This is the story of my visit to the Miraculous Staircase in the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe. I include incredible details about the staircase itself and the story of how it came to be (from the booklet, Loretto Chapel, the Miraculous Staircase, by Bill Brokaw). You can see my photos of the

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Sources Cited: Loretto Chapel, The Miraculous Staircase, by Bill Brokaw. The Creative company, Lawrenceburg, IN. 2002. Fifth printing: 2014.

In this Faith Talk I reflect on the power of the funeral ritual (both religious and secular), by sharing my recent experiences. I believe there is great power in the simple act of gathering - to support one another, hold one

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Mysticism can be a foreign and quite often perplexing concept for many people. It seems abstract and completely outside of our personal experiences. It’s just not something that most of us have been encouraged to explore or even been exposed to. But I believe God has

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Scripture Cited: Luke 1:37

Other Sources

Theologian and Episcopal priest, Matthew Fox.

Franciscan priest, Murry Bodo, Mystics: Twelve Who Reveal God’s Love.

St. Teresa of Avila.

Catholic priest, Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Faith Talk with Anita podcast episode 51, Surrender to God and be Free.

During the 40 days of Lent, we put our ordinary daily activities on hold as we pray, fast, and sacrifice in preparation for Easter. And then we celebrate the great Feast of Easter with wonder, awe, exultation, and joy. But where does that leave us in the days and weeks following the extraordinary event of Easter? Does that wonder and awe remain? Or do we simply slip back into our ordinary daily lives? Has the miracle of the Resurrection changed us in some way or is Easter just another date we check off our calendar as we move on to the next big event? In this

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Scripture Cited: John 20:19-31, John 21:3, Matthew 17:1-4

Other Sources Cited: Fr. Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation,

Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter, also known as The Triduum, are the three holy days that saved the world. More precisely, the 3 holy days ON WHICH God saved the world. In this Faith Talk, I reflect on the scripture

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Scripture Cited: John 13:15, Mark 10:45, John 13:34-35, Mark 14:38

The Feast of Palm Sunday places us squarely at the edge of our Lenten desert journey and the beginning of our walk through Holy Week. It’s a pivotal event on our faith journey, just as it was for Jesus’ mission. In this Faith Talk I reflect on a few key details from the Scripture readings from the Palm Sunday Liturgy. If we heed the message, we will discover important truths which can move us forward on our faith journey and deepen our relationship with God. I hope this Palm Sunday proves to be enlightening, inspiring, and transformative for you.

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Scripture Cited: Mark 11:1-10.

In this Faith Talk I reflect on the notion of Surrendering to God. What does this mean to you? And what does it look like in your life? In my reflection, I use quotes from Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Richard Rohr, as well as passages from the Bible. My take-away is that surrendering to God is not giving up but opening ourselves up to God. Surrendering to God actually frees us! I also do a brief check-in on Lent and share a version of the “Feast and Fast” prayer. Please share this video with anyone who might benefit.

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Scripture Cited: Matthew 16:24, Matthew 11:28-30, Job 11:13-19

Other sources cited: Fr. Richard Rohr, Daily Meditation of December 18, 2023. Fr. Mike Schmitz.

The season of Lent brings many thoughts and images to our minds, including sacrifice, fasting, abstinence, and penance. But it seems to me that when we think of Lent, our first thought should be of LOVE! In this Faith Talk I share a few of the gospel readings from the first week of Lent, as well as the words of Bishop Robert Barron from his book, Lenten Gospel Reflections. I see a pattern in these Lenten readings which leads me to understand that the Church is guiding us on our Lenten journey – directly to divine love! I hope my reflection is helpful for you.

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Scripture Cited: Matthew 25:31-46, John 15:13, Matthew 5:20- 26, Matthew 5:43-48, John 3:16

Other sources cited: Lenten Gospel Reflections, by Bishop Robert Barron. Word on Fire, 2024.

A Small Light, National Geographic. 2023. Presented by the Disney Channel.

“Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked this question of his first disciples, but I believe he also asks it of us today. It is one of the most fundamental, yet significant questions we will ever contemplate. How do you answer it? In this Faith Talk, I reflect on this crucial question. Please join me!

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Scripture Cited: Matthew 16:13-19

Other sources cited: The Nicene Creed

In this Faith Talk I reflect on the notion of following Jesus, which is a primary liturgical message during the first week of Lent. It’s comforting knowing that we have someone who will lead us in the right direction. Someone who knows the way. Someone we can trust and depend on. My friends, Jesus is that someone. In this episode, I share gospel readings from the first few days of Lent and some concrete ways that we can follow Jesus.

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Scripture Cited: Isaiah 48:17, Romans 8:14, Psalm 23, Luke 9:22- 25, John 14:6, Luke 5:27-32

Other sources cited: Lead me, Lord. Songwriters: Elizabeth Grace Goodine and Wayne Harold Goodine. New Spring Publishing, 1994.