For many years I heard phrases such as: “religious life is a higher calling than marriage” and “those who choose religious life want to live their lives entirely for the Lord.” But I rarely heard language which edified and elevated the vocation of married life. That was until I took a course with Dr. Timothy O’Malley on [...]
We frequently focus on Mary’s fiat, her courage to say ‘yes’ to God, using her example as inspiration to surrender to God’s plans, even when we cannot fully comprehend them. However, we often forget to examine the fiat of the man to whom she was betrothed. Joseph, a man of honor and integrity, discovers that his wife is [...]
Today’s Psalm, Psalm 23, is a familiar one for many Christians. The refrain, The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want, is one of the Scripture verses I have committed to memory. Perhaps, in its familiarity, I often skim it, or tune it out. But as I reflected on it more carefully, [...]
If someone were to ask me what marriage prep is/how it is typically done, I would explain that a newly engaged couple meets with a priest a few times, at least six months before the date of the wedding, and that some of these sessions will include a Pre-Cana Retreat and a FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory.However, [...]
It was a Tuesday afternoon. I was sitting in a nearly empty Church, staring at the crucifix, praying. Out of of the corner of my eye I saw two people slowly shuffling their way down the side isle. My eyes trailed away from the cross as I watched this old couple taking baby steps. It almost looked [...]
In a world of digital technology and modern medicine, the Middle Ages may seem irrelevant. However, in reading St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Hildegard of Bingen, we see that their mystical theology, which is closely linked to love, can lead one to a greater understanding the sacrament of marriage. Contrary to the hookup culture [...]
dis-cern-ment: (noun) a decision-making process that determines and honors God's will for one's lifean 11 letter word that, when spoken in the Catholic realm, often invokes a series of questions and a plethora of promised prayers For many years, I've desired marriage, motherhood. But as I've grown in my knowledge of the faith I've had [...]
The first time I remember wanting to be a mother was when I was 8 years old. It was shortly after my mom had given birth to my little brother. After holding this tiny little baby, this miracle, I knew that I wanted to be a mom. For years I took my love for children [...]
Caitlin Sica 