Notes from a Friar: Life Is Like Parachuting

Jim Van Vurst, OFM January 5, 2022

Wise people—and hopefully they are people of faith—understand that human life is made up of situations beyond our control.

Faith and Family for January 9: Baptism of the Lord

Susan Hines-Brigger January 5, 2022

This week we celebrate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, who foretold of Christ’s coming, telling the people that “one mightier than I is coming.”

Saint John Neumann

Franciscan Media January 5

Saint John Neumann was the first member of his community, the Redemptorists, to profess vows in the United States. He did missionary work in Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio, and became the bishop of Philadelphia. Noted for his humility and organizational skills, he helped form the Church in the New World.

Sunday Soundbite for January 9, 2022

Greg Friedman, OFM January 5, 2022

The signs accompanying the events of Jesus’ baptism ought to tip us off that something important is happening here. The heavens opening, the voice of the Father commending his “beloved Son” to us, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, all point to a moment of revelation.

Sharing the Word for January 5, 2022

Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk January 5, 2022

There is plenty for us to be afraid of, but Jesus encourages us to trust in his power. He who can walk fearlessly over the waves of a storm can also look after us.

Beginning Again

Maureen O'Brien January 4, 2022

I hope we never forget to begin, again and again. To know, no matter what, that we are walking in love and beauty when we seek.

Seeing the ‘Motherly’ Face of God

Kathy Coffey January 4, 2022

Through Elizabeth Ann Seton, we see poignantly the motherly face of God. As St. Anselm wrote, “Christ my mother, you gather your chickens under your wings.”

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Franciscan Media January 4

Convert, wife, mother, widow, teacher, religious─Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton did it all. Yet, in many ways, she was an ordinary woman of her time who lived life in an extraordinary way.