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Let Me Bless You

Published January 3, 2018 • Written by Norine Shaivitz Filed Under: Blog

My five-year old has taken up a renewed interest in the Barbie movies she got when she was three. My house is filled with the sound of Barbie with her puppies or Barbie as a mermaid or Barbie in fairy wings. My little one sings along as Barbie plays a different character who is always… [Read More]

Written by Norine Shaivitz • Published January 3, 2018

Spiritual Nourishment for the Last Week of Advent

Published December 18, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog

On the last leg of this Advent journey, I’d like to share with you two little bits of spiritual nourishment that I have found really helpful along the way. We are getting closer and closer to Bethlehem now, just one week away in this shortened Advent season. Can you feel the pace picking up? The… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published December 18, 2017

The Most Important Prayer in a Cataclysmic Event (Part II)

Published December 11, 2017 • Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez Filed Under: Column, Faith

While the Act of Contrition prayer is the most important prayer for someone facing imminent death in a cataclysmic event, it is also the most important prayer for a survivor. During cataclysmic events like the current California fires, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, and the 7.1 earthquakes in Mexico, victims gather in huge numbers… [Read More]

Written by Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez • Published December 11, 2017

A Sword Pierced Her Heart

Published December 6, 2017 • Written by Norine Shaivitz Filed Under: Blog

Our Lady was sobbing. The sword had pierced her through. She wept for her son, who was going to die. We are soon to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe. But since September, I have been contemplating Holy Mother under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows. As I… [Read More]

Written by Norine Shaivitz • Published December 6, 2017

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

Tiempo para el silencio

Published December 4, 2017 • Written by Sheila Morataya Filed Under: Blog

  Ha sido un año intenso. Muchos de los que me leen dirán: “Ha sido el año más terrible de mi vida”. Otros pensaran: “¡Ha sido el mejor año para mí!” Y no faltará alguna persona que diga: “No pasó nada para mí, es como que si mi vida no avanzara y siempre fuera igual”. Hay… [Read More]

Written by Sheila Morataya • Published December 4, 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

Do You Want To Be Well?

Published November 8, 2017 • Written by Norine Shaivitz Filed Under: Blog

I have gotten a lot better at walking in my six months since the onset of vestibular neuritis. I’m out of the wheelchair, I’m caring for myself and my family again and I can drive to run all the errands I did before. Sometimes I forget I have a problem at all. But I find… [Read More]

Written by Norine Shaivitz • 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

Dios nos llama a orar

Published October 6, 2017 • Written by Sheila Morataya Filed Under: Blog

Dios nos quiere despiertos Despiertos para ver, escuchar y responder a la angustia de los hombres heridos. La tragedia por el paso del Huracán Harvey en  Texas, Houston  parece no terminar. Son miles los que ha la fecha de hoy no han podido recuperarse. Los estragos son incalculables. Nunca en la historia de Texas, como… [Read More]

Written by Sheila Morataya • Published October 6, 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

This Child is Destined

Published September 13, 2017 • Written by Norine Shaivitz Filed Under: Blog

Jesus was approaching the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, snuggled in the arms of either His mother Mary or His step-father Joseph, and the Holy Spirit was waiting, filling Simeon who had also come to the Temple that day. A not quite two-month old Jesus was presented as the law commanded (Leviticus 12:2-4), and the joy… [Read More]

Written by Norine Shaivitz • Published September 13, 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

Breath of God: an intercessory prayer for Houston

Published August 29, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

We are sitting across from one another on the floor, legs criss-crossed, knees touching. I had been worried about so many things, and though I feel peaceful now, looking at the sweetness of His face, and being strengthened by His warm, strong presence, I still hold in my lap, wrapped in my bandana, all of… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published August 29, 2017

Conviction, Belief & Stress

Published August 21, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Blog

I hope this isn’t like every other blog about stress management. Rather than practical techniques to reduce stress (which are important nonetheless), I’d like to draw attention to the longer term project that you might say awaits each of us: How do I manage myself when things get difficult? And how can I work on… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published August 21, 2017

Masculine Spirituality Thrives in Brotherhood

Published August 20, 2017 • Written by Cristóbal Almanza Filed Under: Blog

Adult men often have a difficult time making friends. It’s easy to have passive relationships with coworkers, guys at the gym, or even at church, but intentional friendship takes work. This is true for both men and women, but my focus here will be particular to men. Deep Connections Aren’t Accidental It’s easy to feel… [Read More]

Written by Cristóbal Almanza • Published August 20, 2017

Holy Things Are Veiled

Published August 16, 2017 • Written by Norine Shaivitz Filed Under: ACNM, Blog

Saint Paul speaks of shame when it comes to women covering their heads before the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:5-6), but I was brought to do so for a reason that came about earlier than the entrance of shame in the Garden. A priest on Relevant Radio said God had a very specific order when He… [Read More]

Written by Norine Shaivitz • Published August 16, 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

“I am Crowned” the Assumption and Coronation of Mary

Published August 15, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

  To me a cup was given Myrrh and mara, burning my hands Deeply I drank, losing myself in love I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lilly of the Valley From my Sun-filled body came a river of grace Tying my feet I have grown wings Radiant and chanting, I will go to… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • 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

Calling all young adults! – An invitation to sit down with our Bishops

Published August 1, 2017 • Written by Rachel Filed Under: Events, Young Adult, Youth

What are you doing next Monday evening? Young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 are invited to attend a Diocese of Austin listening session with Bishop Joe Vásquez and Bishop Danny Garcia on August 7 from 6-8 pm at St. Louis, Austin. This listening session will assist the diocese in preparation for the… [Read More]

Written by Rachel • Published August 1, 2017

I Am, not I Do

Published July 19, 2017 • Written by Norine Shaivitz Filed Under: Blog

My kids had been watching the Veggie Tales DVD “Mo and the Big Exit,” and my four-year old asked a question. I turned to the book of Exodus and began to read aloud: “Doesn’t that sound familiar?” I asked, linking the bible verses to the show. But very quickly, she lost interest and I found… [Read More]

Written by Norine Shaivitz • Published July 19, 2017

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