When a Talking Carrot Becomes a More Recognisable Symbol of Christmas than a Crib

There was a time when December meant Nativity plays, Advent calendars filled with scripture verses, and the simple joy of seeing a small crib placed in the window or on the mantelpiece.

Yet, as the years have gone by, something has quietly shifted. For many, Christmas has become less about Christ and more about commercials — less about the Word made flesh and more about a talking carrot in a supermarket advert.

Saint Wiborada of St Gall – The Hidden Flame of Solitude and Scripture - PLUS FREE GIFT!

There are saints whose names echo through the centuries — Francis, Thérèse, Dominic, and Clare — and then there are others, so hidden that even devout Catholics might never have heard of them. 

Yet, in the quiet corners of heaven, their intercession burns just as brightly. 

One of these hidden flames is Saint Wiborada of St Gall, a woman of prayer, silence, courage, and an almost fierce love for the Word of God.

She lived and died in the tenth century, in what is now Switzerland, during a time of uncertainty and fear. Yet her legacy reminds us that holiness does not always stand on a grand stage; sometimes it kneels in a small, stone cell — praying unseen, loved by God alone.

Lord, guard Your priests, Your chosen few...

 

Lord, guard Your priests, Your chosen few, With hearts aflame and faith made new. Protect their hearts, their words, their way, And keep them close to You each day.

As I love God so much, I find it hard to offer up my pains and troubles to him

There is a strange and quietly painful contradiction in the Christian life that we don’t often talk about. It’s this: sometimes the deeper our love for God becomes, the harder it feels to bring Him our sufferings.

It sounds illogical at first. 

Shouldn’t love mean we share everything? 

Shouldn’t a child run to their loving Father when they are hurting? 

Yes, of course - and we know this in our heads. But in the depths of our hearts, many of us who are striving to live closely with Christ, especially in the Catholic tradition, can feel an invisible wall when it comes to offering up our own pains.

We hold back, not because we don’t trust God, but because we love Him so much that we simply don’t want to cause Him any more sorrow.

Praying for the souls in Purgatory

For the souls in purgatory suffering there,

the cleansing furnace which they bear,

Father quench those flames for their pain to cease,

and lead them home... to Heaven... and peace.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st November 2025 - All Saints and All Souls

Welcome to the November edition of The 24/7 Catholic Monthly. 

This month, the Church turns her gaze toward heaven and eternity. It is a time of joyful honour and solemn prayer.

 The glory of All Saints Day meets the compassion of All Souls Day, reminding us that we are all on a journey—pilgrims bound for glory, with the communion of saints cheering us on.

November is the month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, a time to remember those who have gone before us, and to lift them in prayer and love. It is also a month to renew our own longing for heaven. The saints show us what we are called to be. The souls remind us to live well, and die in grace.

What If?

Imagine that we are told — with absolute certainty — that tomorrow is our last day on this earth. Not a warning, not a guess, but a certainty. We know that when the sun sets tonight, it will be the last time we draw breath, the last time we hear the voice of a loved one, the last opportunity to embrace, to pray, or to repent.

If we truly believed tomorrow was our final day, how many of us would hesitate to go to Confession today? How many of us would allow pride, embarrassment, or fear to keep us from this beautiful sacrament of mercy and healing?

He stays close to us, wanting us to obey him so that we can spend eternity with him.

He never leaves our side for long. His presence is constant — a whisper in the quiet, a shadow at the edge of thought, a suggestion just when we're weakest. 

He doesn't always reveal himself in obvious ways, but he's there, patient, persistent, persuasive. 

He seems to know us better than anyone else, and at times it feels as though his will for our lives might even align with our own desires. After all, he speaks in the language of comfort, ease, and self-justification — and who could resist something that feels so familiar, so reassuring, so much like what we already want?

He tells us that obedience to him will bring us peace. That if we follow his lead, we will find freedom from guilt, acceptance from others, and the joy of doing what feels right. His voice rarely shouts — it murmurs. It adapts. It bends itself to suit our mood and moment....

The Golden Glow Of Autumn In Our Blessed Mother’s Garden

There are the days in October when sunlight feels almost sacred — when it lingers longer than expected on every leaf, softening the edges of the world. It is as though Heaven itself leans a little closer to the earth. 

This is the golden glow of autumn — that brief and holy time when creation bows gracefully toward its rest, clothed in splendour before surrendering to stillness.

In such light, even the simplest corner of the parish can seem touched by eternity. Behind Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in New Milton lies a quiet space that seems made for this season — Our Blessed Mother’s garden, wild yet peaceful, small yet filled with meaning.

It is not the kind of garden you find in glossy books or perfect rows. It is the kind of place where beauty whispers, where holiness hides among fallen leaves, and where anyone weary in soul can sit for a while and simply be.

Were the ‘Good Ol’ Days’ Really That Good? - What the Bible Tells Us About Harkening Back to Days Gone By

It’s easy to become wistful about the past. Whether it’s black-and-white photographs of smiling families around the dinner table, memories of high street shops bustling with familiar faces, or the sense that “things were simpler back then”, many people—especially as they grow older— tend to reflect fondly on the so-called “good ol’ days”.

We find ourselves longing for a time when moral values seemed more widely shared, when church pews were full, and when children respected their elders. 

In many cases, there’s a sense of spiritual loss as well—especially in the face of today’s secular culture, where God is often sidelined in public life.

But here’s the question: were the “good ol’ days” really that good? More importantly, what does Sacred Scripture say about nostalgia, longing for the past, and the temptation to believe that we’ve lost something irreplaceable?

Let’s take a deeper look.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st October 2025 - Month of the Holy Rosary

Welcome to the October edition of The 24/7 Catholic Monthly. 

As autumn settles in, the Church offers us two spiritual treasures to warm the soul: the Rosary, a meditation on Christ through the eyes of Mary, and the Little Way of St Thérèse of Lisieux, a humble path of trust and love.

In this month, we are called to childlike confidence and contemplative simplicity. The Rosary and the Little Way are not relics of the past—they are lifelines for today.

When Phones Go Off During Mass – Can’t We Connect to Our Father Without Disconnecting from Our Phones?

It happens too often to be surprising anymore.

Just as the priest elevates the Host, just as the congregation slips into that sacred silence before the “Behold the Lamb of God,” it happens....

... jarring ringtone...

... tinny pop song... 

... notification chime... 

The sanctuary, meant to echo heaven, is momentarily hijacked by the unmistakable sound of someone’s phone.

Embarrassed shuffling follows. 

Sometimes a frantic hand reaching into a handbag. Sometimes a face that stares forward in stony denial. And sometimes, the person just answers it - yes, even in church.

We’ve grown so accustomed to this kind of intrusion that we may no longer notice the deeper question it raises:

Can we truly connect with our Heavenly Father… if we never disconnect from our phones?

Let’s Take a Closer Look at “Woman, My Hour Has Not Yet Come” (John 2:4)

“When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’

And Jesus said to her, ‘O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.’  

His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’” — John 2:3–5 (RSV-CE)

The Wedding at Cana is a story of joy, crisis, and divine intervention. It is a story of family, celebration, and the glory of Christ revealed in a quiet Galilean town. But at its heart lies a profound exchange between Jesus and His mother that has stirred the thoughts and prayers of Christians for centuries.

“Woman, my hour has not yet come.” What does Jesus mean? Why does He speak to His mother in this way? And why does Mary, after this seemingly hesitant reply, persist with the confident words: “Do whatever he tells you”?

This moment is not simply about wine at a wedding. It is about God’s plan of salvation, the unique role of Mary, and the faith to obey Christ. Let’s take a closer look.

Saint Cecilia, I Thank You

Saint Cecilia, I thank you.

Back to School with the Saints: Study Tips from Heaven

By now, students and pupils should all be back at school and colleges. The long summer holidays are over, and with sharpened pencils, fresh notebooks, and perhaps a little nervousness, young people across the country are returning to their studies. 

For some, this is an exciting time of opportunity; for others, it is heavy with pressure and anxiety. Parents and teachers, too, share the challenge of nurturing minds and guiding hearts in a world that often makes education feel like a competition rather than a calling.

But as Catholics, we know we are never left to face these challenges alone. Heaven is full of helpers who once walked the road of life before us. The saints, our elder brothers and sisters in Christ, stand ready to guide us, encourage us, and intercede for us. They remind us that study is not merely about facts and exams, but about preparing our minds and souls to serve God.

In this reflection, we will look at what the saints teach us about study, perseverance, and prayer. We will draw upon Scripture (RSV-CE), explore practical tips for students, and close with a devotional and poems.

Blessed Carlo Acutis – A Millennial Witness Of The Eucharist And Lessons For The Young And Old

When the Church raises a young person to the altars, it always gives us pause. Saints are not meant to be distant figures, frozen in stained glass or tucked away in dusty hagiographies. 

They are living reminders that holiness is possible here and now — in every age, culture, and circumstance. And in our own times, God has given us a powerful sign of hope in the life of Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who grew up in Milan, and whose love for the Eucharist and for souls has captured the attention of the whole world.

Carlo is being recognised as the first saint of the digital generation, a child of the new millennium who knew computers, video games, and the internet, yet never lost sight of what really mattered. 

His canonisation, under Pope Leo XIV, is not only a moment of joy for the Church but also a profound reminder: holiness is not confined to monasteries or ancient times. It can flourish in the heart of a teenager, even amidst Wi-Fi signals and mobile screens.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st September - Month of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

Welcome to the September edition of The 24/7 Catholic Monthly. 

This month, we walk with Our Lady in her sorrows—not as a defeat, but as the pathway to the triumph of the Cross.

 September is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose feast is celebrated on 15 September, the day after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Her pierced heart mirrors the heart of Christ: silent, faithful, enduring. Let us lean into that sorrow—not to wallow in pain, but to find meaning, love, and strength in suffering united with Jesus.

The Wild Garden Behind Our Lady of Lourdes Church in New Milton

It is a part of the parish grounds that most people pass without noticing — tucked behind the Catholic church, close to the church hall. 

From the main road, there is nothing to suggest what lies there. 

Parishioners and others walk by on their way to Mass or meetings, perhaps pausing to greet a friend or enter the hall itself for one of the many activities held there, many people not realising that just a few steps away is a place set apart, waiting in stillness... the wild garden of Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, New Milton — a space unlike any other in the parish.

A 10-Day Journey Through the Psalms to Lift Your Heart plus FREE gift!

He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds." — Psalm 147:3 (RSV-CE)
(Plus FREE GIFT)

Step into ten days of reflection, prayer, and poetry inspired by the Psalms — designed to refresh your soul, strengthen your spirit, and bring you closer to God. 
Plus a free gift in with final edition

Each day offers a short scripture, a heartfelt reflection, a guided prayer, and an original poem to help you:

• Find peace in the storms of life.

• Trust God’s timing and care.

• Heal from sorrow and brokenness.

• Delight in the Lord and lift your heart in praise.

Take ten days to pause, pray, and experience the Psalms in a fresh, life-giving way. Your heart and soul deserve this quiet, restorative journey with God.

This series is completely free, and your email is only used to send you these reflections — no marketing, no selling, no hidden agendas. Once the series ends, all email addresses are permanently deleted from the list used for this series

Click Here For More Information / Sign Up Now

Missing the Beauty of God's Creation With Heads Bowed Down… but not to God...

There is a strange kind of reverence that has crept into our daily lives. 

One sees it on buses, in cafés, in waiting rooms, on walks through the countryside - even in churches. 

It is the bowed head... but not in prayer... not in contemplation of the Divine... not even in shame or humility... 

... instead, we see heads bowed toward tiny glowing screens - fingers scrolling, tapping, swiping. 

A posture once reserved for worship has become routine for digital distraction...

Why The 24/7 Catholic?

I named this blog The 24/7 Catholic because it expresses a desire that I had  tugging at my heart. I want to live my Catholic faith every day, every hour, every minute. All the time. Not just on Sundays, not just at Mass, not just when I’m feeling inspired - but 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That’s what it means to follow Christ, right?

At least, that’s what I aspire to do...

... and yet, more often than not, I fall short...

This blog is for people like me - those of us who want to be saints, but who find ourselves slipping, stumbling, and sometimes just plain giving up. 

It’s for people who want to live the faith 24/7 but don’t always know how. 

People who go to Confession and mean it - but then snap at someone ten minutes later. 

People who say their Rosary while mentally ticking off their to-do list. 

People who love Jesus with all their hearts - but still struggle with doubt, distraction, despair, and daily demands.

This is The 24/7 Catholic - not because I’ve mastered it, but because I need to be reminded of it every single day...

10 Bible Verses That Show Jesus’ Sense of Humour. Yes, Our Lord Laughed Too!

When we think of Jesus, we rightly picture Him as the Good Shepherd, the Suffering Servant, and the Risen Lord.

 Often overlooked is His quick wit, sharp irony, and well-timed humour. 

Jesus wasn’t a gloomy figure. He enjoyed wedding feasts, told stories full of exaggeration and satire, and gently teased His disciples when they needed it.

After all, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit - and Christ was filled with it. 

Laughter is part of love, and Jesus, who is love incarnate, used humour to reveal truth, disarm pride, and draw people closer.

Let’s explore 10 moments from the Gospels that shine with Jesus’ holy sense of humour.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st August 2025 – Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Daily Offering to the Immaculate Heart

“O Immaculate Heart of Mary, I consecrate myself to you. Take my heart and make it more like yours: pure, trusting, faithful, and surrendered to God. Intercede for me, and lead me always to your Son. Amen.”

This month, place your daily joys and trials into the heart that pondered all things, trusted God in all things, and stood faithful beneath the Cross.

To The Hebrews: - CC Galatians, Romans, Philippians

If St Paul had email, how different would his letters have been? 

While his words are divinely inspired and timeless, one can only imagine how his correspondence might have looked in a world of inboxes, CCs, and dreaded spam filters. 

So, let’s have a little fun and picture an alternate reality where the Apostle to the Gentiles had access to a first-century email accounts.

What Joy Is There in Being Regularly Late for Mass?

“Could you not watch one hour with me?” – Matthew 26:40

Mass begins. The choir sings the entrance hymn. The priest processes reverently to the altar. 

The Sign of the Cross opens our sacred encounter with heaven... and… we're not there yet.

Maybe we’re rushing up the path, breathless and distracted. Maybe we’re just leaving home, thinking, “I’ll miss the beginning, but at least I’ll make it for Communion.” Maybe it’s become a habit. A harmless little habit - so we think.

But what joy is there in being regularly late for Mass?

No Ordinary Gathering

Let’s remind ourselves what we’re walking into when we attend Mass. 

It’s not a club meeting or a lecture. It is the Holy Sacrifice. Christ offers Himself, through the hands of the priest, for the forgiveness of sins and the life of the world. Heaven breaks through. Angels surround the altar. The veil between this life and eternity is lifted.

And we are invited - not merely to observe, but to participate.

To be late is to step in halfway through a miracle!

It's Still Only July and TK Maxx is Already Stocking Halloween Products on Its Shelves! How Sad.

It’s the middle of July. The summer holidays haven’t yet begun for many families. Schoolchildren are still trudging through their final weeks of the term. 

The sun, though temperamental in Britain, is (at least occasionally) shining. And yet, in a corner of TK Maxx - among the discounted homeware and fashion bargains - sits an eerie and unwelcome sight: Halloween products. Pumpkins, skulls, witches’ hats, and cobwebbed ornaments fill the shelves like a swarm of locusts invading a peaceful land.

Isn’t it sad? Not just strange, not just out of place - but genuinely sad.

Crystals... Planets... New Age? No. God's Intelligent Design

In a world increasingly drawn to New Age spirituality, there has been a marked fascination with crystals, planetary alignments, and mystical forces. 

While many people see beauty and wonder in these things, some are tempted to attribute their origin and power to vague cosmic energies or impersonal universes. 

For Catholics, these marvels are not sources of power in and of themselves. They are signposts - indicators of something far greater: the intelligent design of Almighty God.

Let’s set aside the incense burners and astrology charts for a moment. Instead, let’s look at the very same elements that enthral New Age followers - crystals, planets, patterns in nature - and marvel not at the creation, but at the Creator. 

As St Paul wrote, “Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20, RSV-CE).

Come Home to the Catholic Church – The Door Is Still Open

Have you been away from the Church for a while?

Maybe it's been months. Maybe years. Maybe decades.

Or maybe… you never really left - you just sort of drifted.

 You still believe in God (you think). You still consider yourself Catholic (more or less). You still light a candle now and again, perhaps whisper a prayer in the car. But something has held you back from stepping back through those doors - the ones of the church building, yes, but also of your faith life.

So this blog post is for you. Whether you feel lost, lapsed, unsure, afraid, or simply out of the habit… this is your gentle reminder:

The door is still open.

The Church is still here.

Christ is still waiting for you - with love, not judgement.

The Church Isn't a Club for the Perfect - It's a Home for the Wounded

A 10-Day Journey Through the Psalms to Lift Your Heart

"Be Still And know That I Am God"
(Psalm 46:10)
A 10-Day Journey Through the Psalms
to Lift Your Heart
(Plus FREE GIFT)

Prayer For The Continued Recovery Of Father Bill - (With the Intercession of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux)

O Lord, our Shepherd, strong and true,
In Your great love, we lift to You
Our Father Bill, Your servant dear,
Whose faith and heart bring us so near.

Restore his strength, renew his grace,
Surround him with Your warm embrace.
In every trial, may he find
Your healing peace, so sweet, so kind.

Saint Thérèse, with your gentle way,
“Little Flower,” hear our prayer today.
By your trust in God above,
Send to Father Bill your tender love.

Guide him through each weary night,
Fill his soul with holy light.
With your roses, grace impart,
And heal his body, mind, and heart.

Grant wisdom to those who care,
And lighten burdens he must bear.
May Mary’s mantle, pure and mild,
Protect our cherished priest and child.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and King,
Whose resurrection life does bring,
We pray for health, for hope, for peace,
That Father Bill’s pains may soon cease.

Amen.

The 24/7 Catholic Monthly - 1st July 2025 - Offering Each Day to the Precious Blood

Welcome to the first post in a new monthly series: The 24/7 Catholic Monthly.

Each month, we journey deeper into the Catholic year, following the Church’s devotional themes, feasts, and fasts, drawing strength from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the liturgical calendar. 

These posts will include poetry, devotions, catechesis, a meditation, a challenging quiz, and a heartfelt invitation to live as a Catholic not just on Sundays - but every moment of every day.

To begin our journey, we turn to July: the month devoted to the Precious Blood of Jesus.

🌟 Coming Soon: The 24/7 Catholic Monthly

New Series Launches 1 July: The Blood That Saves Us

(And yes – regular blog posts will carry on as normal!)

There’s something new on the horizon - something designed to strengthen our spiritual life and help us live our Catholic faith more fully throughout the year.

A Prayer for Father Bill – For Strength and Healing

O Christ, divine and full of grace,

Shine healing light upon his face.

With faithful heart and open hands,

Father Bill before You stands.

He serves Your flock with daily care,

He lifts our lives in silent prayer.

He speaks Your Word, he gives Your bread,

He walks the path where You have led.

Now in this time of needed rest,

We ask You, Lord, to heal and bless.

Bring peace to mind, bring strength anew,

Let every grace flow down from You.

Our Lady stays close by his side,

A mother’s love she does not hide.

Saint Joseph stands with steadfast peace,

And angel guards shall never cease.

O Jesus, Priest and Saviour true,

Who makes all things forever new,

Pour mercy deep and gently fill

The soul and frame of Father Bill.

Amen.

An Imaginary Look at How Jesus Would Have Appeared to Friends and Colleagues While He Was Growing Up, Working, and Preparing for His Ministry

The Incarnation of Christ is one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. 

That God Himself became man, walked among us, and experienced the ordinary rhythms of human life is both astounding and deeply moving.

Yet, while the Gospels give us glimpses into Jesus’ public ministry, they tell us very little about His hidden years - those decades in Nazareth before He began preaching.

What was Jesus like as a child, as a young man, and as a tradesman? How did He appear to those who knew Him - His neighbours, friends, and colleagues? 

In this imaginative reflection, a follow-up post to "The Human Side Of Jesus" we will consider what it might have been like to encounter Jesus in everyday life before He stepped onto the stage of history as the Messiah.

As the Imam, Priest, and Rabbi Prayed For Peace - A Poem

As the Imam, Priest, and Rabbi
Prayed For Peace - A Poem

Corpus Christi Sunday – A Celebration of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

On Sunday 22nd June 2025, Catholics across the world will celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday - a Solemnity that stands at the very heart of our Catholic faith. 

The name, Corpus Christi, is Latin for The Body of Christ, and it is a day on which the Church joyfully affirms the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist: body, blood, soul and divinity.

This feast is not merely a reminder - it is a proclamation. A proclamation that Jesus, who gave Himself to us on the Cross, continues to give Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. And this year, as we reflect upon the mystery and majesty of this truth on 22nd June, we are invited to enter more deeply into the Eucharistic heart of our Catholic life.

Prayer for a Family and Friends Grieving a Loved One’s Illness

The Human Side Of Jesus

In the narrative of Jesus Christ’s life, it is easy to focus solely on his divinity, his miracles, and his teachings. 

However, a deeper exploration of his earthly experiences reveals that Jesus intimately knew the human condition, including its most challenging aspects. 

Recognising that Jesus was a refugee, experienced despair, knew hunger, and more, allows us to connect with him on a profoundly human level. 

This understanding can deepen our faith and inspire us to respond to the needs of those who face similar trials today.

The Tabernacle Key

A Catholic Response to the Outbreak of Conflict Between Israel and Iran – Pray for Peace

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.”
– Matthew 5:9 (RSV-CE)

A Personal Prayer For A Very Good Friend

The Good Samaritan - Points Easily Missed In This Famous Parable

The Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37), is one of the most well-known and beloved stories in the Christian tradition. 

Its message of compassion and neighbourly love transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the universal call for human kindness. 

However, despite its widespread familiarity, there are several nuances and deeper meanings that are often overlooked. Let us delve into some of the easily missed points in this famous parable, shedding light on the richness of its lessons.

The Lord's My Shepherd... 22nd Psalm or 23rd Psalm?

The Psalms are a collection of ancient hymns and prayers that hold a cherished place in both Jewish and Christian worship. 

For Catholics, the Psalms are more than just sacred poetry; they are an essential part of the liturgy and personal devotion. 

Among these 150 songs, one stands out as particularly beloved and widely known: the Psalm that begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." 

This Psalm has provided comfort, guidance, and hope to countless people over the centuries. However, there is often confusion regarding whether this is the 22nd or the 23rd Psalm. 

Why does this discrepancy exist, and which is the correct number for Catholics? 

Let’s explore the history, reasons, and implications of this difference in Psalm numbering.

Why Do Some Congregations Rattle Off Prayers and Responses Quickly and Parrot-Fashion During Mass?

Attend Mass in any number of parishes across the country - or indeed around the world - and you’ll notice a peculiar phenomenon: some congregations respond to the prayers of the Mass in a quick, mechanical, almost breathless fashion, as though racing through a checklist. 

The Creed becomes a blur, the “Lord, I am not worthy…” is over before it’s begun, and the “Amen” is often uttered before the priest has finished the blessing.

Why does this happen? How did something so sacred, solemn, and rooted in divine encounter become, in places, so rushed and robotic? And more importantly, what can we do to rekindle reverence in our responses during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

Let’s explore the roots of this issue - and what it tells us about our modern Catholic culture.

I Was That Centurion Whose Servant Was Healed - A Poem

I Was That Centurion
Whose Servant Was Healed
- A Poem

Are We Ready To Live The Life Of A Catholic Saint?

Living the life of a Catholic saint is a profound and inspiring journey that requires dedication, faith, and a commitment to living a life of holiness.

Throughout history, Catholic saints have been revered for their exemplary lives, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion to God and others.

Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking to deepen their spiritual life and grow closer to God.

A Tabletop Sale for the Soul: Spring Cleaning and the Grace of Confession

Spring cleaning is an annual ritual in many households. The longer days and brighter light reveal the clutter we’ve accumulated over the darker months - sometimes even over years. 

The loft groans with forgotten trinkets, wardrobes bulge with clothes we haven’t worn in ages, and the garden shed harbours rusting tools and mystery boxes.

Eventually, something snaps. We resolve to have a proper clear-out. 

We sort, we scrub, and we start to breathe again. 

What doesn’t belong, we bag up and donate to the parish tabletop sale. 

What was once hidden and dusty is now revealed and repurposed. 

Something old is given a new chance - or binned to make room for something better.

There’s a reason this process feels so good.

It mirrors, in a small way, the spiritual clearing-out we’re called to as Christians. And no sacrament brings that truth into sharper focus than the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“Come now, let us reason together…” (Isaiah 1:18)