Currently, immigration dominates our news headlines and politics. Poverty, violence, war, displacement, no work—all can force people to move. These conditions separate many refugees and immigrants from families and friends for long periods of time. They have to navigate cultures, laws, and languages that they don’t know. They start anew in the hope of achieving […]
Music and the Gospel: “You Belong,” Francesca Battistelli Read More »
Relationships with others become more complex as we mature. Some friendships end, some deepen. We develop crushes, pair up, break up, figure out how to make relationships work. This week’s SPIRIT discusses what it means to have healthy, strong relationships and, eventually, marriage. The song “Love Someone” is about what it means to open your heart and
Music and the Gospel: “Love Someone,” Lukas Graham Read More »
Those of us baptized as babies have no memory of the sacrament. However, Jesus’ baptism gives us time to think and reflect on what being baptized means. The song “Build My Life” is about following in the footsteps of Jesus, embracing his teachings and continuing his mission. When we do this, we join our brothers
Music and the Gospel: “Build My Life,” Pat Barrett, Baptism of the Lord Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT asks us what will happen if we unplug from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and just slowed down. What will we see and hear without distractions vying for our attention? The teens of St. Clement’s Church take this question to heart and embark on a pilgrimage along the Camino
Music and the Gospel: “Simplify,” Young The Giant Read More »
Christmas is a time of gift-giving, merry-making, family, and friends. It’s also a time frazzled nerves, fatigue, and stress. In all the rushing back and forth, it can be difficult to remember that Christmas is ultimately a time when we recognize all what we already have and the people in our life. We don’t have
Music and the Gospel: “When We’re Together,” Idina Menzel & Kristen Bell Read More »
In 2006, a small, one-room schoolhouse was the center of a major tragedy. A lone gunman entered the school and killed five students, injured five more, and forever changed the lives of many others. Tragedies such as this happen too often. What is sometimes surprising are the number of voices that call out for compassion,
Music and the Gospel: “Love Wins,” Carrie Underwood, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT is about walking a mile in another person’s shoes. Every year, the students of St. Paul High School walk 26 miles to raise money for a local soup kitchen. They walk through different communities and meet new people, wealthy and poor. Their journey also gives the students time to reflect and change their perspectives on how the less
Music and the Gospel: “Rescue,” Lauren Daigle, 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT explores the message and values of Pope Francis. He believes in creating a compassionate and merciful world, one that embraces social justice initiatives regarding climate change and poverty. He is also listening to the voices of young people as they share their concerns for their communities and the world at large. The song “Cover
Music and the Gospel: “Cover the Earth,” Kari Jobe, ft. Cody Carnes Read More »
Most of us use social media to express ourselves, keep up with family and friends, and see what’s going on in the wider world. However, some people use social media to spread ideas and opinions that are hurtful to others. A comment that starts off as a joke can be picked up and taken out
Music and the Gospel: “Growing Pains,” Alessia Cara Read More »
Spirit explores friendship this week. What makes a good friend? In their teens human being develop the brain power to see ourselves the ways others see us, making high school a time to try out who we want to be, to develop new interests, and to take on responsibilities. Our friendships can be fluid. Friends from
Music and the Gospel: “I’ll Be there,” Jess Glynne Read More »