Church: A Personal History

Church: A Personal History

Flickr: wackystuff Church was . . . In my childhood memories, “church” was identified by difference; if you belonged to this one, you didn’t belong to that one. There was something wrong about that one. Many years later, I learned that a church is not so much a...

What Does Your Faith Community Say about You?

Dominican Sister of Hope Connie Koch, OP has been working in parish ministry for sixteen years. During this time, she has done everything from facilitating youth ministry with West Point cadets to directing local Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (a formation...
We Cannot Doubt: Poetry and an Easter Reflection

We Cannot Doubt: Poetry and an Easter Reflection

These days after the resurrection, the Gospel tells us that the disciples are startled, terrified, and troubled. And even more so, they are full of doubt! We know the story of the doubting Thomas, but he was not the only doubter! The disciples, apostles included,...
Easter- A Call to Be Huggers

Easter- A Call to Be Huggers

Flickr: Matthew G   There is a story about a former First Lady visiting Grandma’s House, a home that supports and houses babies and young children infected with the HIV virus – innocent victims. The First Lady played ball and gave hugs to all the children. This...
Easter Morning, a Reflection by Sister Connie Koch

Easter Morning, a Reflection by Sister Connie Koch

It was Easter morning and the church was packed! People seemed somewhat relieved as I gathered those children who had not yet made their First Holy Communion for the dismissal rite. We disappeared into the hall below the church to enter into the Easter Gospel. I told...