The past few days have felt like a funeral – a long, never-ending funeral in which we’ve listened to a hundred bad eulogies.

For a long time, I’ve grappled with the issue of pain and suffering. I used to believe there could be no “all-loving” God that could also allow horrible things to occur.

I’m afraid He’ll see me. He’ll see me, all of me: the times I’ve forgotten Him; the dreams I think may be deprived of their dignity if spoken aloud; the insecurities that brush so nicely under a thick carpet when the doorbell rings; the securities in which I place too much credence. It’s my greatest fear and my heart’s deepest longing: to be seen for who I truly am.

When I first came to Duquesne University in fall 2011, I met a priest and we became good friends. In the midst of a personal crisis of faith, he gave me this Scripture to reflect and meditate on – it still cuts me to the core:

Imagine: Your time is up, and a lifetime of good deeds is about to pay off with an eternity in communion with the Creator. You arrive to the Pearly Gates eager to enjoy the bounty of Paradise. There’s just one thing – you need to fill out the paperwork. Don’t worry – it’s just the procedure. If you’ve lived a good life, then you’ll probably get in.

At the beginning of Jesus' ministry, the Spirit drove him into the desert (see Mark 1:12). At the beginning of my ministry career, the Spirit drove me into desert as well.

Today’s theme was experiencing community as participation in Gods life. The question is what does real community mean to you? Stay up to date with 14 Young adults from the Diocese of Pittsburgh as they travel the Camino in Spain.

Pentecost approaches quickly. These next few days are a deep breath held, a promise awaiting fulfillment. I'm praying for the fire of Holy Spirit to consume me, incinerating any dependence on my own merit lingering in the inked caverns of my heart

There is a growing movement of Catholic artists coming together across the United States and Pittsburgh, yet again, is at the forefront.  The Pentecost Sacred Arts Festival offers Pittsburghers a glimpse of high art with a purpose.  

Right there and then, it was clear that the Lord was calling me to reduce my family's consumption of plastic and disposable items. Why? Because it never goes away. All of the plastic that's ever been made is still on this Earth somewhere, and will be for at least 2,000 years.

I had stepped out in faith trusting that God would not let me fall and my presence had actually transformed someone’s experience.

Then, the unthinkable happened. Thick, hot tears began to dribble down my six-year-old cheeks. I remember burying my face in my crossed arms on my desk, unable to stop the small streams from streaking down my face, all the while praying that none of my classmates noticed.

Recently there have been a number of conversations I’ve had with people about how to invite people to Church. It seems that this can become quite an issue for some folks.

VBS has taught me at least three important things about effectively sharing Jesus with kids.

At that time I timidly entered through the doors of Saint Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh, terrified of myself and what I might find, and immediately returned home.

I can make things in life pretty complicated. Good Friday brings me back to the simple fact that I am a sinner, in need of a savior.

Are you one of those people that things just seem to happen to? Things that would never happen to someone else? That’s me.

On this Second Sunday of Lent, we continue our penitential journey as we reflect on the Transfiguration on the Mount Tabor.

I went to see Wonder Woman at the movies with a friend, expecting a night of epic battles and selfless heroes, peppered with a few laughs along the way. But at the movie’s conclusion I found myself staring with unblinking saucer eyes at the rolling credits, seemingly frozen to my seat. I sat in awe of a truth that had overpowered me during the movie: Though I don’t deserve it, God’s love for me is so great that He thirsts to come into the daily mess of my life.

The First Sunday of Lent is called Temptation Sunday. Temptation is a test of our faithfulness and loyalty to God, whether arising from within one’s self, from other persons, the circumstances of life, the action of the devil or something else.