30 No-Fail Ways to Have a Holy & Catholic Lent

We can enter into Lent by preparing with no-fail ways to have a truly Catholic and holy Lent.  Christ helps us carry our burdens and sees our our efforts to conquer our weakness in practical, do-able, and helpful practices. 30 Ways for a Holy Lent Father Jerry Byrd has prepared a Lenten Plan to help parishioners enter into Lent. Many … Read More

The Dramatic Conversion of St. Paul// 3 Depictions in Art

The most dramatic conversion in salvation history turned a murderer into a saint.  The conversion of St. Paul shows Divine intervention came with a blast of light and words reverberating from heaven to change the course of history. The story of St. Paul is one of the greatest stories of fear versus hope and damnation versus redemption.  His satisfaction of … Read More

What is the Epiphany House Blessing?

Enter Catholic homes after Epiphany and you will see chalk markings above most doorways. What is this Epiphany House Blessing that acknowledges Christ and the three wise men? The word epiphany means “manifestation,” and the Catholic Church celebrates is as the revelation of Christ as the Son of God. It is also the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel … Read More

How to Celebrate the New Year with the Mother of God

Mary, Mother of God

Your New Year’s Resolutions can be fortified to last the whole year through by asking for the intercession of the Mother of God on New Year’s Day. As January dawns with new beginnings – that new calendar, those new goals for personal fitness, the new hopes and dreams for our jobs and families – placing those aspirations before the Spouse … Read More

Christmas Season Prayers and Activities// Special Advent & Christmas Newsletter

Christmas Season

There are several Christmas Season Ideas and Activities in our special Advent and Christmas Newsletter. Let’s celebrate this most wonderful time of year. You’ll find something for everyone in the newsletter: Why the month of December honors the Immaculate Conception The life of St. Nicholas through a traditional poem. 2 Easy Advent DIY Projects to celebrate the season Special Events … Read More

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year// Father Byrd’s Christmas Letter

“To celebrate the [Christmas]  season we have to prepare for the season,” Father Jerry Byrd (first Sunday of Advent homily on Nov. 27, 2022)   Please find Father Jerry Byrd’s Christmas Letter to you about how to prepare for this  “most wonderful time of the year,” by focusing on the essential elements of the Christmas season.   The Most Wonderful … Read More

Advent and the Jesse Tree // Catholic Christmas Traditions

Jesse Tree, Advent, stained glass, Chartes Cathedral, France

The Jesse Tree helps prepare us for Advent by journeying through the people on Jesus’s family tree. We find all the broken traits of humanity in Christ’s family tree — that birthed the most pure Saviour of the world. Many of them are  troubled characters. Some of them are amazing and steadfast. All of them played a role to bring … Read More

Advent Begins with Christmas Anticipation // A Prayer

Christmas anticipation prayer

The Christmas Anticipation Prayer places us at the “hour and moment” when Christ was born. The prayer reminds us of St. Ignatius’ method of meditation. St. Ignatius taught us to place ourselves in the Gospels, as if we were actually there. Then he asks us to see what Christ tells us, how we would respond, and what we desire. The … Read More

The Best Tips for Pro-Life Ministry // Interview

pro life ministry

The best advice for pro-life ministry is often about helping someone to use their talents and voice for the unborn. Tim O’Donnell, a professor of philosophy and ethics,  gives some of his best tips to help others get involved in pro-life events. A professor of philosophy and ethics, O’Donnell has been praying outside abortion clinics and taking part in the … Read More