During my 12-week maternity leave, the first two weeks were a time of great adjustment; when people say “babies are a lot of work,” they aren’t kidding. Then I went through a time when I was craving more adult interaction and even going back to my day job. I loved all of the time...
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Note from the author: This article was written before I began my first semester at the University of Notre Dame. I believe the message is still very important and applicable, but I think making any changes to the context would slightly change the message, and I want to keep that as it is. My next a...
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On April 10, 1997, a true light was born into this world. Although she died on Sept. 2 of this year, it is impossible to ignore the incredible impact she had in such a short time in this world. Claire Wineland was born with Cystic Fibrosis. It causes an overload of mucus to accumulate in the body,...
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Although I moved only an hour away from home to attend college at the University of Evansville, the transition was still overwhelmingly frightening. My intentions at the start of my freshman year were clear: focus on academics and avoid becoming overly active in any extra-curricular activities that...
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Identity crises are a popular topic, and fundamental to human nature is the desire to leave a legacy, to somehow live on and immortalize ourselves. Take a look at the pyramids and obsession with fame; watch the thousandth movie where a character realizes their identity and their strength in that re...
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Ultimately, our lives are centered on sacrifice. In one of his talks at TEC 101, Father Tony Ernst said, “Every vocation is death,” and the truth of that statement seared into my heart. Perhaps this assertion is startling, but so are Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John: “Whoe...
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Sometimes  we find ourselves in situations we just can’t explain. Sometimes there are seasons of immense grief and loneliness; other times there can be  overwhelming joy and blessings. But the most complicated seasons of life occur when we feel as if our lives are up in the air, out...
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Continuing in the general vein of vocations, I felt the need to investigate the contribution of the laity. “The lay faithful” of the Church includes everyone who has not been graced by the sacrament of Holy Orders or a special dedication to the consecrated life, so it encompasses young...
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As I finish my last semester of undergraduate coursework, I find myself reflecting on the steps I have taken throughout this journey. My time at the University of Southern Indiana has given me a purpose; it has further solidified a direction for my future. I know this in my heart now. However, as a...
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Last week, I mentioned that the Church recognizes the vocation to consecrated life as having “objective superiority.” This week, I want to delve into those details. How is it objectively superior, and what is its true function? Why does consecrated life seem undesirable with so few answ...
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