We have sterilized the cross. What began as a device of torture and execution now adorns bejeweled necklines, book jackets marketing to Christians, and all manner of art and decor.
Joseph of Arimathea: A Man of Courage and Legend
August 1st is the day the church remembers Joseph of Arimathea. He is mentioned in all four gospels, but they only tell of one deed.
A season of loss
It’s been a month of loss in our house.
The Evolution of Our Family’s Ash Wednesday Observance
My very first Ash Wednesday as a baptized member of the Episcopal Church was February 13, 2013. My husband was at home that evening with our infant son, John Paul, and I was at church alone. I
Celebrating our Saints on All Souls Day
My uncle Angelo died a year ago on the Feast of All Saints. He was a young 70, and even though he had some health issues and accidents over the years, it was still very unexpected.
Protecting or Preparing our Children for Pain
Last week as the kids and I arrived at Operation Kindness animal shelter for our weekly hour of volunteer work, I noticed Big Sugar was in a room off the front lobby. Big Sugar is one of our favorite dogs at the shelter.
Summer of Angst
This summer my family is experiencing a whole lot of angst. Small scale going to kindergarten angst and large scale my mother is on her deathbed angst.
Jesus with Gray Hair
Jesus with gray hair? That’s not an image I’d ever imagined, not until my six-year-old granddaughter created one.
Staying in the weighty matters of death on Good Friday
On Palm Sunday, during the reading of the passion gospel, my three and a half year old learned that Jesus died. On the one hand, I was swelling with parental pride for his calm attentiveness and understanding of the story. But on the other hand, I was worried about how this new information would begin processing in his young mind.
Preparing Children for the Passion
It can be difficult for our children to the stories of Holy Week. Here are some tips for preparing children for the Passion.