We are fragile beings in fragile bodies, and we ought to look out for one another.

My mother-in-law Mary has been facing some serious health challenges in recent days. Somewhat serious and unexpected, yet tied to her ongoing health challenges and the procedures tied to them – it has been an eye-opening, learning, and growing experience for us as a family.

Before taking the boys to visit her after Mass on Sunday, I took Holy Communion to two of our homebound parishioners. When I told the second one about Mary’s challenges, he just said, “We are so fragile – our bodies are so fragile.”

We talked about that and the depth of its meaning a bit. We don’t realize, until something happens to our bodies, how fragile they are – especially our “insides”.

When we stop to think about it, our bodies are actually very fragile – very beautifully, carefully constructed. And the smallest little thing can throw off entire systems within us.

This is true of our physical bodies and health, but also our emotional and spiritual health.

I have come to deeply appreciate this over the last couple of years as I journeyed a darker emotional period in my own life – and still find myself navigating it day to day at times.

I know that we each journey that to some extent, whether we see and understand it or not. Taking care of ourselves – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – is essential.

But so is looking out for each other!

Pray for each other…

Check in on your neighbor…

Raise your hand when you need a hand, or when you need a prayer…

Know that we’re all fragile, and we’re here for each other.

And above all, God created you for a specific purpose. He knew you before a hair was on your head, and before you were formed in your mother’s womb. He watches over and provides each breath.

For prayer & reflection:

Psalm 103:13-16:
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows how we are formed, remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like the grass; he blossoms like a flower in the field. A wind sweeps over it and it is gone; its place knows it no more.”

Isaiah 40:6-8:
“A voice says, “Proclaim!” I answer, “What shall I proclaim?”
“All flesh is grass, and all their loyalty like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower wilts, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it.” “Yes, the people is grass! The grass withers, the flower wilts, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Matthew 6:26-30:
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?”

Psalm 139:13-14:
“You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.”

2 Corinthians 4:7-11:
“But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

1 Peter 5:7:
“Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”

Today is the Memorial of Saint Jerome, one of the great Doctors of the Western Church. He wrote numerous commentaries on Sacred Scripture and authored the Latin (“Vulgate”) translation of the Bible that is still our current primary source. Art of St. Jerome working at his desk often includes a skull, like in Caravaggio’s “St. Jerome Writing”. I also keep a skull (not a real one, but a weighted, life-sized one) on my desk. Here’s a reflection on why:

In the quiet corners of sacred art, a skull often rests beside saints like St. Jerome, its hollow eyes staring silently. This isn’t mere decoration or grim fascination – it’s a profound symbol, a memento mori, a reminder of our mortality.

As Christians, we’re called to keep death in mind, not to wallow in gloom, but to sharpen our focus on what truly matters. The skull, stark and unyielding, speaks to both the brevity of life and the eternal weight of our actions. It’s a call to live well, to work well, because in doing so, we touch something timeless.

The phrase memento mori – Latin for “remember you must die” – sounds heavy, but it’s not about despair. It’s a nudge to live with intention.

Our days are numbered, and none of us know when the final count will come. This truth should stir us to action and intentionality each day, each moment of our lives.

The skull reminds us to let go of what’s fleeting – wealth, status, the endless scroll of distractions – and cling to what endures: faith, hope, love, and the work we’re called to do.

For St. Jerome, that work was translating Scripture, a task that shaped the Church for centuries. The skull often depicted on his desk wasn’t just a nod to his mortality but a spur to keep at his labor, knowing it connected him to eternity.

Jerome’s life offers a vivid example of this:

As a young man in Rome, he wasn’t exactly saintly. He fell into the moral laxity of his peers, chasing pleasures that left him empty.

But visits to the Roman catacombs, the underground tombs of early Christians, renewed his focus on what mattered. Surrounded by the stark reality of death, he faced his own failings. That confrontation led to his conversion and baptism in the 360s.

From then on, he embraced a life of penance and detachment, retreating to the desert to pray, study, and translate.

The skull in his study wasn’t just a symbol of death. It was a reminder of his past sins and his resolve to live differently. It kept him grounded, focused on the eternal.

This idea of detachment is key.

The skull tells us that worldly things, like money, fame, and even our carefully curated online personas, fade to dust.

For ascetics like Jerome, this was a lived reality. They stripped away comforts to pursue God with single-minded devotion.

But you don’t need to flee to a desert to live this way. Detachment means holding things lightly, prioritizing what aligns with God’s call.

It’s about doing the work you’re given – whether raising a family, building a business, or creating art – with excellence, because that work ripples into eternity.

The skull also speaks of penance, a word that can feel outdated but is deeply human. Jerome’s life shows us that acknowledging our failures isn’t defeat, it’s a step toward grace. The skull in his study wasn’t a badge of shame but a sign of hope, a reminder that God’s mercy transforms our brokenness.

When we face our own mortality, we’re invited to make amends, to turn back to God, and to offer our best efforts as a response to His love.

So, why keep a skull on your desk, figuratively or literally? It’s not about being morbid, it’s about being awake. It’s a whisper that time is short, but your work, done well, can echo beyond it.

Whether you’re writing a book, teaching a child, or serving your community, the skull reminds you: this matters. Your life, however brief, is a chance to create something that lasts.

Like Jerome, let’s work with eternity in view, knowing that in God’s economy, nothing done in love is ever lost.

Saint Jerome, pray for us.

It was a hard week. It was the kind of week that reminds us that the Christian life can be hard, full of ups and downs, highs and lows. But Jesus and His Divine Mercy still encompass it all.

Much has been going on in our society, and current events aside, much has been going on in life and in work for me and the family.

On Saturday morning, we received the very sad news that one of our parish & school families had suffered a devastating loss. A mother and her fourth grade son had been in a car accident on Friday evening. The mom did not survive, and her fourth grade son was still in the hospital.

When I told our youngest son and asked him to go to our chapel and pray for them with me, he just hugged me where we stood – we hugged each other – and we cried together. He just said, “Dad, this is just so, so sad.”

And it was – and is.

And that kind of sums up the general feeling of the last couple of weeks.

Last Tuesday, while our priests were away at their semi-annual Convocation, a family called the parish about a family member who seemed to be journeying her last hours of life. I had visited her several times with Holy Communion or to pray, so I jumped at the opportunity to continue my diaconal ministry with her and her family and went by their house after work.

Our priests had already visited her a couple of times and offered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at least twice, so there wasn’t an urgency, but I still felt compelled to visit and pray with them.

We talked and prayed together, but although she was still sitting up, you could tell that she was slowing down even more. Still, it was a beautiful and bittersweet time, and I was grateful for the time with her and her family members.

On Sunday morning, she was on my list to take Holy Communion to again. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and when the family members met me on the porch, they noted that she had been unconscious and resting since I had left their house mid-week, and that she probably wouldn’t be able to receive Communion.

Instead, I just visited briefly with her and them, prayed with them, and gave her a blessing.

I will never forget the scene, though. The bedroom was simple, and the family was gathered. She was peaceful.

She had a simple image of the Divine Mercy pinned up over her bed.

I found myself drawn to just gaze upon Jesus, the Divine Mercy, as I offered the prayer and a blessing.

“Jesus, I trust in you.”

As I departed and took the few steps down from the front door stoop, the emotion of the week caught up with me, and I caught some tears coming to my eyes.

Everything with Charlie Kirk, the anniversary of September 11, the mother and son from our school, and now this.

What came to my heart and mind was simple: “Ministry is hard. Ministry is hard. It takes so much out of you. God’s people need so much.”

But this is also the grace of Ordination. This is where the grace shines and pours forth – as long as we stay close to God in prayer, and take these moments to him in contemplation and reflection.

It’s also the grace of Baptism. This is where each of the faithful, in a certain way, in the situations and moments and places of every day life, pour forth the threefold office they share: Priest, Prophet, and King, by virtue of the grace of Baptism.

Life is hard. The Christian life is hard. But it’s worth it.

Choose prayer,
choose courage,
choose beauty,
choose adventure,
choose family.
Choose a life of faith.
Most importantly, choose Christ.
– Erika Kirk

Mrs. Sylvia Winfield passed away early Monday morning, having lived a full 102 years, fortified by the Sacraments of Mother Church, and accompanied by the beautiful grace of the prayers of her family and many of our parishioners who continued to visit her, pray with her, and help us ensure she received Holy Communion during her time at home. For this, we give thanks and praise to God.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you.

What’s more important? A win – or your commitment to your team?

Our youngest was very excited to win his baseball game last night on 8th grade night. They haven’t racked up many wins, so this one meant a lot.

He’s also been talking about “retiring” from baseball after this season (not playing on into high school). But the team has one more final game this Wednesday.

After the win tonight, I was taking him out for a treat and he said that he thought he’d like to go out on a win, and doesn’t want to go to the game on Wednesday since they’ll probably lose.

That led to a good conversation.

The simple version went something like this:

Son: I don’t think I’ll go to the game on Wednesday.

Me: Why not?

Son: It’ll be nice to go out with a win after tonight.

Me: But your team is counting on you for Wednesday.

Son: Yeah, but we’re most likely not going to win that game. I’d rather go out on top.

Me: What’s more important? Going out on top? Or following through on your commitment to your team?

(Silence…)

On one hand, it doesn’t matter, because the way we parent, we’re going to take him to the game on Wednesday anyway. He doesn’t really have a choice now, since he committed to his team already.

But on the other hand, I hope that he’s really considering out conversation and the point I was trying to make.

Life is full of a lot of ups, downs, twists, turns, and “exit ramp” moments.

But living up to our commitments is important throughout.

It’s part of living with integrity.

Following through on commitments to your team shows up through Scripture in verses that emphasize integrity, faithfulness, and working in unity.

The Scriptures underscore that all work should be done with a sincere heart, as if serving God, which strengthens dependability and builds trust within a group. 

Integrity and keeping your word

Psalms 15:1-5

“LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?

Whoever walks without blame,
doing what is right,
speaking truth from the heart;

Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor;

Who disdains the wicked,
but honors those who fear the LORD;
Who keeps an oath despite the cost,
lends no money at interest,
accepts no bribe against the innocent.

Numbers 30:3

“When a man makes a vow to the LORD or binds himself under oath to a pledge, he shall not violate his word, but must fulfill exactly the promise he has uttered.”

Matthew 5:37

“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”

Proverbs 10:9

“Whoever walks honestly walks securely,
but one whose ways are crooked will fare badly.”

Unity and teamwork

Scripture teaches that working together in unity and mutual support is more effective than working alone.

The Bible uses the metaphor of the Church as a body to emphasize that team members are interdependent and should have equal concern for each other.

Verses encourage a selfless attitude, valuing others and their interests above your own. 

Faithfulness and diligence

The Bible also encourages working with all your heart, as though serving God, for a higher purpose.

It teaches that being steadfast and diligent in your work for the Lord is not in vain.

It also highlights that faithfulness in small matters demonstrates true reliability and character. 

Living Your Commitments

Stepping up to the plate for the final game of the season, despite the temptation to bask in the glory of a second-to-last game victory, embodies the true spirit of commitment to your team.

It’s not just about chasing wins; it’s about honoring the bond with your teammates, coaches, and the game itself.

Showing up for that last game, regardless of the outcome, demonstrates resilience and loyalty – qualities that define a team player. You’re not just playing for the scoreboard but for the shared journey, the grit, and the memories forged on the diamond.

Finishing the season strong, with your head held high, sets a powerful example and leaves a legacy of dedication for your team.

And not just in baseball, but in life.

On our anniversary trip to Disneyland last week, my wife and I went on another of the many rides that I would not have ridden for many years – Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT.

It’s like the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios in Florida, a rapidly accelerating up and down elevator type of ride.

It’s on the list with the many fast or high rides that I avoided for years, until the last few years as our family has been going to Disney parks more frequently and I’ve picked up the pace of trying new ones with the boys or with Suzanne.

Last week after riding Guardians, Suzanne asked me,

“What changed?”

What made me suddenly more comfortable riding those types of rides?

I had to ponder that question a bit.

But in the days since, the answer is solidifying for me.

It isn’t something about those rides, per se.

Before, they were unknown. And that scared me.

When you ride a roller coaster or other type of thrill ride, you mostly have to put your trust in the ride as it takes you on an adventure into an unknown territory.

It’s about overcoming a fear of the unknown, or even embracing the unknown and being comfortable with it.

Accepting & Overcoming the Unknown

I think there’s a parallel growth here in the spiritual life, and perhaps growing more comfortable with an unknown ride in a theme park has also come in tandem with growing more comfortable with other unknowns in life.

Perhaps some of this is natural as we grow older and have experienced more in life – especially overcoming more unknowns.

But some of it grows through prayer and deepening trust in God and His providential care.

Scripture to Ponder

Here are some Scripture verses to reflect upon about overcoming fear of the unknown, or accepting the unknown:

Reassurance of God’s Presence

• Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” 
• Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.”

A Spirit of Power, Not Fear 

• 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”

Trust and Prayer

• Philippians 4:6-7: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.”

God’s Guidance 

• Psalm 16:11: “You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.”
• Isaiah 42:16: “I will lead the blind on a way they do not know; by paths they do not know I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked ways straight. These are my promises: I made them, I will not forsake them.”

How have I continued to grow into how to say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to the right things?

After last week’s email and update about my new role with the Archdiocese of Mbarara Foundation, a former pastor and beloved priest friend of ours, Father Larry, sent me a note…

“I couldn’t help but remember what I had told you in my office years ago that you had one flaw. You didn’t and can’t find a way to say no.”

I smiled when I received that. I always smile when I receive Father’s notes, but this one warmed my heart.

Father Larry was a wonderful pastor and mentor as I grew into adulthood, got married, and started a family. He had been a VP of Sales in a large tech company, raised a faith-filled family with his wife Barbara, was active in the church with her and the family, and then later entered the priesthood as a second vocation after she passed away.

He was our pastor, he helped Suzanne and I prepare for marriage. And I worked for him as music director in the parish, and as the president (and later a member) of the parish pastoral council, among other roles and ministries.

Sage Advice, Years Ago

It was close to twenty years ago.

I don’t remember the exact scenario – there were plenty of opportunities – but after one of the many times that I had said “yes” to helping with something else around the parish, my pastor at the time, and the pastor of the parish across town with whom we were partnering on many ministries and initiatives, pulled me aside.

They were concerned that I kept saying “yes” to and taking on too much.

They had good advice and feedback, rooted in their own journey with the same challenge.

The biggest takeaway I got from them was this:

When someone asks you to commit to something, simply say, “I can’t say for sure right now. Give me a day or two to think about it. I’ll get back to you…”

Give yourself time, and give the person asking a fair expectation of when you’ll say “yes” or “no”.

Then spend the time really contemplating the commitment, whether you can take it on, and whether it falls in line with your priorities.

If it’s a BIG commitment, involve your spouse, significant other, or family into the consideration.

How I’ve Grown in This

I was grateful to be able to reply to Father to let him know that this recent “Yes” was the result of following that process.

In fact, a few weeks before the dinner night at our house, one of the priests had asked me to consider the role.

I had already taken it to prayer many times over those weeks, and talked with Suzanne about it.

We were still on the fence, but were leaning towards helping in some way.

As we sat discussing the need after dinner last week, it became apparent that this was something we could say “Yes” to together, and that I’d have her support in taking it on.

And it was after a deep rootedness in prayer and careful contemplation.

That’s Where I’ve Grown

That’s where I’ve grown. Not only do I buy myself time before committing either way, I’ve grown a solid muscle of taking it to prayer.

Each day, when I make a Holy Hour in prayer and contemplation, I take these commitments to prayer.

For the existing commitments, I pray:

• How do I continue to do well?
• What do I need to do next?
• How do I bring more of what I can uniquely bring?
• Who else can I engage to help with other aspects?

For new commitments, I pray:

• Does this align with the priorities and the vision that Suzanne and I have set for our next 10+ years?
• Is this something that I can uniquely help with, with my God-given strengths?
• How long is the commitment for? What boundaries can I set around it, or do I need to set around it?
• How do I ensure I set the right expectations?
• Who else in my network could help? Does this help me grow my existing relationships and help others grow with me?
• Does this challenge me and help me grow in some new way?
• Can I honestly take this on while still maintaining my priorities to Suzanne, the boys, my work, and my parish assignment as deacon?

Most days, my Holy Hour is early in the morning. On Sundays, it’s in the evening during Adoration at our parish.

That’s precious time to converse with God for guidance on these big and little commitments.

Sometimes, this discernment takes weeks.

The key is: If I continue to sense a pull towards moving forward, I’ll keep exploring and taking steps in that direction.

If I start to feel otherwise, or it feels conflicted, it’s a good sign that it’s not a good time for me to commit to it at that time.

One More Thing: Letting Things Go

In order to discern new areas to lean in and serve, it’s also important to let go of areas where you’ve done all you can, or where your unique strengths aren’t needed any more.

Paring down or commitments – knowing when to step back, and how to gracefully do so – is equally important.

Prayer is also helpful for this, especially the practice of a daily Examen.

In a daily Examen, one can also spend time reflecting upon the work and the moments of the day, and where moments of desolation are starting to set in. This becomes a good leaping point for discerning whether something you’re doing is something you should continue doing.

Sometimes this helps you understand when it’s time to let something go.

A great example of this for me in the last few months is the design and layout of our parish’s weekly bulletin. A few years ago, when we started to self-publish a more custom and beautiful layout with more robust contents, I led the effort. I continued that for more than a couple of years.

But we knew that in time we wanted to hand that off to our parish secretary. I resisted it for a while. We also tried a few times, but it didn’t quite fit into his workflow or skillset.

Finally, through weeks of prayer, I continued to realize that the weekly bulletin was causing me continued desolation. As much as I loved doing it – and knowing that I was helping – I knew it was time to hand it off.

Remarkably, the transition was the right time and happened just fine. My friend, our parish secretary, also commented within a few weeks that he appreciated how it was pushing him and giving him new benefits and growth.

Sometimes, it’s the art of intentionally letting things go that allows us the space to say “yes” to new things that need our unique time and talents.

In the Spirit

I am grateful to have developed this muscle through the years.

I’m still not perfect at it, but it works most of the time, and continues to serve me well.

At the end of the day, trusting and taking this discernment to prayer is a way of remaining open to the Holy Spirit’s insights and guidance on this journey of life and service.

I know that, and it’s why I smiled when I read the next part of Father Larry’s email last week:

“I don’t know how you do it, but you are truly injected with the very spirit of Jesus himself. I love you for it.”

All of us as the Baptized have that Holy Spirit. All of us Confirmed have it in its fullness, firmed up within us to help us in this way, and then to give us the gifts we need to succeed in these endeavors.

And when we truly lean into that, and live in it, we love each other for it!

We give all that we can, our best, with our own unique God-given talents and strengths.

And that’s one piece of how the Body of Christ works.

Thanks be to God!

Tips & Tools from Elsewhere

Father Mary Mary, CFR, one of my favorite confessors, on Ascension Presents: How to Discern Pretty Much Anything.

USCCB: Discernment Tools (focused on vocation discernment).

Word on Fire: Discernment is Not About Choice.

Ignatian Spirituality: The Daily Examen.

Hallow: How to Pray the Daily Examen.

We hosted dinner at our house on Friday. Suzanne made an amazing chicken with green beans and mashed potatoes.

Who came to dinner?

Four Ugandan priests (including our pastor & parochial vicar) and a couple friend of ours.

Originally, our pastor had asked if maybe we could host up to twenty, but as the invites all went out with less than a week’s notice, most people couldn’t come.

But the couple of friends and the four priests were there, and we had a wonderful dinner and conversation.

The real reason for the evening

The real reason was that the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbarara in Uganda has given permission and asked for help in forming a Foundation here in the United States to help rally support and raise funds for key projects across the Archdiocese.

The permission was given and the process was started earlier this year. I was asked to sit on the Board of Directors, along with a few other friends here.

One of those friends got us started as the initial President, but needed to step down.

So the real reason for dinner was to try to convince Suzanne (or one of us) to step up and help lead the continued formation and the start of the work of the Foundation.

Who?

I say “to try to convince Suzanne” because we had signals leading into the night that that was the intent.

But we talked, and we knew that Suzanne’s skills to offer are more in the strengths she brings to her day job – helping organize an event or design an appeal.

As we sat and watched Father Charles, one of the priests, whose job is to help mobilize resources for the University the Archdiocese runs in Mbarara, present on the needs and the opportunity, I felt a tug and heard a whisper…

“You start things. This is what you do.”

And when the video presentation was zooming in on a photo of the University building, I heard, “This is going to be part of your legacy.”

Yes

Suzanne and I both agreed and said that I could be the person to help with this, and that we’d lean in together to assist.

So as our guests left dinner on Friday, I had been tapped (and said yes to being) the next President of the Foundation.

One of our other friends who was there at dinner joked with me on Sunday that I’m a bobblehead whose head only moves up and down. 🤣

But I think there’s something deeper and more meaningful behind this “Yes”.

More to come

We have some basic steps to complete, like securing 501(c)(3) status so that donations can be claimed as tax-deductible, and setting up basic digital properties, branding, and processes.

But in the coming weeks, as things take shape, I can’t wait to share more, and maybe even to ask you to help the people of Uganda.

Initial projects will likely include things like:

• Helping fund student support at the University
• A well for reliable water at the University
• Other wells and water needs around the Archdiocese, including at schools and medical centers
• Other physical needs at churches, schools, and medical centers
• A bus for the University
• And much, much more…

I’ll share more soon, but in the meantime, please – most importantly – start to join me in prayer for the mission of the Foundation supporting the Archdiocese of Mbarara and its people.

If you have ideas, I’m all ears!

How about a spiritual exercise helping you be more ready & open to evangelize?

Over the last few years, when I talk with someone who has undertaken a spiritual exercise on one of the apps or programs available, today they ask for a very specific thing next:

When will there be a program that helps us evangelize – to have conversations with others about our faith and extend them an invitation to join us?

A background & a pause

After leaving my year and a half stint at Exodus, I continued to wrestle with this question. I took it to my spiritual directors multiple times. I wrestled with a perceived call to help provide the answer to that question.

For a time, I worked on it slowly. Then I felt a very distinct direction to stop. It wasn’t time – not that I wasn’t supposed to do it – but it wasn’t the time.

Then I underwent a darker period, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, for nearly a year.

But late this Spring, the calling to pursue this became more clear, and it felt as though it were time.

Forming something new – ready to evangelize

While undertaking the crafting and writing of this thing – now called Emmaus 15 – I also started the process of forming a company to operate it. I also enlisted a couple of old friends & collaborators to serve on the board. We formed a corporation, set to work, and were granted 501(c)(3) status to operate as a non-profit entity.

And now it’s almost time for it to come alive.

Emmaus Disciples is a non-profit organization seeking to help Catholics deepen their faith and share it with others.

We will be launching this fall with Emmaus 15: An Exercise of Emmaus Disciples. It is a 15-week journey into a deeper relationship with Jesus and an understanding of how to invite others into a relationship with Him.

A spiritual exercise helping you be ready & open to evangelize.

Why 15 weeks? It has allowed for a good pattern and structure for the journey. Plus, the journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus was about 7 1/2 miles, and it was about 7 1/2 miles back.

So the 15 mile journey to Emmaus and back becomes a 15 week journey of prayer, reflection, and action for today’s faithful.

Be a part of this spiritual exercise

Sign up for more information as it becomes available.
Be on the list to be one of the first people to try Emmaus 15.

Share this with others who might be interested. It’s designed for each person to undertake the journey with another person (just as the two disciples did in the Gospel).

The initial soft launch (online only) will be on September 25… 57 days from today. We’re discussing also possibly making the exercise available next year in a book form with space for handwritten reflection and journaling.

Why September 25? It’s the Memorial of Saint Cleopas, the one disciple out of the two who made the journey to Emmaus with Jesus who is named in the Gospels.

Or make a tax-deductible donation to help us prepare to launch and spread the word about our work.

I’m grateful to have been gifted continued clarity on this journey. But there are also moments of knowing intensely that Satan does not want this to come to life.

If nothing else, please pray as we continue the journey of bringing Emmaus 15 & Emmaus Disciples to life.

Saint Cleopas, pray for us!

About a year ago, I embarked on the journey of running. I still wouldn’t call myself “a runner”. I would just say, “I run”.

My youngest son inspired it – he pushed us to start running together, partially as a way to do something together, and partially to help support me in a journey towards continuing to better my health. It has yielded both results, for which I’m grateful.

We have run more than a handful of 5K and longer racing events, which have been fun – from small, local fundraiser 5Ks with less than 50 people running, to massive RunDisney 10 Milers with tens of thousands of runners at Walt Disney World in Florida.

But we’re still not 100% consistent.

It’s actually a consistent joke in our house: “Are you guys actually running today or not?”

Some days are hard, some days are easy. But working towards the consistency is key, and a good goal. We’re working on it.

Just like so many other things in life, it just takes the conscious decision to get up and go. It takes putting one foot in front of the other.

We found that last week as we headed out on a hot, 90 degree St. Louis day with close to 100% humidity. It was a hot and sweaty run, but it was done!

Hot, sweaty, and done – one foot in front of the other.

What else in life takes this mindset and approach? Almost everything… work, relationships, leisure, taking care of home, raising family… Deepening our prayer life and relationship with God.

One step at a time.

Reflection: Father in Heaven, what are the areas of my life where I step back from opportunity or responsibility when it’s hard, or boring, or not as fulfilling as I had hoped? Help me understand the steps to take, and the path through difficulty. Give me strength and grace to always take the next steps.

Also: Speaking of running, I’m helping to lead bringing back the Royal Run 5K (& 1K Fun Run) at St. Elizabeth this fall. The event is a fundraiser towards our Centennial Capital Campaign. You can read more and register here. Or if you’re interested in volunteering in some way, contact me.

Running? Yep.

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” – John Bingham

You can’t beat a high-five from your son as you wrap up the last running segment of the day on your 5K training program.

Suzanne and I recently embarked on a weight-loss journey together. We’re a couple of weeks in and doing – and feeling – great!