I go to Confession. I am not always “in great need of Confession,” as a priest once phrased it, but I have found it to be good for me. I go once a month whether I really think I need to or not, and there is always a particular routine I follow. I like routines…. [Read More]
Confession, Interrupted
The Catholic sacrament of reconciliation evokes a wild ride of emotions. Waiting in a long line outside the confessional feels like a roller coaster slowly creeping up a steep incline. You’re nervous and perhaps a little scared about what’s about to happen. But suddenly when you’re absolved of your sins you get that exhilarating rush… [Read More]
First Comes Love, Then Comes…
This past Saturday Pope Francis presided over a Mass during which several couples celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony (aka, Marriage). What made these couples “unique” according to social understanding of the Catholic faith is that all of these couples were either living together or who have had annulments. It seemed odd to the media… [Read More]
When to Receive the Anointing of the Sick
One of the seven sacraments that is the least talked about is the Anointing of the sick. The Anointing of the sick is especially intended for those who are baptized Catholic and are ill physically and/or emotionally. “It is especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by an illness.” (CCC 1511) The Priest… [Read More]
Setting Your Family Ablaze – Relationships – Part 4 of 5
Relationships must be cultivated if we are to set our families ablaze and begin to change this culture. Relationships are the third necessary piece to the puzzle of transforming our families. For them to flourish, three elements, properly understood, must consciously and actively be made present in our families through the parents. As with all… [Read More]
Don’t Let Your Children’s First Communion Be Their Last
Sometimes words just hit your heart, right where it matters. This past weekend was officially “First Communion Weekend” at our house. It’s a date we’ve had circled on the calendar for months. There were lots of preparations—the clothes, the party afterward, the invitations, the family travel schedules and, of course, the Sacramental preparation. During the… [Read More]
Confirmation is NOT Graduation: Seeing Sacraments as More Than Goals
In our lives it’s hard to measure success, or even know if we’re moving forward and growing without goals, markers and signs. In school we learned material, took a test to make sure we had comprehended and studied that material and received a grade for our efforts. As adults, we earn raises or reprimands based… [Read More]
My Top 5 Reasons to be Married
No One Wants to Get Married Anymore. Look at what our culture sees as entertaining. I know for women, it seems fun to buy clothes from certain stores, not being anchored down by a man, and having the freedom to see whoever you would like. Being independent and successful are also factors that rate a… [Read More]
Beauty of Truth Podcast – Ep 10 What makes a priest so special?
Ep 10 What makes a priest so special? Questions What makes a priest more special than any other Christians? What qualifies a man do act as Jesus? What’s the difference between a protestant pastor and Catholic priests? Catechetical Moment CCC #1566 Living the Truth How can we support the priesthood? Hosted… [Read More]
Beauty of Truth Podcast – Ep 9 What’s the meaning of Baptism?
Ep 9 What is the meaning of baptism? Questions What can physical water do for a soul? Why do Catholic baptize babies? If we are baptized, why do we need to go to confession? Catechetical Moment CCC #1279 Living the Truth How can I live out my baptism? Hosted by Casey… [Read More]
Beauty of Truth Podcast – Ep 5 Why go to confession?
Ep 5 Why go to confession? Questions What good is it to tell a man your darkest secrets in private? Why go if we have to go again later? What if I always confess the same sins? Catechetical Moment CCC #1446 Living the Truth How can I go to confession more and grow holier? Hosted by Casey Truelove and Cristobal Almanza Feedback Line Number: (512) 200-ACNM (2266) feedback@austincnm.com http://www.austincnm.com Donations button is back! Music Credits… [Read More]
Marriage & Saltwater
Catholics believe that it is impossible for people of the same sex to marry each other. This particular Church teaching is one of the most often attacked from without (and, unfortunately, dissented from within). In order to better understand this doctrine, I would like to focus on one particular aspect of this doctrine: the necessary… [Read More]
First Communion Took my Breath Away
This past weekend, my second child celebrated his First Communion. I’ve been thinking about this day for years and planning for *almost* that long (hey, party planning is my vice). To think I almost missed the big event during Mass makes me chuckle. But, more on that in just a moment. As I opened my… [Read More]
Is Your Marriage for 72 Days or 72 Years?
Let me first say I am no marriage counselor, nor do I have the world’s best marriage. I do love my husband like crazy and I think we have a good thing going. That’s really where this is coming from…my heart. This year, we celebrated 15 years of marriage and I feel like we are… [Read More]
A rose by any other name. . .
. . .would not be half as awesome as Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha. I have a confession. We’re all Catholics here so I can do that, right? When I first made the conscious decision that converting to Catholicism was what I was going to do, one of the things I was geeking out about was the… [Read More]
