faith

When asked how her faith and culture impact her day-to-day life and responsibilities as the executive director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Christina Lamas responds with a brief yet resolute, “It grounds me.”

Boisterous children, unwashed dishes, office deadlines and a cozy bed at the end of a long day — all of these can call to us more loudly than the quiet voice of God inviting us into prayer. We constantly juggle the urgent tasks of this earthly life, so it’s easy to miss beautiful moments to connect with our ever-present heavenly Father.

I saw it. The church in the United States has witnessed the defining moment of a generation. There’s no other way to describe it. I had high hopes for the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, but, to put it simply, Our Lord brought me to my knees in Indianapolis.

The world has become very small and dangerous for the 600 Palestinian Gaza Christians sheltering at the Holy Family Parish church compound in Gaza City almost since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war Oct. 7.

How do we bring some peace into our lives and share more time with our children?

Wrestling with and struggling to understand church teaching makes sense to me, but abandoning Jesus and his Eucharistic presence is not the answer.

Coping with mental health issues — whether through therapy, medication or both — “is not always simple (but) faith does wonderful things.”

Instead of focusing on “obligation,” which is described in canon law, we should consider the reasons of faith behind the obligation.