Lent is upon us. I’m wondering if you have asked yourself how you will make your Lenten preparation for Easter? It’s a good question to ask.

Life being what it is, I have often found it beneficial to come up with a plan and a strategy to help me enter more deeply into the Lenten season.

In years past, I have planned and strategized how to “give up” —

Certain foods or treats  — don’t buy them;

Activities and recreations — don’t go to them;

Habits and behaviors — don’t do them.

One year I even gave up going to the mall — don’t drive by it.

That was my longest Lent ever!

Along with the exclusions, I have often added a few inclusions: more time in prayer, study, and adoration; additional acts of charity; exchanging a bad habit with a good one. Read the rest…

I don’t know how your week has been, but mine has been very busy. So busy, in fact, that I still have the majority of my “To Do” list in tact.  Weeks like this can be disheartening.

And yet, it is part of the human experience.

Even among the saints.

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, for example,  apparently had a week or two like this from time to time. She gives us good advice.

She said:

“When night comes, and retrospect shows that everything was patchwork and much that one had planned left undone, when so many things rouse shame and regret, then take all as is, lay it in God’s hands, and offer it up to Him. In this way we will be able to rest in Him, actually to rest and to begin the new day like a new life.”

I am going to take her advice, and begin again …

Next week.

For now, I’m going to take a rest!

Last evening I attended a lecture given by George Weigel here in Clearwater, FL.

The event was held by Jay and Lisa Kelly who seek to provide local Catholics with the opportunity to hear great Catholic speakers.

Calling their new-found organization Splendor of Truth, the evening begins with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and includes an open bar and dinner.

Read the rest…

As we cast a backward glance to 2009 and enter 2010, it is good to take a reflective moment to thank God for the many blessings we have received in the recently parted year. It may even be helpful to record them in your journal.

Sometimes these blessings are obvious such as family, friends, and good health.

Sometimes they are taken for granted like food on the table, a roof over our head, the conveniences of everyday living. 

And sometimes, the greatest blessings of all are shrouded in dark packaging like the trials, tribulations, reversals and contradictions of daily life.

What were your top twelve blessings in 2009?

Mine follow.

Read the rest…

Well, I can’t believe it has been this long since I have posted a blog. A big mea culpa to all of you!

I must admit that the last part of October and all of November was a whirlwind of activity, travel, and production. That is my excuse and I hope you accept it.

As an olive branch, however,  Iwould like to offer you a snapshot of what has been happening in our apostolate as well as in my personal life. Read the rest…