When I retired last July after 35 years in school chaplaincy, I was determined to spend at least the first six months “getting good and bored!” I was successful for the first three months and then, it seems, God had other plans for me. I cautiously accepted two out of three invitations I received to become involved in community once again: helping to facilitate a marvelous initiative in peer learning among a group of wise and gifted veteran school chaplains scattered across the nation, and chairing the Commission on Ministry in my diocese. My closest friends smile indulgently when I tell them how busy my life is once again, almost as if they knew I wouldn’t make it six months! Read More »

Throughout the 7th grade world religions class, we had been talking about the power of hope found in all religions. In our final discussion on the power of hope found in the Hindu tradition of Diwali, the students were asked to share a story of how they experienced hope. Read More »

Where I live there is a traffic light at a busy intersection. A “No Turn on Red” sign is posted. The sign looms large. In addition to that sign, there are two smaller signs, which qualify... Read More »

We frequently use the metaphor of “journey” to describe life or the trajectory of our faith. The visual that comes to my mind when I think of a journey is a map, showing an icon of a... Read More »

A quick look at the Spiritual Life page on our school’s website will give one an idea about life at St. Catherine’s School. Even though one of our divisional chapels takes place daily, I... Read More »

I happen to live in one of the few places in our country where Epiphany is really celebrated. Here in south Louisiana, January 6th begins the Carnival season, which means that even if you don’t... Read More »

I have to admit that, as a child, I loved the Three Kings — those seemingly magical figures with long names and exotic gifts. But it wasn’t until my family moved to Puerto Rico that I... Read More »

We ask ourselves this question each Advent season, mainly because it’s the opening query of the night wind to the little lamb in the holiday classic ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ Bing... Read More »

Speaking to children about theology, the church’s teachings, or liturgical seasons requires far more than coming up with a mental script. It demands pretty extensive pre-processing. I so wish... Read More »

While looking for something to watch last week, I encountered Andrew Solomon’s remarkable documentary, Far from the Tree. Based on his bestselling book of the same name, this moving film is a... Read More »