A few days before the big day, my sister—the birthday girl’s mom—invited us to join them. She happened to mention that her daughter was hoping to have “Aunt Rita’s Dip” that day, too.

Together “we seek the city to come” – not Baltimore, not Assisi, not even the “eternal city” of Rome – but the City of God, the new Jerusalem. Take courage. We are pilgrims of hope

Peter and Paul could not have been more different from each other. But the liturgical wisdom that brought these two towering saints together in a shared feast underscores the fact that the church needed both the fisherman and the Pharisee — and still does.

Jesus can—and will—feed the thousands of people in front of him. He doesn’t need the five loaves and two fish to create a feast for that crowd.

While Catholics are free to attend Mass and otherwise be involved in the life of whatever parish they choose, in most cases, a Catholic’s official parish membership is determined by where they live.

Life asks us to say yes through the pain. Jesus asks us to follow where we do not want to go.

Pope Leo has assumed the Petrine ministry as old ecclesial divisions have reared up anew and as heightened polarization has weakened the church’s unity and mission.

The U.S. Supremes kicked the can down the road in St. Isidore. But the cause of school choice continues. And it will ultimately prevail, because it’s the will of “We, the People.”     

She had a gift – not just for teaching, but for connecting with people and making them feel seen and valued.

There are faith-sharing groups out there that beckon us. There are food banks and Catholic charities serving the unhoused and the migrant that need our help.