Just nine days until Pope Francis arrives in the United States:The excitement continues to build for this historic apostolic visit.Part of the anticipation has sprung from the sharing of memories by those who have participated in papal visits of the past. Pope Francis is the fourth pontiff to visitRead More

When we signed our boys up for soccer, I figured they would get some exercise, learn some new skills, and experience what it’s like to be part of a team.What I didn’t realize is that they would also learn that you don’t stop playing just because of bad weather. AtRead More

Last week John and I celebrated 11 years of marriage. The traditional gift for 11 years is steel. But in our household the traditional gift for 11 years is looking at each other the night before and saying, “Oh my goodness, what is tomorrow? Please tell me you didn’t get meRead More

Guess how many editions of “7 Quick Takes” I have written! I’ll tell you the answer after the 7th take. It’s more than you think. Or maybe it’s fewer. I was surprised by the number, but my most faithful reader guessed it almost exactly when I asked her last night.Read More

Following a week of violence, parishioners of St. Saviour Church in the Old City of Jerusalem came to Mass Oct. 19 to pray.Read More

My brother and I were playing with our children in my parents’ backyard last weekend when a few raindrops started falling.“It’s raining,” I said. “We might have to go inside soon.”“No, it’s not raining here,” said my nephew. “It’s just raining in the front yard.”We looked, and it was true.Read More

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.Read More

Did I say our children were going to dress in identical costumes for Halloween? I should have said that at their direction I purchased identical costumes for Halloween. But our kindergartener decided he wanted to be a police officer again this year and save the Clone Trooper costume for someRead More