Building Cultural Memory
In my years teaching in public schools, I started to notice a subtle but steady presence of cultural orphan mentality. I talked with 5th graders who did not know anything...
The Importance of Spiritual Mentoring
The word "mentor" is defined as "a wise and trusted counselor or teacher." To me, a female mentor is supposed to share the Gospel and her life, just like a...
The Relationship Between Personal Holiness and Social Wholeness
I attended a retreat for women writers in 2008 and had the privilege to study under Kentucky’s poet laureate at the time, Jane Gentry Vance. She shared thoughts on poetry...
A Day in the Life of a Sister of Life
As I approached the steps of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, I saw white and blue fabric billowing in the wind, fabric from the habits of the Sisters...
The True Christmas Presence // A Poem
It’s so easy to become wrapped up in shopping for the perfect Christmas presents. In our attempts to beat the crowd and to ensure everyone on our list is gifted...
BIS Reviews // Call the Midwife
I joined the party almost a decade late, but Call the Midwife is a BBC TV Series that you can begin now without feeling behind. The show is based on...
Our Lady of Guadalupe's Miraculous Tilma
"Sister. That was a mic-drop class." That's about as high of a compliment as it gets from middle schoolers. It was the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and we...
Slow Down, Make the Connection
This time of year stirs our hearts to be generous in how we give and to whom we give, but there is another facet of this desire to be charitable...
Committing to Minimalism During A Consumer Month
Warning: This post contains unseasonable encouragement to step back from purchasing during this highly-consuming month. Permission to Make a Switch Perhaps I have given myself particular permission to do less...
Who's at Your Thanksgiving Table this Year?
We are moved to give during the Christmas season and may restrain from going overboard on the Christmas gifts because of our awareness of others going without. Our culture emphasizes...
Hey Kids, Go Watch Juice Box!
"Hey Mom, can we watch a show?" I quickly scanned the house and zipped through my mental checklist. Schoolwork and chores were finished, they had played outside for several hours,...
You're Thinking About Getting the BIS Advent Devotional, But...
Now that November has arrived, our attention turns to the approaching holidays. We began to make lists and plans, bake treats and ideas for gatherings, and renew our commitment to...
