Christmas Was Always Special in My Irish/Polish Family
By Sr. Margaret Hickey, ND
I grew up in an Irish/Polish family and Christmas was always special. After morning mass, we came home for breakfast but before we ate, we shared a communion-like wafer which Grandma kept from year to year. It noted prayer for unity and blessings for…
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THE HOUSE BECOMES A CZECH BAKERY
By SR. MARIE ALICE OSTRY, ND
Mom would begin Christmas baking two months in advance. Partially because some “treats” required “ageing”. There was the fruitcake made with many dried fruits and nuts, yet “laced” with whiskey every couple of days!
There were also many cookies – some special for Christmas…
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Congratulations, You Voted!
By Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer, ND
Some polling places hand out I voted stickers. When I think about that I am coming to believe that every eligible voter should get a sticker. If I go to the polls and cast a ballot, I get a sticker. If I stay…
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What does it mean to respect life? It is much more than one might think!
by Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer, ND
Respect for life is based on belief in the inherent dignity of every life. When we say “inherent,” we are saying that this dignity is “built in.” A person’s human dignity can never be revoked because of their mental health, economic situation, citizenship…
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You and the Synod on Synodality! More than a mouthful of words?
by Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer, ND
If you find this phrase a mystery, you are not alone! Vocabulary can present an insurmountable barrier in official Catholic writing. Do not despair; this one is not that hard. We are all familiar with councils of various kinds, advisory, governing, elected, etc….
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Celebrating Sr. Celeste’s Resilience & Her Invaluable Contribution to Raising Awareness about Breast Cancer
In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, allow me to introduce you to the inspiring journey of Sr. Celeste Wobeter. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of early detection, and…
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Celebrating the Assumption of Mary, Jesus’ mother, into Heaven
by Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer, ND
If you can’t think of where the Assumption of Mary is mentioned in the New Testament, you didn’t miss that lesson. It is not there. The belief that Mary was taken bodily to be with Christ at the end of her life, is…
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Juneteenth for White People
by Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer, ND
This month we commemorate June 19th, the day in 1865 when the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas finally heard about the Emancipation Proclamation and learned that they could no longer be legally enslaved. As we know, this was both a glorious day and…
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Juneteenth, A Celebration of Freedom and Liberation
by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth holds deep meaning as a celebration of freedom and liberation. It serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of African…
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The Spirit Gets You, a Pentecost Reflection
by Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer, ND
How are you doing with that Bird??
Student: Ok, Sister, I get God the Father and I’m kind of OK with Jesus, but that bird just misses me!
Me:
Many of us, I would guess, are like that student. The feast of Pentecost prompts us to…