As we wind up the summer break, we find ourselves in that time of year where we get back into the routines of life. But it is crucially important that in all the busyness of life that we do not neglect our spiritual life.  Just like we need to take time to go over our personal or family calendar and plan our days and weeks to stay on top of life, we should also take the time to establish a rule of life that governs and keeps on track our spiritual life.

The increase in the number of catechumens and candidates entering the Church in the Diocese of Colorado Springs matches the same trend seen in other dioceses and archdioceses throughout the United States and the world.

As we prepare to enter the season of Lent, we are all starting to think about what we are going to give up such as sweets or coffee, and one of the key themes of Lent is fasting.  But this brings up the important question of why do we “offer it up” and what is the meaning of redemptive suffering? Many of the answers come from St. John Paul II in his magnificent apostolic letter “Salvifici doloris” (On The Redemptive Meaning of Christian Suffering).  St. John Paul II gives us great insights on how Jesus, through his own suffering and death, has transformed our suffering to become redemptive.