Saying Good-Bye to Fr. Wagner and Praying for Holy Deaths in our Families

Fr. Wagner will be removed from life support at 3 pm today.

Please pause at 3 pm PST (or whenever you read this) to say a prayer for this holy priest from the Archdiocese of Seattle. As you may know, he spent his childhood in Communist Poland and was prompted to answered the call to the priesthood when he traveled back to Europe for the funeral of St. John Paul II. Pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Tacoma, WA, he suffered a massive brain hemorrhage while offering daily Mass in mid April. My family knew him when he was a newly ordained priest serving as vicar at St. Mary Magdalen parish in Everett, where my, uncle, Fr. Olson, is pastor. He told us stories of his childhood in Poland under the Communists, and he was so devoted, kind, and solemnly funny. He loved children, was well-read, celebrated the liturgy reverently, and was just an all-around wonderful priest. His CaringBridge site is full of wonderful stories about him in the comments section. Continue reading “Saying Good-Bye to Fr. Wagner and Praying for Holy Deaths in our Families”

How do I keep my faith and my marriage strong if my spouse isn’t Catholic?

Photo: ShutterstockPhoto: Shuttershock

In Western Washington, if you bump into the love of your life in line for coffee at Starbucks, the odds that your newly discovered soulmate will also be Catholic are one in eight. This is based on an official report by archdiocesan statistician Mary Beth Celio. (She didn’t mention Starbucks, but you get the idea.) Unfortunately, couples who do not share the same faith face unique challenges. No matter how much love they share, if Brad is Catholic and Jenna is not, this difference will be felt — even if Jenna is supportive of Brad’s faith. Continue reading “How do I keep my faith and my marriage strong if my spouse isn’t Catholic?”

How to help women suffering domestic violence

Photo: Shuttershock

All Catholics should be informed, aware and ready to help anyone suffering physical, psychological or emotional abuse.

Michael was so charming when he courted Jessica during their whirlwind romance. After they were married, though, he started using anger and violence to control her. At first, he smashed furniture. Later, he was hitting Jessica and their little daughter, Ashley. He apologized and promised to change. But again and again, he continued to erupt in rage and hurt her when he didn’t like what she did, where she went, who she talked to, or how she spent money. Continue reading “How to help women suffering domestic violence”

Resolve to enjoy a ‘Year of Dates’

Photo: ShutterstockPhoto: Shuttershock

Could you make a New Year’s resolution to date your spouse at least once a month this year?

The wide-open sweep of the calendar year ahead is a great opportunity for married couples to plan a year’s worth of date nights with each other. Daytime dates work, too! Setting the intention to spend regular time enjoying your husband or wife’s company builds up friendship and satisfaction, strengthening your marriage. Continue reading “Resolve to enjoy a ‘Year of Dates’”

The Incarnational Power of Theology of the Body

Photo: Vitruvian Man, Leonardo da Vinci, Luc ViatourbePhoto: Vitruvian Man, Leonardo da Vinci, Luc Viatourbe

Christmas celebrates the gift of the Incarnation: the Word made flesh, God himself taking on a human body to reveal his love to us. The body is so important in Christianity. The body matters. The body speaks. Its language reveals to us our call to be a total self-gift in love. That is the central insight of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, a series of teachings on man, woman and love which he gave in the early years of his pontificate.

“The body … alone is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine,” the pope wrote. In masculinity and femininity, we discover the revelation of God’s image, the call to authentic love, and the true meaning of our sexuality. The implications of this insight have been life-changing for many.

Continue reading “The Incarnational Power of Theology of the Body”

Widows’ witness

Photo: Psalter of Queen Melisende/Flickr Commons

This November, as we remember our departed in a particular way, it is a good time to remember also that the church offers comfort for the men and women left behind when a beloved spouse dies. Widows and widowers have a life full of dignity, purpose and mission. As Vatican II declared, “Widowhood, accepted bravely as a continuation of the marriage vocation, should be esteemed by all.”

Continue reading “Widows’ witness”

Pray the Rosary for Stronger Marriages and Families

Photo: Shutterstock

This Oct. 13 marks the 100th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fátima. At Fátima, Portugal, Our Lady urged the shepherd children to pray the rosary daily to obtain peace for the world. In this time of crisis in marriage and family life, a daily family rosary — a daily rosary from all Catholics — for the strengthening of marriage and family is a powerful means of building peace in the world.

Continue reading “Pray the Rosary for Stronger Marriages and Families”

Introduction to Morality Online Course

Do you want to form your mind in the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Catholic moral tradition? My seven-hour online Introduction to Morality course is available now, so you can delve into the first few lessons while I continue to record and add materials. Continue reading “Introduction to Morality Online Course”

A Pervasive Toxin is Attacking Our Kids

Photo: ShutterstockPhoto: Shuttershock

Parents, as your teens head back to school, you should know that this year they are at a greater risk than ever for encountering a toxic substance proven to traumatize the brain, impair concentration, decrease cognitive functioning, induce depression and anxiety, and reduce pleasure in everyday life. Rising in use each year, this substance is attacking our kids’ ability to learn, thrive and be happy. And you are the most powerful force in their lives to protect them from it.  Continue reading “A Pervasive Toxin is Attacking Our Kids”