach others what they believe at random. They are no real threat to my faith, so I feel very… [Read More]
Midwifery and Hospice: Andrea’s Spirituality of Service
Seventeen years ago, my youngest daughter, Roise, (pronounced “Rose,”) was born at home, at sunrise. My dear friend, a nurse and midwife, Andrea, put her on my stomach. My baby looked up at me with frightened eyes, and said “Oh! Oh! Oh!” As her dad, who was in our bed holding me, sobbed with joy,… [Read More]
From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday: The Lord’s descent into the underworld
Our Catholic faith is incredibly rich. So instead of writing a new reflection, I’m sharing one of my favorite things to read during the Triduum. This is a from an ancient homily for Holy Saturday, date and homilist unknown. It is the Second Reading in the Office of Readings for Holy Saturday Liturgy of the Hours…. [Read More]
Caring for the Sick – St Ignatius Martyr Parish Social Ministry Council Panel Series
[powerpress] Austin Catholic New Media in partnership with Saint Ignatius Parish Social Ministry Council is proud to present this new monthly series of panel discussions on the social ministries of the church. This panel which was recorded in January discusses how the church is working to take care for the health of people in our… [Read More]
Here Comes the Judge
“We’ll take a short recess, and I’ll come back and give you my decision.” It only took Judge Wapner the convenient length of a commercial break to pass judgement back on the original version of The People’s Court. And yet we judge others even more quickly each and every day. The litigants for our first… [Read More]
Biography, Theology, and You (Review: “C.S. Lewis and the Crisis of a Christian”)
I like C.S. Lewis a lot. He wasn’t a Catholic, but he was a convert to Anglicanism, and more importantly, he was an incredible writer. I read The Chronicles of Narnia first, but when I entered adulthood, I discovered his apologetics works. I love them so much that I have reviewed most of them here… [Read More]
What My Husband Taught Me About Lent
This Lenten season is the first one Danger and I have experienced as husband and wife. We began the season as brand new parents, and didn’t spend much time discerning what our Lenten sacrifices would be, either individually and as a couple. At first, I declared I would give up Sonic for Lent. Those of you… [Read More]
Finding Jesus at a Street Retreat
In early December, thirty men in the diaconal formation program from the Diocese of Austin went on a three day street retreat based on the scripture “He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse” (Mark 6:8). The men were… [Read More]
How to Fix Infidelity
This article is a reflection on part of Mark 6 (verses 7-13 and 30-44). The first passage is the mission of the twelve given by Jesus. The second passage is the multiplication of the loaves. Not much of that is reflected on. Most of it is good to have in mind, though (context). This gospel passage… [Read More]
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