Brave New Step: When All Our Best Laid Plans Change
I had a plan. He was pretty much perfect, and I knew exactly how things would go for us. My imagination ran wild with ideas for the future which seemed...
Catholicism + Stewardship of the Earth
A few years ago, I heard a newscaster reporting on a scene from the Vatican, in which Pope Francis presided over the Liturgy during Ordinary Time. The newscaster, offering commentary...
Finding and Fighting for Freedom from Addiction
Every year, the Holy Father puts forth a specific intention for each month. During the month of April 2020, Pope Francis is asking people worldwide to pray for those who...
How to Pray the Rosary // A Step-by-Step Guide
I remember the first time I prayed an entire Rosary. I was twelve-and-a-half years old, and I had no idea what I was doing. My baby sister was just born...
BIS Reads: A Newman Reader
I appreciate the challenge Dr. Muller met in culling through the numerous writings of the recently canonized John Henry Newman to produce such a reader. Along with biographical information, for...
The Gymnasium of Virtue
“Dear Jesus, help me to grow in the virtues of mercy and trust. Amen.” Little did I know that such a simple prayer would have such drastic results. Truly, it...
Breaking the Binge
I recently got a Netflix account. I know, it’s been around a while. But I have been trying to avoid it, as I have heard so many people talk about...
How to Set Spiritual Resolutions for the New Year
For many years, “grow in my relationship with God” was the first resolution I set after ringing in a new year. Want to hear a little confession? I don’t make...
Are We Really Special?
We toured colleges with our son last spring. In every tour, in every talk, we heard a similar spiel: “We want to get to know you—get a sense of who...
How Counseling Has Transformed My (Spiritual) Life
I slipped into a quiet and empty chapel near my apartment at my absolute wits end. I’ve written about my struggles with severe PMS, endometriosis, and NFP before. But at...
St. Perpetua: An Early Model for Modern Women
The first time I heard her story, I had to lift my jaw from the floor. I had asked for an example of a holy woman of God who was...
Love of Poverty and Love of the Poor
It is not filth and hunger that make saints, nor even poverty itself, but love of poverty and love of the poor. -Thomas Merton It is really possible to...
