The name that is chosen is extremely important. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “Everyone’s name is sacred. The name is the icon of the person. A name is a person’s title or identifier for life. This is a not a decision that should be taken lightly. 

In scripture we often hear about the ‘Tax Collector’. In fact, one of Jesus’ Apostles was a tax collector. Among the early followers and apostles of Jesus is Matthew. There’s an interesting weave we notice throughout scripture and worthy of discussion. (Tax free)

As a 7-year-old I had to learn the 8 Beatitudes in order to receives my First Communion. The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness." The beatitudes that were given to us by Jesus had one simple lesson and meaning that would help us live a good life, and live a life that will lead us to an everlasting life in heaven. 

We touched on the importance of the Eucharist on our last podcast. I felt the need to do a deeper dive. Hopefully, you're physically able to again attend Sunday Mass. Many Catholic Churches are reopening. That's great news. Are you going? See you at Mass.

Our churches are starting to repopulate. That's great news. However, it will take years to know if the pandemic did irreparable damage to our attendance. The Catholic Church teaches us that we have an obligation to go to Mass every Sunday. Mass is a celebration of the Eucharist. I pray I see you're back in the pews. See you at Mass.  

Most Catholic parisoners like or love their pastor. Many bishops, nowadays, use the six years as a maximum as well, although in some cases, where a pastor becomes a very good fit in a parish, he might remain in that parish until death or retirement.

Altar servers are just that — servers. Pope John Paul II definitively authorized female altar servers in 1994. Altar Servers should be baptized Catholics, who have received their first Holy Communion. The minimum age 4th grade, male or female. Altar Servers should be individuals who strive to live a moral and faithful life. We have lots to unpack.

The past year was unlike any we’ve ever seen. Isolation for some and overcrowding for others. We all know how to Zoom and "don’t forget your mask". When it comes to new habits, some good and some not-so-good. We cried and yet we managed to find our smiles.

Brother Rice grad Kirk Mayes (’94) reflects on upbringing, COVID-19 food needs and his unwavering commitment to help Detroiters. “I wouldn’t attribute my intelligence to where I am today: it’s more about my character. That was the kind of work ethic Mayes’ parents — Jamaican immigrants to Detroit in the 1980s — instilled in their son.

I was recently told about a friend's son who's hoping to finish his four-year theological studies following his recent graduation from college. Seminary applicants today undergo a series of psychological tests to determine if they are mentally fit to serve as priests. More than a decade after the priest sex abuse crisis shook the Catholic Church from its pews to the altar.