“Marriage Matters: Our Search for Right Relationship”

by Deacon Stephen Bowling It’s that time of year when again Ordinary Time makes a short appearance in our lives . . . and I always love it when we hear Matthew’s gospel like we are doing this cycle. The Beatitudes are always one of the very first readings we hear; fitting since they are … Continue reading “Marriage Matters: Our Search for Right Relationship”

What Does Dignity Really Mean?

by Deacon Stephen Bowling Before coming to work for the Archdiocese, I worked for a “long-term healthcare provider”, something more commonly known as a nursing home company. It was during my time there that I was regularly able to partake of many steaming hot mugs full of human dignity - opportunities to observe and interact … Continue reading What Does Dignity Really Mean?

“Holiday Depression”

by Martine Bacci-Siegel The holiday season is a time full of joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings. However, for many people, it is a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures, and anxiety about an uncertain future. What Causes Holiday Blues? Many factors can cause the "holiday blues": stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial … Continue reading “Holiday Depression”

“What Are We Waiting For?”

by Deacon Stephen Bowling What is it about “growing up” that makes time seem to pass by so much faster? When we were kids, things seemed to take FOREVER. Just waiting for dad to come home seemed to take an eternity. Nap time seemed to take FOREVER until I finally got permission to read quietly … Continue reading “What Are We Waiting For?”

“Gratitude As A Matter Of Being” by Deacon Stephen Bowling

When our team here at Family Ministries decided that the theme for our November newsletter was going to be “gratitude,” I at first thought it ideal. It ties in so well with the Thanksgiving holiday and the general feeling so many of us have around harvest time as to how God works so well in … Continue reading “Gratitude As A Matter Of Being” by Deacon Stephen Bowling

“The Need for Hope” by Deacon Stephen Bowling

In probably my favorite scene from the 2013 movie Man Of Steel, our hero Clark Kent, recently revealed to the world discussed what the letter on his chest meant with Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Lois Lane. Lois – “What’s the S stand for?” Clark - “It’s NOT an S. On my world, it means HOPE.” Lois – … Continue reading “The Need for Hope” by Deacon Stephen Bowling

“The Hardest Thing About Not Having Sex Before Marriage Wasn’t What I Expected”

Thanks as always to the ever wise brother-deacon Greg Kandra on putting us on to an enlightening, frank and ultimately beautiful testimony which I think is actually far more common that most folks believe - waiting until after marriage to have sex. While society tends to be "puzzled" by such behavior (and I'm being very kind in … Continue reading “The Hardest Thing About Not Having Sex Before Marriage Wasn’t What I Expected”

“Sex Is Kind Of Like The Nourishing Food of Marriage”

Ryan Williams has an excellent article over at Aleteia.org which discusses in a beautiful, Catholic manner, what we really believe about sex and marital intimacy. His premise, he states, is: Marriage counselors routinely encourage couples to focus on what they do out of the bedroom in order to strengthen what they do in the bedroom. … Continue reading “Sex Is Kind Of Like The Nourishing Food of Marriage”

“Reaping What We Sow” by Deacon Stephen Bowling

Every year at this time, I dream of corn on the cob . . . It sounds kind of silly I know, but it was always in early August when the corn would “come in” as we used to say. I still remember picking bushel after bushel of Silver Queen corn in both my parent’s … Continue reading “Reaping What We Sow” by Deacon Stephen Bowling