As of 2013, roughly 65 million children (over half of them girls) were unable to continue school beyond an elementary grade level. This is especially common in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many of the girls in these countries are actually expected to get married and start families at very young ages. Schools like the […]
Music and the Gospel: “Just Like Fire,” Pink, 29th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
This Sunday’s gospel talks about Jesus’ encounter with ten lepers. They call to Jesus, ask him for compassion, and Jesus grants it. There is often more to a person than meets the eye. Sometimes a person doesn’t look or act “normal” by our standards, and we allow that to blind us to the beauty and
When Justin Timberlake sings out that he has sunshine in his pocket and a good song in his feet, he is speaking about what makes him move and feel. Like songs that help us share our feelings, our faith connects us to the people in our lives and the world around us. Faith in ourselves
Losing someone we love can evoke powerful emotions. Some people break down immediately and may put themselves back together right away. For others emotions simmer inside until finally, sometimes months or years later, they explode. In this SPIRIT issue a young man finds grief motivating his climb to reach the top of a mountain. Grief
Music and the Gospel: “Never Forget You,” Zara Larsson, 5th Sunday of Easter Read More »
Britt Nicole’s song “Amazing Life” is all about how beautiful the world around us is. However, it’s easy to forget this as we rush through our day with school or work, constantly plugging ourselves in to the latest gossip and technological trends. SPIRIT explores the experience of city kids who work at a farm called
Music and the Gospel: “Amazing Life,” Britt Nicole, 4th Sunday of Easter Read More »
When Alessia Cara sings out to let your face “shine, shine, shine,” she celebrates the grace that every individual brings to our lives and communities. SPIRIT celebrates the Starry Night Prom that students at De La Salle High School host for people who are disabled. They welcome more than a thousand people. The prom has
Music and the Gospel: “Wild Things,” Alessia Cara, 2nd Sunday of Easter Read More »
When someone we love dies, it can seem like the end of the world. This week’s Spirit deals with loss. It also deals with resurrection. The stories in this issue tell us that while someone may not physically be with us any longer, they live in our hearts and minds. The song “One Call Away”
Music and the Gospel: “One Call Away,” Charlie Puth, Easter Read More »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhjt-y2XcVY Holy Week is a time to reflect on the last days of Jesus’ life — his last supper with his friends, his trial, crucifixion, and death. Throughout his ministry, Jesus teaches humility, compassion, and forgiveness. In his final actions he lives out his message in wholehearted love for us. The song “You’re All I
Music and the Gospel: “You’re All I Need,” Foxes, Passion/Palm Sunday Read More »
All relationships start out on a foundation of trust. We have a right to feel safe and secure. If we don’t, the relationship becomes toxic. Breaking trust changes not only how we view ourselves and others, but it can also leave permanent scars. Sometimes we have people we can turn to, people who will support
Music and the Gospel: “Elastic Heart,” Sia, 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
Throughout our lives we make many decisions. Some are no-brainers. Some difficult and scary, even painful and heartbreaking. Spirit follows the inner workings of one young woman’s thought process as she weighs her options, her conscience, and the advice of those around her to make the best choice possible for all involved. Adele’s song expresses
Music and the Gospel: “Remedy,” Adele, 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »