When I was a freshman at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, I lived in Brady Hall. I was not in the seminary at the time. I was a student working on my degree in international relations. Priesthood had not even crossed my mind. I went to Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
This Sunday’s readings bring us face to face with the challenges and storms of life and remind us of the immense power and presence of God amidst these trials. The Gospel recounts the dramatic episode of Jesus calming the storm, showing his divine authority over nature and a profound lesson about faith and trust in God.
Q) My loved one passed away, but I keep getting these “signs” that I see as being from them that let me know that they are OK. For example, I will see a cardinal (my dad always fed the cardinals outside his window), and I think that it is a sign from him. Is that OK for me to think?
The priesthood is one of three degrees of holy orders, along with the Order of Deacons and the Order of Bishops. The priest participates in the ministerial priesthood and is a co-worker with the bishop. The bishop possesses the fullness of the ministerial priesthood.
As we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Trinity May 26, I think of a priest (true story) who was presiding at Mass at his small rural church without air conditioning in the middle of a heat wave.
Q) I’ve noticed that there have been a number of “celebrity conversions” to the Catholic faith recently. These individuals seem to be getting a lot of attention from Catholics online (both positive and negative). How should we respond to these new (and well-known) brothers and sisters?
Apparitions, images of the Blessed Mother inspire devotions in our cultural communities. Honoring the Virgin Mary and seeking her intercession is an important part of being Catholic.
In early April, Pope Francis granted a plenary indulgence to all Catholics who participate in the upcoming National Eucharistic Pilgrimage or National Eucharistic Congress.
