I wish that I could say that I am always focused on the task at hand, that I am always paying attention to what is important, etc. The truth of the matter is that 80% of the time, I am watching some sort of movie in my head and not truly being present even though it totally seems like I am.

Let me tell you, dear reader, this is crap. I did not need a guy in my life, I didn't need a relationship, and I didn't need those toxic people I surrounded myself with. And what I'm trying to do here is tell you neither do you. You are complete on your own. You are fulfilled without another person

I had borrowed a necklace from one of the girls in my class and being the responsible child I was, I promptly lost it. I was worried for days. I finally decided to pray to Saint Anthony to help me find it and, on that day, I got off the bus and found it on the pavement in the gas station!

When I reflect on one of the darkest, most difficult times of my life, I’m brought to a time when I experienced multiple miscarriages. I’ve always been a health-conscious person, trying to eat healthy, exercise, and find positive ways to reduce stress. So, when I became pregnant, I eliminated alcohol from my diet (I was an occasional drinker), ate healthy foods, and tried to get adequate sleep. I thought that if I did everything within my power, my babies would have the right foundation from the very beginning. So, as you can imagine, after losing pregnancy after pregnancy, I was left with despair, heartache, and fear.

Once there was a lucky man. Partially lucky because he had great faith, and partially because he was Irish. However, his story starts out with not-so-lucky beginnings…

Anxiety and panic course through our veins as we struggle to make sense of a world that eludes our grasp at every turn. This occurs in situations like:“How could God let this happen?” “Why won’t these pills make me happier?” “I’m earning more money, but I feel empty”

My parents thought that this would be the best way to receive my faith formation; but in reality, it destroyed it. I was taught textbook religion. Things were forced on me in a way that just drew me further and further away through the years.

So many youth feel like they have no one to talk to about their problems; they feel like no one cares about them. We try to combat that through dynamic and relevant encounters with youth.

I don’t know about you reader, but I get so caught up in trying to figure out how to please God and do His will, that I forget that He is already rejoicing just in my existence!

I felt like as soon as I worked through one wound, another would hit me, and I immediately would get discouraged and would say to myself “am I ever going to be healed?”.

I suffer from both depression and an anxiety disorder. When I was diagnosed with these illnesses, I felt a self-imposed pressure that begged some serious questions: If I am a woman of faith, how can I be so anxious? How can I be depressed? If I truly trust the Lord, how can I feel this way?

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” You have an incredible call for your life!

When you are chosen, it is all about giving up everything for Jesus Christ.

Sometimes I get asked the question “Why do you believe?” or “Why do you have faith?”. I reflected on these questions, prayed about it, and came up with the top few reasons that I believe! I think that these reasons can become the template by which we live our lives of faith, believing in our God every day.

As for me, it has always been a challenge to stay focused in prayer. As I read this quote, I felt a huge connection to her. I realized that I was not the only one who found it extremely difficult.

When Elijah waited for the Lord, he stood at the entrance of the cave and heard, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” God calls us by name and begs us to stop and answer that question – What are we doing?

So how do we get into that spirit of joy and giving so that our holidays might be a season that means more than just “making it through”

The DivineMercy Chaplet is offered up for that person/persons that you need to have mercy on. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, an enemy, or even yourself, you must have mercy.

When I was in College at Seton Hall, I was dating my (now) wife, Mary. We broke up for a period of time and I was absolutely crushed.

Growing up I loved the idea of superheroes and other fictional heroes who save the day and are recognized by the world for their noble deeds, and it was that love for them that made me realize how much of a hole I had in my heart to be known as an important and amazing person.