Rooting my identity in something more: the Eucharist
Over the years, I have had the joy of working with young children. Inevitably, children are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As a little…
What does it actually mean to be joyful?
What is joy? We might hear many people describe it synonymously with happiness; the dictionary defines it as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” But in that sense, joy…
Faith, purpose and Jonathan Roumie’s astonishing t-shirt
When Jonathan Roumie came out and spoke at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, nobody could miss his t-shirt. Though I’m certain it impacted the 50,000 people in the stadium,…
What it really means to ‘die to self’
Ever since I was little, I have wanted to achieve great things: to be an artist and a dentist. To study oceanography. To change the world. To become a saint….
When we disagree with others, especially about politics, we need more of this
Twice I’ve had the privilege of visiting the home of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Now called Seton Shrine, it was home to the Sisters of Charity…
How St. Joseph taught me to be delighted in my quietness
Just six months ago, I had the privilege of being a first-time published illustrator. At the beginning of 2022, my best friend decided to publish a poetry book appealing toward…
Your vocation can never become your identity. Here’s why
I loved my job as a managing editor. I loved editing articles, planning content and collaborating with team members on marketing copy. I loved my co-workers, some of whom became…
Every hair on your head
I never considered myself pretty. While I didn’t think I was particularly ugly, I simply thought I was ordinary, if I thought about it at all. I never was the…
The outward signs of my heart
A couple weeks ago I was on my way to meet some sweet sisters in Christ for Sunday afternoon prayer and fellowship in the park. As I got dressed, I…
You are a work in progress, and that’s OK
The world doesn’t want you to know this, but we are all a work in progress. And that’s a gift. Meet Julia Marie Hogan Werner, a therapist, author and speaker…