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Miscellaneous

Pope Francis’ First 100 Days

As we mark the first 100 days of the pontificate of Pope Francis, here is a good analysis from the always reliable John Allen: http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/francis-100-days-worlds-parish-priest

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Miscellaneous

Your Chance to Win an iPad!

Loyola Press is conducting a brief survey to find out more about the needs of your ministry and how we may best serve you. Complete the survey on or before February 1, 2013, to be entered into the raffle. One entry per person is allowed. One lucky winner will receive an iPad! The winner will be notified by e-mail on February 2, 2013. Start Loyola Press Survey

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Miscellaneous

Abundant Blessings in the New Year!

A year is nothing but the amount of time it takes for the earth to go completely around the sun before it begins the trip all over again. The completion of a year, then, is not a sign that things are ending. It is more the realization that life repeats itself unendingly. We have a chance to do everything again: better this time, more comfortably this time, more joyfully this time. (Joan Chittister) Wishing you […]

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Miscellaneous

Why the Title “Where Have You Gone, Thomas Groome?”

I had to chuckle at the follow-up email I received from Dr. Thomas Groome, asking why I chose to title my post, “Where Have You Gone, Thomas Groome?” I can understand why he might take exception to that title since he is still very much on the scene! The truth is, the title was intended to be provocative (you know how we bloggers are always trying to capture attention!) The question, “where have you gone, […]

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Miscellaneous

Rest in Peace, Tom McLaughlin

Please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Tom McLaughlin, one of the most brilliant catechetical minds I’ve ever known. I benefitted immensely from “sitting at his feet” over the years. Tom passed away this morning at the age of 64. I met Tom when I was a baby DRE in 1991. I attended sessions at the Office for Catechesis to learn about my new ministry as a catechetical leader. Tom was […]

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Miscellaneous

Rest in Peace, Mi Hermano, Miguel Arias

I’m saddened to learn of the death of a good friend and one of the best catechists I have ever met, Miguel Arias. Miguel lost his battle with cancer last evening and leaves behind his beautiful wife Alma and their beautiful daughter Bethsaida. I had the privilege of working with Miguel at Loyola Press over these past 7 years or so before he recently returned to Liturgy Training Publications where he began his career. Miguel and […]

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Miscellaneous

Spiritual Health is More Than the Absence of Sin

For all of the bad press that secularism gets in religious (and particularly Catholic) circles, the fact is, secular culture often provides us with insights that are congruent with the proclamation of the Gospel. Case in point: this brief talk on happiness by Psychologist Shawn Achor is consistent with the approach to a healthy Christian spirituality. In fact, it is just this kind of thinking that inspired me to write my newest book, 7 Keys to […]

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Joe's Comings and Goings

Rest in Peace, Uncle Joe!

I’m saddened this morning by the loss of my Uncle Joe, my Dad’s younger brother, and my last living uncle. Next to my Dad, he was one of the men I admired most in life and I am proud to have been named after him. He attended the same high school I did – St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago – and had a long and fruitful association with the Jesuits. He was always very […]

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Miscellaneous

Surprise! Diocesan Directors Congratulate Joe on his 5th Anniversary

Unbeknownst to Joe, we here at Loyola Press asked a few DREs to shoot videos congratulating Joe on his 5th anniversary, and discuss what Catechist’s Journey has meant to them over the course of 5 years. Here’s what David O’Brien and Jonathan Sullivan had to say… [click here if you’re unable to view] What would you say to Joe in a video? Leave a comment below and tell us. It’ll be sure to make him […]