At the basis of most sins lies steadfast importance and absolute gravity. You sin because you are so very important. Casting aside this importance through Christian humor, writes Walter Kasper, makes us capable of: "a serene and truly human existence."

Humor is a 'religious remedy' by which you can tell yourself, "Look how absurd I am, I worry about trifles, I have so many troubles, I am ruining my health. But, in reality everything is like ashes, like rubbish and finally may prove to be worthless."

Always, when you approach the Sacrament of Pennance which can be called the sacrament of conversion, with true contrition, your faith has a great opportunity for growth. A vital part of the sacrament that is frequently overlooked is the need for a thorough examination of conscience.

The fight for faith as the process of conversion, entails overcoming hurry, restlessness, stress and especially sadness. Sadness is an evident indication of self-love severing the very roots of faith, the roots of abandonment to God.

Conversion is a permanent and basic dimension of faith. Conversion prevents our faith from becoming static and enables it to undergo a peranent process of deepening itself. Conversion, as a dimension of faith, is not as much a single act as it is a process. It means a change in our way of thinking and the apparent transformation of our inner attitudes. During the process of conversion, we turn away from evil and we turn to god. Turning away from evil means not only turning away from sin alone, but also from its source which is unruly self-love.

Sr. M. Consolata FSGM explains how to use the Conversion of the Heart podcast prayer series. If you have any additional questions, please call her at (314) 633-2508.

Fr. Schmitz concludes the OYM Youth Ministers' Retreat with a talk on how a Holy Life is a Healthy Life.

Fr. Schmitz talks at the OYM Youth Ministers' Retreat on renewal and meditation on the redemptive love of God.

Fr. Schmitz speaks at the OYM Youth Ministers' Retreat about the main obstacles to my growth in holiness in my vocation.

Fr. Schmitz continues the OYM Youth Ministers' Retreat with a talk on the Three Senses of Vocation. What does holiness look like for me?