This weekend the Church begins its observance of Advent. He is coming! I marvel at the way the Church has, over its history, sought to mark sacred time. The philosopher Charles Taylor observed that there is something remarkable about how...

We have arrived at that time of the year when planners like me make lists upon lists. Right now, I’ve got my final Thanksgiving list going along with my Christmas list, my general running “To Do” list, and a...

This story is inspired by Mark 7:31–37. The first words I ever heard were, “Be opened.” On the surface, those words seemed obvious. However, they unleashed an internal deluge of discovery. I was grateful that Jesus drew me apart from the crowd’s...

Gratitude is at the heart of prayer and thus is central to Ignatian spirituality. For example, in praying the Examen, I begin with placing myself in God’s presence and offering gratitude to God. By starting with gratitude, I allow God’s...

Advent 2021 begins on November 28. Prepare your heart for Christmas this season with online resources from Loyola Press. Answering God’s Call This Advent: A Webinar with Barbara Lee Mark your calendar for December 1, 2021, and join us for this...

Advent is just around the corner, so now’s the time to mark your calendar for a special event with author Barbara Lee. Answering God’s Call This Advent A Webinar with Barbara Lee December 1, 2021 2:00–3:00 p.m. Central Spend time this Advent exploring four...

If the answer to our prayers will sometimes be "no," why do we pray in the first place? I have no doubt that our lists of personal reasons are varied and numerous: We believe in God. We seek to...

It can be quite difficult to express personal spirituality in family situations that are not particularly friendly toward religion. Especially if a family has experienced religion as judgmental or strident—and all it takes is one or two people to...

Introduce friends to the Examen or try a new approach to the prayer with a daily Examen journal—printable and foldable as a booklet. The booklet can be downloaded from the Catechist’s Journey blog. The prayer steps in the journal...

I find myself wondering often about the ordinary moments in the Holy Family’s life, particularly the day-to-day moments of Mary’s life with Jesus. Perhaps this is because I am a mother myself, and as an ordinary mother, I desire...