See? Cats.

Setting up the meeting hall.

Mobile blogging Missions

I haven't worked with high schoolers in a while. It's like herding cats. So is teaching middle school, but at least i have recognized authority over them and they're not as clever as these kids. But, so far so good!

Sometimes

...i feel compelled to voice my profound gratatued for the life i have been blessed with. This palm sunday is one of those days.

My Boy Matt Maher and a Great Example of Ecumanism

Matt Maher is a Catholic singer/songwriter whose music I've had a substantial crush on for years (the music, not the guy, I swear). Last year, he finally released an album (Empty and Beautiful, his 4th) on a "mainstream" Christian label, a pretty big deal when we're talking about a guy who wrote a song that starts with the word "transubstantiation".

I stumbled on this interview he did for The Christophers. The whole thing is great and I recommend it, but I was particularly impressed by his explanation of the difference between Catholicism and Protestant denominations, the truth of the Church, and what Catholics and Protestants can offer each other. It's right after the halfway point, if you'd like to skip ahead.

"We are ritual, habit oriented people [. . .] If we do that so much,
doesn't it make sense that God would make that sacred?"

"Words mean something, and the problem with pop culture is it keeps
devaluing that meaning."

I've seen and heard Matt "perform" five or six times. Actually, perform is totally the wrong word. I usually cringe at terms like "worship leader", but in the contexts I've seen him, he's been exactly that, and excellently so. It's never the Matt Maher Show, it's always a genuine expression of praise that pulls the attention of all present right where it's supposed to be. As the kids say, this guy is legit.

Stuff, Meet Fan.

I have barely posted lately, I know, and this is not exclusive news by any stretch. Most people who read this site probably already know about it, but just in case:

Notre Dame invited President Obama to speak at this year's commencement, and he accepted.

The president, Fr. John Jenkins, defended the choice.

And now the bishop has announced he will not attend the ceremonies. As my friend and ND alum Ginna said, "Bishop D'Arcy lays the SMACK DOWN."

highlight part 2

the highlight of my spring break

Prayer

L., 8th grader leading prayer: Any intentions?

Me: For my friend Becca who found out yesterday she's moving to Africa next year.

D: That's hardcore!

L: We pray to the Lord.

Class: Lord, hear our prayer.

K: For Miss C.'s friend Becca to get to Africa safe.  And not be eaten by a lion.

L: We pray to the Lord.

Class: Lord, hear our prayer.

Me: (Head hanging)

This is absurd.

It's early march. i'm sitting in my car with the sunroof open. I went to the beach two days ago. I love south texas.

12

Following their "church wedding", November 2006

Today is my parents' 12th anniversary. It's pretty dizzying to think of everything that's happened to our family in that time: two more babies, eight houses and five or six states, depending on how you count, four graduations -- two high school, one college, one basic training -- and the innumerable trials and triumphs of everyday life.

Here's to the last 12, and to many more.