"Heigh ho, heigh ho, holiday, The first day of the year, Matty Groves to church did go Some holy words to hear." This medieval English ballad tells us that the Church has long celebrated the beginning of the secular year, January 1, with special festivity. Although this feast was a … Read more...

My Christmas crib is on its third statue of Saint Joseph. The first Saint Joseph is lost in the mists of time. I do not remember what he looked like because during most of my childhood, he was missing. In junior high I discovered the bins of Christmas figurines in … Read more...

In December of last year, a New Yorker cover caught my eye. The drawing was of a huge angel dressed all in white, sitting in a subway train. Her right wing covered half the door and her skirt ballooned into the aisle. She had a voluminous head of blonde hair … Read more...

Welcome to the official Advent issue of the Servant Leader. This year Advent begins on Sunday, December 2. In past years, in my efforts to prepare for this season of preparation, I have often found myself behind before I’ve even started—digging out the Advent wreath the Sunday after the first … Read more...

On October 11 of this year, Pope Benedict XVI initiated the Year of Faith for Catholics around the world. The date is significant because on that date fifty years ago, Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council. So where were you on October 11, 1962? Some of us remember … Read more...

American Saints This coming Sunday, October 21, two new American saints will be canonized. One of them is Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint to be recognized by the Church for heroic virtue. The other is Mother Marianne Cope, a Franciscan sister who cared for those afflicted by leprosy … Read more...

Focus on Faith Spiritual Wellness One of the challenges of ministry can be taking the time to nourish and replenish your own faith life. So much of ministry with young people is giving of yourself and striving to care for their faith life. It is important, however, to take the … Read more...

Focus on Faith Respect Life Month The first Sunday in October is Respect Life Sunday, and it marks the beginning of October as Respect Life Month. Even though we are called to work throughout the year to promote the protection and dignity of all life, Respect Life Month affords us … Read more...

Focus on Faith Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship On November 6th we will be going to the polls to elect government officials and vote on a wide range of issues. As Catholics living in a democratic society, we all have a responsibility to inform our conscience and our vote. During … Read more...

"Catechetical Sunday" Sunday, September 16, is Catechetical Sunday. It is a day to recognize and affirm catechists for the vital role they fulfill in the life of the Church. The theme for this year’s Catechetical Sunday is "Catechists and Teachers as Agents of the New Evangelization." In writing about the … Read more...

"The Servant Leader: Year Three" Welcome to the third year of the Servant Leader newsletter. Saint Mary’s Press started this newsletter with the purpose of supporting you in your ministry, on a weekly basis, with reflections on Catholic ministry with young people, inspiration, and resources. This year we are making … Read more...

"Surviving 9th Grade" Summer is coming to an end, and the start of the new school year is right around the corner. It will soon be time to dust off backpacks, order textbooks, and buy new clothes. It will also be time for us, as ministers and teachers, to guide … Read more...

"Acknowledging Parents" I have a group of friends that I affectionately refer to as “The Young Bucks.” This is a group of four men, all of them at least 12 years younger than me, that invite me along when they get together to grill steaks, play video games, and see … Read more...

"Getting Ready for Summer" Summer is upon us. It is time for rejuvenation, vacation, and hopefully a little rest. The Servant Leader will be switching to its “summer schedule” for the next few months. For June and July, The Servant Leader will be coming out once a month (June 11 … Read more...

"Today I Resolve" Finals, graduations, planning for the summer, reviewing new curriculum, finalizing plans for the summer mission trip, simply finding time to enjoy the outdoors, and countless other things compete for our time and attention at this time of year. With this in mind, I would like to share … Read more...

"Pentecost" In a few weeks we will celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is one of my favorite liturgical remembrances, and not just because I look good in red. Throughout the Easter season, we celebrate the salvation we receive as a result of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. At Pentecost we are reminded … Read more...

"Celebrating Graduates" The time for graduation is fast approaching. Graduation is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the successes of the youth with which we are in ministry. It is also a time to remind youth that even though one “phase” of their life is at a close, they are on … Read more...

"National Teacher Day" When I was growing up, both of my parents were educators in the public school system. I cannot tell you the number of times I was out with one of my parents and we would bump into one of their former students or coworkers or a parent … Read more...