Humanity, as flawed as it may be, is beautiful

I ran home for some family stuff this weekend, and had the opportunity to go back to Our Lady of Lourdes, my home parish, for the first time since joining TFA back in June. Upon walking in with my mother, we were pointed out, "We need you!" Turns out they were desperate for Eucharistic Ministers. Besides the fact that our church changed all the rules since the last time I was there, I was told to fake like I knew what I was doing and got to participate in the mass.

A Christmas Meditation

“Our Future is behind Us and Our Past ahead of Us”

Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening

A bell tolls. An alarm clock buzzes. A coffee pot begins to fill. A spouse rolls out of bed. There are many diverse ways that we begin our day, but something or someone rouses us. We get up to live, pray, and do our work. It all begins with a call, though. A summons that will be a catalyst for all that we do. The call of God is no different.

Reflection on my First Year as a Pastoral Associate

What is an Apostolically Oriented Spirituality?

This article was delivered at a Jesuit conference, “Jesuit Colleagues: Strengthening Our Bonds," on June 10, 2002, St. Joseph University, Philadelphia, PA.

An abbreviated version of this article was printed by America Magazine November 11, 2002, under the title "What Is Apostolic Spirituality?" and can be found at www.americamagazine.org.

Words of Wisdom from the Young Adults Conference

Catholics On Call hosted its first Young Adults Conference this past August. Forty-three men and women spent a week at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago where they heard renowned speakers offer insights on listening for God's call and had an opportunity to meet other peers asking similar questions about vocation. Presentations from the conference will be posted as they become available.

The Dynamics of Prayer by Robin Ryan, CP

Discernment: What should I do with my one and only life?

How do I know what is the best thing I can do with my one and only life? How can I make good choices – especially when there are so many possibilities that seem to be inviting me? The challenge of life-decision is fresh for each person who faces it; yet it is also the oldest of human challenges. Christians have been reflecting on the art of discernment since the days when Jesus taught them in person. These short reflections offer a sampling of that wisdom.

"Here I am!" Call in the Old Testament

Taking Up the Cross: A Volunteer’s Reflection

In an effort to demonstrate the varied ways young adults are called to ministry, Catholics On Call will feature articles by men and women pursuing a life of service in the Church.