I hope whatever this new school year brings for our young people and their families, they know God is with them. And I hope they find joy in being brave.

As Dolly Parton once said, “I like trying to make people happy and lift people up and glorifying God. That’s my mission in life.”

I was surprised. I’ve never had a car pause there so I could enter that stretch of road before. Everyone is always in a hurry.

The idea that people named Ryan would gather together simply to celebrate sharing a name really struck me.

Whether you’ve been bitten by a radioactive spider or Ignatian spirituality, you might be called to live your life differently as a result.

Spider-Man can teach us a few lessons about living as Catholics. He’s committed to self-sacrifice and service to others.

That room full of people singing to me brought home for me how connected we all are to one another in the Communion of Saints.blog

Trains are magical, and steam locomotives are full of history. And a train ride is exhilarating.

Maybe they’re chasing squirrels or enjoying steaks every day. Maybe they’re spending time with our loved ones who’ve gone before us.

Life is short, after all. Life is worth celebrating. And life is better because of the many people who laugh and cry with us, listen to us, share their stories and accompany us along the way.