As Catholics, it’s important for us to remember that God sees our sin and brokenness.

The mysterious workings of grace in our lives — or even what grace is — were fodder for interesting conversations between this father and his then-almost-7-year-old.

Only God knows precisely why things happen. For our part, we will always have the privilege of offering comfort to those who grieve great losses and even livelihoods.

Sister Helen Prejean, a dynamic foe of the death penalty, had just spoken to a crowd in a small town in Nebraska as part of our campaign to do away with execution in the state.

For many the idea of “finding time for real prayer” seems daunting as they imagine adding an hour to their already crammed schedules and then begin to consider all the things they will “need” to really get going: a prayer corner, with icons and statues and Bibles and breviaries.

Spring offers a beautiful time for us to think of our next adventure, whatever that might be. May we be open to the newness of this season, stepping forward in faith and trusting that God is with us, every step of the way.

The need to see good fathers, have good fathers and be loved by good fathers is evident in a broken, hurting, often fatherless world.

That’s how I feel about my parenting life these days, that time is flying and the plot is unfolding, and I’m just along for the ride. Sometimes the pages are turning so quickly that I can barely see what’s happening—it’s that fast.

The call to listen is in danger of becoming an empty slogan if we do not take the time to stop and think about what, exactly, this listening involves.

As we celebrate Father’s Day on June 16, pick one or two of the following practices that will make a big difference for your family, and start doing them.