To an outside observer, the rituals and traditions of Catholicism can seem strange and unnecessary. Does it really matter when we stand or sit? Is it that important to bow your head at the name of Jesus or genuflect when crossing the tabernacle? Why do Catholics put so much emphasis on external signs and gestures?
Read moreThe Call to be Priest, Prophet and King in Our Homes →
By virtue of our baptism, each of us Christians is called to live out the three roles of Jesus as Priest, Prophet and King starting with our family in our home. Listen as Fr. Jonathan Meyer discusses just how we practically go about fulfilling that call.
Read moreHow to Stop Worrying and Live in the Present Moment →
Most of us adults do not understand the power of the present moment. We live in the past or project about the future, usually in fiercely fearful ways. We lose sight of the fact that we are not in control. We get so caught up in trying to have some semblance of control that our energies pour out as worries and preoccupations.
What can we do to calm down? How can we tame this huge tiger that wildly claws around in our minds, disrupting our sleep patterns, distressing our hopes and dreams, and denying us the peace and joy we always want in our lives?
Read moreWhy Jesus Was A Morning Person - Fr. Mark Goring, CC →
Did you know that the manna the Israelites collected each morning in the desert would change to whatever flavor each one wished? Listen to Fr. Mark here and check out Wisdom 16:20-21. Spend time with God in the morning and He will show you the desires of your heart.
Read moreThe Saints We Touch: The Example of Ordinary Holiness →
I’ve been very blessed in the years since RCIA to have been surrounded by living examples of what it means to live the Catholic faith. Some had been devout for several decades, “O.G. Catholics,” setting their examples for the brand new Catholic. Some were fellow converts. I’d met many while I was living in New York. I continue to meet them today in Raleigh. Such living examples have served as an encouragement. And through trials of doubt (they do happen) I’ve found that living examples do far more keep me going than any of the canonized saints I’ve read about.
Read moreAfraid of the Coronavirus? - Freedom from the Fear of Death →
Wearing masks, not wearing masks, and all the mixed emotions that have come with the coronavirus reveal that—as a society—we lack freedom from the fear of death.
Read moreDadness: The Call, The Craft, The Cross →
Forget the dads you see on Television: selfish, workaholic, lazy, absent, bullying, pushover dads. They do not deserve the name. Real dadness is bigger than that. It’s as big as Our Father who art in Heaven.
The call to be a Catholic dad is a call to suffer—as a husband, as a father, as a Catholic. As Christ is the head of his Church, the Catholic dad is the head of his household, and his is a head crowned with thorns. This is not a chance to blow your own bugle. This is a chance to lay down your life for your family. Fatherhood is frightening. But it’s also fabulous, and that’s why we need to showcase Catholic fatherhood to a world that’s forgotten what a dad is for.
Read moreBe Transformed From the Inside Out →
"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." ~ Romans 12:2
Read moreRaging Grace →
In a few days I will be 59 years old and it has me remembering my parents. When they were this age they were looking forward a few years in their lives and dreaming about their retirement together. During a vacation trip in the mountains, they found a little piece of property my Dad would later call a "Bit O'Heaven"…..
Read moreThree Prayers that will Burn The Demons - Fr. Mark Goring →
We are in a spiritual battle. “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9). So, then how do we resist and stand firm?
Read moreWhy St. Joseph? Patron of the Church and Spiritual Father →
St. Joseph can be a forgotten saint. He doesn’t say a word in Scripture and even devotion to him has taken some time to build momentum. Yet, the Old Testament tells us allegorically: “Go to Joseph” (Gen 41:55). Why should we go to Joseph? Why is St. Joseph the patron of the universal Church?
Read moreMary is a Warrior Queen Battling the Dragon - Bishop Robert Barron →
The Blessed Virgin Mary is our spiritual mother and Queen of Heaven and Queen of the Angels a terrifying force battling the dragon (the devil) and his minions the demons. Let us join the fight with her using not the meager weapons of the world, but the powerful weapons of heaven!
Read moreThe Assumption: Why It Matters for You →
The Feast of the Assumption celebrates, therefore, the great triumph of Mary over sin through her purity of heart! Victory is also ours and so is the glory that God wishes to give such souls who persevere in living a pure life. Hence, this Feast is an invitation to hope! It can be done by asking for and fostering the grace of purity in our hearts.
Read moreWhat is the Assumption of Mary? →
“The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”
Read moreFive Ways to Increase Patience →
None of us can claim to have mastered perfectly the virtue of patience. We think we have made a major victory in acquiring patience, and then, out of the blue and taken by surprise, we explode! Our illusion of being the most patient person in the world went up in smoke!
Patience is so important that Jesus Christ, our model in all virtues, said: “By your patience you will save your souls.” One pious soul prayed in desperation: “Lord, give me patience and right now!” Maybe this has been your prayer for the last few years.
Read moreSt. Joseph - Terror of Demons →
Surfing priest Father Don Calloway talks about Saint Joseph the Terror of Demons as a role model who challenges, and by his intercessions, helps men. Find out what we can learn about being a father and spiritual head of our households from Saint Joseph. Fr. Don Calloway is the author of Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father and an avid surfer.
Read moreBecoming a Spiritual Leader →
If you’re like a lot of men, there are few terms that seem as confusing or intimidating as this call to be the “spiritual leader.” What does it even mean? Are we supposed to have the Bible memorized? Do we always need to have the right answers? Are we making all the spiritual decisions for the family? What does it look like on a practical, day-to-day level?
Read moreHow to Have Your Best Confession Ever! - Fr. Jonathan Meyer →
Fr. Jonathan’s homily teaches us how we can make the Sacrament of Confession be an experience which truly transforms our lives.
Read moreThe Storm →
A few weeks ago I was blessed to participate in the most amazing men’s group meeting I have ever experienced. I am part of a men’s small group which meets twice monthly on Tuesday evenings. The group currently consists of about 10 men and typically about 8 of us make it to the meeting. We have been meeting for about 10 years in our local parish facilities. These regular meetings help each of us keep focused on our spirituality and being the men that God created us to be. It works really well for all of us so we have made it a priority in our lives.
Read moreHow to Discern Pretty Much Anything →
How to discern God’s will is one of Fr. Mark-Mary’s favorite topics. He has some principles he uses to guide his discernment. He narrows these principles down to four: needs, responsibilities, desires, and capacities.
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