Jul 08
I wrote an article on evangelizing online on Homiletic & Pastoral Review about how to evangelize online. The Internet has now opened up as a wide field for our evangelization. Much of the cultural interchange now takes place via such electronic means. The Church is called to step out into every new forum and evangelize it, …
Apr 19
In wake of the impending repeal of the Johnson Amendment, the question of Priests or Churches endorsing candidates takes on new light. I present arguments against endorsement on Crux today. A new tax bill working its way through Congress might change the way religious institutions can engage in politics. President Donald Trump, at the National Prayer …
Dec 05
I wrote my monthly piece on Catholic Stand about the virtue of modesty: I get frustrated when I see this seemingly endless discussion in certain Catholic circles about how women should dress. How long should the skirt be? Are skinny jeans appropriate? How much cleavage is allowed? I also remember my sisters describing shopping for …
Dec 01
I wrote about our need for heroes over at Aeteia: Modern society seems to find it tough to find heroes. Instead of turning to the saints, we often look to celebrities (who often aren’t real heroes) or to superheroes (who often aren’t real). Where can we find heroes for ourselves and for the next generation? …
Sep 07
I was intervewed by Catholic News Agency on preventing teens from leaving the Church. Fr. Matthew Schneider, LC, who worked in youth ministry for four years, emphasized that faith and science must be presented to young people in harmony with each other. A challenge, he explained, is teaching how “faith and science relate” through philosophy …
May 31
In recent months there has been a lot of debate about transgender individuals using the bathroom opposite their birth sex. Both sides have legitimate arguments and in an effort to support their own position at all costs, neither side seems to be listening to the other side. Let’s examine both sides, how they’re misunderstood and …
Jan 12
So, you’re excited about your faith and want to share it. You want to evangelize! You realize that much of the world has moved online and fear that will be a great place to share it. But how? I’ve seen everything. I saw a Twitter account with fewer than 100 followers claiming to be at …
Oct 08
Here’s my top 12 list of things we can’t say in Catholic youth ministry. I hope it’s enjoyable and informative. 12. I never learned that in theology Of course you didn’t. If you think that you will learn every practical detail from your theology degree, you’re dreaming. There is a lot of practical stuff theology …
Sep 17
Lightening Reaction Xtreme is a different type of game. Two to four players grab a metal handle out of a plastic base and one presses a button on the base to begin. Spooky music plays while the light flashes red. Then it flashes green and beeps. Last one to press the button on their handle …
Aug 26
In youth ministry we have one looming elephant in the room that we so often wonder how to use. Facebook. According to Pew about ¾ of teens use Facebook, and most of them every day. The average one has 425 friends and 20% have over 600. We want to help teens experience Christ in their …
Aug 16
I was recently reading Marc Cardaronella’s post which points out a gap many parishes have in their Catechesis programs. When we prepare kids for first communion, we have the opportunity to evangelize parents, but do we do it? Probably a good 2/3 of parents bringing their kids for First Communion are not regular mass attendees. …
Aug 12
I just got back from Arcatheos. It may just be the best summer camp in North America. It was recently rated the 2nd coolest in the world on Cracked.com. The number 1 camp cost $10,000, and includes supersonic flights and close in encounters with African wildlife. Coming second to that is impressive, especially considering it …
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