Tip-Toe Twinkle, the name of our Elf on the Shelf, arrived in our house by surprise one December day a few years ago. For the remainder of the month, he would occasionally cause mischief about the house while we parents grumbled about the mess left behind. However, the next year, …

202212 – St Charles de Foucauld Template St. Charles de Foucauld craft

Our children all have very different personalities. Some are quiet and shy; some are outgoing and goofy. But dress any of them in a costume and give them props, and suddenly, they take on the personality of that character – no matter who is watching! They become the fearless defender …

A crackling bonfire flickering in the crisp fall air. Warm apple cider in hand. Friends and family gathered in a circle sharing laughter and making memories together. All a picture-perfect image of what an autumn night should be. Heading into November, we try to squeeze in just a few more …

The devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary has a very dramatic origin. On October 7, 1571, a small Christian fleet of ships went out to battle the massive Muslim fleet that was dominating the Mediterranean Sea and stood poised to invade Europe. In miraculous fashion, the Christian fleet destroyed …

Tie Dye with the Topps

with Marianne & Wayne Topp Growing up, Marianne’s parents were known for throwing great parties. Perhaps the most famous was their Easter party. This wasn’t the late Sunday morning brunch you’re used to; it was a party to end all parties. It’s well known that during Lent, Catholics fast from …

By Wayne Topp For many young adults, parishes are an enigma. They experience them as young children, and some may have been involved in their high school youth group. Then they went off to college. Half of those involved teenagers stayed engaged in their faith, while others simply “took a …

This month, on May 21, the archdiocese will celebrate the ordination of seven men to the Holy Priesthood, a number not seen in locally in seven years.  This is a very exciting moment for the archdiocese. Interestingly enough, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr has been the leader of this archdiocese for …

I don’t know how many people are like me. I consider myself a fairly good listener and have always been ready with what I have considered pretty good advice. I certainly have had my fair share of times when I have given bad advice as well, but good or bad, …