I’ve been a bit emotional while working on this particular issue of the magazine. You see, when it comes to mothers and kids—in utero to toddlers, tweens, teens and everything in between—my mama heart often empathizes to the point of pain. This is your first child and he has a …

After working for dioceses for more than 14 years, I’ve seen my fair share of bishops come and go. Twice, I’ve been on the receiving end, part of the flurry of communications, joy and anticipation that comes with a new bishop for my diocese. I’ve gotten caught up in the …

I’ve been meditating for weeks on this May issue’s theme of devotion, rolling it over in my head. While growing up, the word “devotion,” in relation to faith, only extended to flowery “devotional books.” I wasn’t even aware of devotions to particular saints then, because I had no real understanding …

There have been a few times in my life where God’s presence, abundance and majesty left me thunderstruck. As a child of 10 or so, when my family went to the Gulf Coast, I would drag a chair out to the beach at night and sit under the stars. Even …

As a Protestant, my knowledge of saints was limited to the ones associated with holidays: St. Nicholas, St. Valentine, St. Patrick – and those were relegated to the realm of Santa Claus. It wasn’t until I discovered true Catholicism that I understood the saints as real people who faced adversities …

Whether we like it or not, media has infused itself into almost every aspect of our lives. We watch local television news and streaming services, listen to the radio as we drive and scroll through social media feeds at our leisure – it is our constant companion. But we can …

Before moving to Cincinnati, I worked three jobs so my four children could remain in Catholic school. “She must be crazy,” you might think – and many who dearly love us certainly thought we were. I don’t say this to paint myself as a martyr or look down my nose …

My brothers and I, who normally don’t get along, prayed together. My last chemo treatment is done. We are going to figure out a way to help your child at school. I’m finally able to fly and see you after having to cancel twice because of the pandemic. He got …

Momma, I don’t feel so good.” Those dreaded words always send a flurry of thoughts running through my mind, especially when uttered on a weekday morning. Out comes the thermometer, and when the inevitable 100.8 degrees registers on the screen, my husband and I start quickly recalculating our plans for …

“Mom, I love you. You know what I love about you? I love that your arm is so squishy and soft to lay on.” So spoke my six-year-old daughter as she snuggled up next to me in bed. The pattern of my thoughts at her words went something like this: …