Catholic Exchange - Touched By Grace

Bon Appetit!

Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The atheist philosopher of the 19^th century, Friedrich Nietzsche, once said "If Christians want me to believe in their Redeemer, they need to look more redeemed."

Power in Preaching Resurrection

Fr. Paul Grankauskas — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

One of the great treasures of the Catholic Church is the liturgical year. Just as times and seasons change in nature and we have an opportunity to witness the cycle of life, death and re-birth in the world around us, if we celebrate each liturgical season properly, we have an opportunity to reflect on the life, death and resurrection of Our Savior.

Mary Stories: An Interview with Heidi Hess Saxton

Cheryl Dickow — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The celebration of women and motherhood is most beautifully portrayed in a new book by Catholic author, speaker, and Catholic Exchange columnist, Heidi Hess Saxton. Saxton, a convert to the Catholic faith and adoptive mother herself, exquisitely reveals the relationship between Mary and us, her adopted children in, Behold Your Mother: Mary Stories and Reflections from a Catholic Convert. Beginning with three short personal stories that set the stage for the tone of the book which is one of love, honor, and a clear understanding of Mary's role in guiding us all to Christ, Saxton gives us the perfect book for time spent in quiet contemplation or when we are in need of a gentle reminder of the power we have in calling upon Christ. It was my good fortune to work with Heidi on this book and then interview Heidi about her work.

Caritas Part Two: Living Out the Call to Love

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In Uganda, Africa, it is far too common for children to grow up impoverished, malnourished, and lacking the basic necessities of life. Many have been orphaned or abandoned. Many are literally starving for love. In last week's article, "Caritas: The Need for Love", we examined the plight of these children and the sad future that awaits them. This week we will discuss what Caritas for Children is doing to bring light and love into these children's lives.

How the Saints Helped Lead Me Home

Chris Findley — Wed, 9 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). As the lector read that line I thought about the influence of the saints in my conversion to the Catholic Church.

Is God a Big Meanie... or Something Else?

Bill Donaghy — Tue, 8 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

I don't know why but it seems so many of us still hold a 7th grade image of God in our minds. Maybe it comes from the misconception that Christianity is "all about rules and commandments and this is a sin and that's a sin and man, what's left... GOSH!"

Emmaus: From Despair to Joy

Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. — Mon, 7 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

What a disappointment! They thought they'd found the Messiah. But he'd been trapped like an animal and executed as a criminal. Up until His very last breath, they had hoped He'd descend from the cross in stately power and call down fire upon the hypocrites

Resurrection Energy for Running the Race

Fr. Paul Scalia — Sat, 5 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In almost every account of the resurrection we find a sense of urgency. On Easter morning, Mary Magdalene and the other women race from the tomb to tell the Apostles. On hearing the news, Peter and John race back to the tomb to see for themselves.

The Temple of Your Body

Cheryl Dickow — Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

My son, a wonderfully talented skateboarder, asked me a few years ago a very interesting question, "Mom, is it a sin to skateboard without a helmet? Like if you are doing crazy things and you don't have a helmet on?" So, right away a couple of thoughts rush through my mind. First, what in the world is this kid doing on his skateboard? Second, is it a sin to skateboard without a helmet?

Caritas Part One: The Need for Love

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur — Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

They are children, much like the ones you know and love. Edward is 8 years old. He likes science and playing with other kids. Betty will be turning 12 in April. She likes to write and swim. Judith is nine. She likes math and spelling. Their eyes are full of dreams for the future. The difference is that they live half a world away and their future is anything but certain.