Truthfully, I wasn’t sure I could attend 226 Masses in 2026. But it’s amazing what you can do when you set a goal.

It was one of those crisp autumn mornings that felt brand-new. We decided to stay on the back roads.

Every year as the new year begins, I use a random generator online to pick a saint for the year. The idea is to have a saint to learn about and maybe turn to in the days ahead. Some years, I’ve been matched with a saint I already knew. Often, though, it’s a saint I know less about, which is always an adventure. This year, I was matched with St. John Vianney.

Every year, as we start November, I fill our prayer basket with slips of paper. Each one has the name of someone we know who has died.

It was a beautiful day—a day of friendship and prayer, a day of peace and discovery, and a day when we connected more deeply with a saint who is so beloved by so many.

Whatever you see today, I hope you witness glimpses of beauty and love, kindness and mercy, healing and understanding, possibility and hope.

When I was a teen, we all participated in community service while we were preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation. I signed up for several activities, but the one I remember the best was making soup.

My friend’s dear mother was nearing the end of her life, and I had assured her that I would pray.

Of course, once I was in line, I was all in. I found myself realizing what a blessing it was that the parking lot was packed and that the line was long.

There are many chicken noodle soup recipes that are absolutely delicious. This one is a favorite because it’s tasty—but it’s also easy and quick.