The future is not simply an adventure; it’s the adventure, according to the Latin roots ad, “to, toward” and ventura, “what will come.” While many students eagerly anticipate the start of a new school year and engaged couples impatiently count down the days to their wedding, dread of the approaching unknowns is familiar to virtually everyone. Regardless of one’s age, fear of the future is a dominant emotion that inhibits our joyful living of the blessed adventure that God wishes every life to be.
This morning a remarkable event took place…it was rain, rain, rain, rain in Texas and in August!
Jesus’ image of entering the kingdom of heaven through a “narrow gate” does not mean that “only a few are destined to go through it” but instead means living “one’s life in love, in service, and in giving oneself as he did,” Pope Francis said Aug. 21 during his Sunday Angelus address.
The spark of true love can be ignited in countless ways. For Deacon Mike and Cathie Seibold, it started by mistake.
Few people possess enough ambition to complete a 33-year decorated military career, earn a Ph.D. and found a company in a subsequent 10-year civilian career. Even fewer people go on to lead a unique, prestigious private school. Yet that is exactly what former U.S. Navy Adm. Patrick M. Walsh did upon assuming the presidency of Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep in April.
When I was reflecting on what to write for this column, I thought of the story of the Good Samaritan as narrated in the Gospel of Luke 10:25-37. But the term “missionary culture” kept popping into my head. I had no idea what a missionary culture would be in this context, and I haven’t heard or read about it before. But with further reflection and prayer I concluded that I could come to a new definition of the term “missionary culture” in light of the inspiration I was receiving. I wish to share with you the product of my reflection on what I understand “missionary culture” to mean in the context of the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Pope Francis dedicated his general audience talk to the urgent need for young and old to come together so older people can share their faith and wisdom about the world.
A heat wave wasn’t the only thing that arrived in Dallas this past July. St. Ann Catholic Church in Coppell also hosted the first-ever Divine Renovation Conference, in which more than 600 people traveled to the Diocese of Dallas from around the world to learn how to renew and revitalize their parishes.
On Saturday, Aug. 6, members of the Dallas Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, Dallas Fire and Rescue, and other first responders joined Bishop Edward J. Burns at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe for a Blessing of the Fleet and the Diocesan Blue Mass in recognition and thanksgiving for their service.
Christians must never give in to fear when evangelizing, especially when reaching out to those in need in the digital space, Pope Francis said.