Sometimes, the best stories come from unexpected moments of inspiration. Recently, I had a unique experience attending Mass at St. Columba in Columbia. Originally, I hadn't planned on going there; the church I regularly attend had canceled the early Mass for the summer. At the same time, I was struggling to find a topic for this month's Four County Catholic article. Writer's block had hit me hard, and the deadlines were looming. During the Communion meditation, something remarkable happened. My eyes caught sight of a large plaque on the wall listing the corporal...

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Research shows 95 percent of people have an interior dialogue with themselves and 25 percent talk to themselves out loud. I confess. I’m one of the 95 percent … and, I hesitate to say this, I’m one of the 25 percent. While I was wandering through the supermarket the other day, I had this conversation, with myself: “Look at these prices! How can anyone afford groceries nowadays?” “It’s terrible!” I just hope no one heard me, and if they didn’t, it was probably because they were talking to themselves. This ...

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So often I hear people say: “Oh, I wish I could make a retreat, but my schedule makes that impossible or ...” You can insert your own explanation for not making a personal retreat, and it may sound valid. However, so often people don’t make retreats because “I wouldn’t know what to do,” or “That is for holy people and I am not.”  Let me say, unequivocally, that God wants time with us. But he never violates our free will. We can refuse. Please take a look and see what God is asking of you in order to draw you into a dee...

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Awakening: How is the Holy Spirit at work in your life?    Awakening: How is the Holy Spirit at work in your life?  Join us for a 4-part Mission designed to help deepen your faith!  Rediscover God’s Unconditional Love, Learn more about the Holy Spirit’s Gifts, develop a deep and meaningful prayer life, experience the mercy of God through a deeper understanding of reconciliation.  For two weeks, Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 3rd, 5th, 10th, and 12th  at 7:00-8:30 pm, Our Lady of Sorrows, 14 Prospect St, Essex. Register online...

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In a previous column titled “Got time to pray?” we discussed a few ideas for people who are short on time but recognize the need for prayer. But perhaps you’ve finally reached a place where you’re able to dedicate more time to prayer or even participate in a retreat. How blessed are you! “What if I have a morning or afternoon available to pray?” To start, find a place that is quiet, beautiful or speaks to you in a special way. If you can make it to a park, somewhere along water, somewhere in the mountains or woods, or even just a ca...

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WASHINGTON - Each year on September 1, the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day of prayer also marks the beginning of a month-long ecumenical awareness initiative known as the “Season of Creation,” which concludes on October 4 with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. The theme chosen for this year’s Season of Creation is “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” and it calls on the faithful to reflect on the relationship between justice and creation. Archbishop Borys ...

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