All Posts by From the Heart

On February 22, women from all over the St. Cloud Diocese gathered at St. Louis Parish in Paynesville to celebrate authenticity, restoration and beauty. What started out as a mission for teen girls to understand who they are in this culture of editing and perfectionism turned into a beautiful multi-generational event where babies were rocked […]

Ash Wednesday is here, Lent is upon us. St. Benedict reminds us that, “Always we begin again.” I enjoy Lent. I really do appreciate Lent. I have for the most part, most always appreciated Lent. I very much so, embrace St. Benedict’s thought that we do, “…always begin again.” We start again a new season of […]

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” […]

Mother Teresa said, “Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” We’ve survived the ice and thaw of January and look ahead to all things related to the heart in February. No, not Valentine’s Day filled dinner, flowers, and sugary sentiments, but something else. February is Heart […]

You probably learned about the acts of corporal mercy, but do you remember what they are? And if you do remember, do you think they are still relevant for our times? Giving water to the thirsty, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked may be the first things that come to mind and they’re obvious […]

If you’ve read from me here for any length of time, you know that I’m an admirer and follower of Word of the Year posts and chatter. Does one need to have a streamlined focus for the year summed up in one word? Certainly not. Sometimes though, the added intention for the year, especially if […]

It is not new that many elderly people today are lonely. Loneliness is a social and financial concern for all of us as the elderly population continues to increase. Pope Francis has had the following quote: “At this time of crisis we cannot be concerned solely with ourselves, withdrawing into loneliness, discouragement and a sense […]

As I reflect on 2019, I realize just how blessed of a year it was. It has been a family tradition to write down all the things that happened the previous year and on New Year’s we reminisce on all the amazing memories that were created. So that is what I have done!   I […]

Are you missing a beloved family member or friend this Christmas season? Do you miss the years with those dear to you? When family and friends gather this year, we may be missing some special loved ones. How we gather and celebrate may have our joy and celebrations with a touch of sadness, or waves […]

How does one hold on to the liturgical season and rest in it, even dig in deeper, when our life season finds us hustling? This is the question that has floated around in my mind this Advent, but perhaps even weeks prior. What I’ve come down to realizing is that sometimes a season looks different […]