A SIGN OF SURE HOPE AND COMFORT
The liturgical tradition does not have a ceremony for every scenario of loss but it does offer a rich ritual repertoire from which we can draw inspiration and hope. On this Seeds of Faith blog, I am exploring how the…
Novalis Seeds of Faith
WHAT ST. CLARE CAN TEACH US ABOUT THE EUCHARIST
For those working in pastoral ministry, keeping a healthy balance in the parish is a constant task. Communities, like the individual people that constitute them, have tendencies to lean towards their preferred models and predispositions. Without correctives, these lead to…
TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
Have you ever seen a sunrise or sunset and been mesmerized by its beauty? Or Aurora Borealis in a dark winter’s night? Those are the only experiences that I have had that could come close to what the disciples experienced with…
“I Humbly Beg Forgiveness”: Reflections on Pope Francis’ Visit to Canada
The papal visit continues as I write, yet there is already so much to think about. I was moved as I watched Pope Francis arrive in Edmonton on Sunday. Despite his knee pain and limited mobility, I saw expressions of…
BOOK REVIEW: PAIRINGS: THE BIBLE AND BOOZE BY MATTHEW ANDERSON
Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time. For me, this was Matthew Anderson’s Pairings: The Bible and Booze (Novalis, 2022). As pandemic restrictions were loosening and the possibility of gathering with other people was restored, I yearned…
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES IN ROME (JUNE 22-26)
There is a good reason why the family is often called the “domestic church.” More than the actual churches, more than the schools, youth groups, movements, etc., the family is the most influential factor in determining the future faith lives…
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada. Novalis author Greg Kennedy, SJ penned this poem for today’s occasion. Canadian Indian Act III…
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Where do we see and feel God’s love in the world? It is manifest in so many ways. One is the love of our fathers. This year Father’s Day falls on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. For my own…
SUMMER READING RECOMMENDATIONS
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on reading. At this time of year, we often have fewer responsibilities: school, volunteer work and other activities pause for a couple of months, and the longer hours of daylight tempt us…
PENTECOST
Pentecost – Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit so he can be with us always. Also this feast is recognized as the birthday of the Church. I have had many Pentecost moments when I’ve been filled with the Spirit, often…