Empathy describes our ability to connect emotionally with the suffering of others, as Christ connected emotionally with our suffering in original sin. This virtue flows directly from the virtue of charity, and growth in charity will enable growth in empathy.
Hello Families, It is not only individuals who need reassurance about God’s love and protection. Communities need this reassurance as well, including the community of the family. Children rely on the confidence of their parents for this assurance. Parents can help the entire family’s growth in trust and confidence in God by witnessing ways in…
Piety is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and is related to the virtue of justice. St. Thomas Aquinas writes, “Piety denotes the reverence which we give to our faith and to our country. And since God is the Father of all, the worship of God is also called piety…therefore the gift…
In the Roman Rite, bishops extend their hands over confirmandi, praying that they will be given “a spirit of right judgment and courage.” This invocation echoes countless passages of sacred Scripture extolling the virtue of courage. “Be strong and courageous in your hearts, all you who place your hope in the Lord,” says Psalm 31:25.…
GROW AS A DISCIPLE When the needs of ministry became overwhelming, the Apostles did not say they would sleep less or pray less in order to have more time to serve others. Instead, they appointed leaders from the community to help so they could continue to devote themselves to prayer and preaching. This reminds me…
Do you have a heart for helping children discover the joy of Jesus? The Faith Formation office is looking for a Vacation Bible School Coordinator to prepare & guide this summer’s program (June 22-26) starting around May. This role works closely with the Faith Formation staff and includes organizing materials, supporting volunteers, and helping create…
GROW AS A DISCIPLE In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” In Matthew 23:3-5, Jesus says, “Do and observe all things whatsoever [the scribes and Pharisees] tell you, but do not follow their example. For they…