Good and gracious God, I know that life can be unpredictable. Sometimes I know what is good and right, but I don't have the courage to do it. Sometimes I am so busy with my own affairs, I forget to see the needs of people in front of me. Sometimes I am set in my own ways, and I resist growing and learning. Help me, Lord, to be open to Your will. When You prompt me to do the right thing, give me the courage to do it. When those around me need my help, give me Your heart to love them. When I'm stuck in my own ways, give me the grace to grow closer to You every day. Give me the trust and confidence of Mary. Let it be done unto me according to Your word! Amen.

From antiquity, the penitential aspect of the season of Lent was a time not only to do penance for one’s own sins, but also to pray in a special way for those who would be receiving the Sacraments at Easter. In the early days of the Church, becoming Catholic for many meant putting everything on the line - one didn’t know what one might be called on to sacrifice...

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Happy St. Joseph’s Day! Whether you celebrate by being part of a parade, watching the Chicago River dyed green, attending Mass or making a meal that includes corned-beef, cabbage and Irish soda bread or share in the food of St. Joseph’s table, these days are special. For me, it is about celebrating my dad...

Simply put, the Lenten season prepares us for the celebration of Easter, the most important day in our Christian calendar. For some it is a time of healing, an opportunity to repair their spiritual brokenness. For others it is simply a good time to cultivate their spiritual lives in a more disciplined manner...

Growing up, the season of Lent was never something I looked forward to - probably because self-denial isn’t easy to embrace. I remember one year in particular...