Of Sound Mind and Spirit

Catholic Voting Guide App This year, there is no shortage of people telling you how to vote as a Catholic Christian in the upcoming Presidential elections, but it is up to each of us to discern an informed vote before approaching the polling place.  The question is, where do I find a non-partisan source to guide my decision in this intensely political world?  Well, I’m glad to say, there’s an App for that! The Confraternity of Catholic Clergy has released a non-partisan guide to help voters make intelligent decisions this November and in future elections.  The  Catholic Voting Guide is a free app available for the iPhone , Android and Windows phones and devices. The official description at the iTunes store states,  " This application helps you cast a responsible vote using a well-formed conscience based on Catholic moral principles." Catholic Voting Guide Screenshot With clear, concise language, the Catholic Voting Guide walks you thr

Last week when my husband’s aunt died, I was asked to select something to read for her non-denominational memorial service.   In preparation, and also because this is the Year of Faith, I turned to the Catechism to rediscover what the Church tells us about “Death.” The Catechism contains a great many references to Death; just the broad index headings alone covered:   “after death, as limitation of earthly life, Christian dealings with death, Christian interpretation of death, death of Jesus, and separation of soul and body."   Christian dealings with death First I looked up Christian dealings with death, which focuses on Respect for the Dead, addressing that “the dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace.” [CCC 2299]   “The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are tem

Click image for symbolism details. Today marks the beginning of a Year of Faith in the Catholic Church , a time for Catholics to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the Catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith.    Pope Benedict XVI declared the Year of Faith to run from October 11, 2012 through November 24, 2013.   Today also marks the 50 th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II and the 20 th anniversary of the Catechism.   When Lisa and I discussed what we hope to accomplish, personally, during this Year of Faith, I suggested that we explore the Catechism.   At our first CNMC, Lisa Hendey counseled us to blog with a Bible and a Catechism at our side.   At the time, I didn’t have a Catechism, but in the years since I now have two different versions at home.   We’ve practiced the Catholic faith our entire life, but we recognize the value and importance of learning more.   Recently, the Catholic Church has been featur

Squee!  It's here!  A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy: Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism , by Sarah A. Reinhard. This is the book I wish had been in my hands on February 1, 2011, not August 30, 2012. For those of you expecting or who know someone expecting, you are so lucky that this resource is available to you! Sarah and I met at the CNMC 2010 when she was expecting a baby in the fall. When she learned that I was expecting a baby a year later (as she just happened to be working feverishly to meet a deadline for this book) she humbly suggested that perhaps I could review a few chapters covering the last trimester. Since I would do anything to take my mind off those last uncomfortable six weeks, I eagerly agreed. So believe me, I know this book. I read it in loose pages spread across the bed like fall leaves. I love this book. And I honestly believe that you are going to love it too. Read it as a guide.  Read it to grow closer to Mary, the Holy

As the start of another school year brings me back into the parish classroom for another year of teaching religious education to 3rd graders, I thought I would share with you my Six Tips to Enhancing your Religious Education Class: 1. Prayer  Pray before the start of every class. This is my most important tip, because it helps me calm myself and focus on the reason we will be together in the classroom. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and use us as God’s instrument in leading the children to His Son, Jesus Christ, to open the children to receiving God’s message and for any personal intentions of the day.  2. Make Religious Education Fun Our kids come to the parish directly after school for religious education, bringing with them a lot of pent up energy from sitting in a classroom all day. Religious education does not have to mean sitting in a chair reading from a text book. Get them moving, sit on the floor, or go outside. Make it fun. Utilize all of the fantastic teach