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This past weekend at Mass we listened to the parable of the Good Shepherd, a story with which our second graders are very familiar during their sacramental preparation year. Our students are reminded that no matter how far they may stray from our Lord, He will always reach out to them, forgive them, and love them unconditionally. Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11).

In 1969 I was in fifth grade, and I recall very vividly my social studies teacher telling the class that 10 years in the future we would all be wearing gas masks. To say that this conversation terrified me is an understatement. At the time, the country was in the midst of the Vietnam War, the Cold War was still a raging threat, and nuclear warfare was on everyone’s minds.

He is Risen! Alleluia! In the 50 days after Easter, until Pentecost and the descent of the Holy Spirit, we are immersed in the Easter Season, a time of great joy, hope, and promise.

A home in our neighborhood was listed for sale this past weekend, so my husband and I decided to take a peek during the Open House. The owners, who had purchased the house new nearly 40 years ago, had completed some remarkable upgrades, doing away with the 80’s style appointments and opting for a more modern feel. Change can be a good thing, and we certainly see that demonstrated in the frequent style shifts in clothing, cars, furniture, and hair over the years.

For my eldest grandchild’s 12th birthday, I purchased a weekly subscription to a junior news magazine in hopes that it would introduce him to a broader understanding of the world around him. The magazine includes articles on sports, science, and nature, as well as current events, which will hopefully act as a catalyst to inspire daily conversations and help him learn how to form his own opinions and point of view.

“Train the young in the way they should go; even when old they will not swerve from it,” (Proverbs 22:6) is a well-known passage from the Wisdom Books in the Old Testament that offer insight and advice. This particular verse emphasizes the role of parents in guiding the formation of their children.

Four score and three years ago, American Psychologist Abraham Maslow published his motivational theory describing a hierarchy of needs. At the most basic level, human beings require their Psychological needs to be met: air, water, food, and shelter, for example. The second level is Safety, specifically security, employment, and health.

The central focus of the Mass is, of course, the Eucharistic, where we gratefully receive the presence of Christ and all of the graces He bestows on us as we go about our work and play. Scripture readings provide important teachings and lessons, and the priest’s homily helps us understand the relevance in today’s world. One homily, given a number of years ago by a visiting priest still resonates strongly in my memory, not because of the theological content, but because of the

My first two posts in the new year addressed some recommendations on Resolutions, not only for you, but for your children and grandchildren. My first suggestion centered on the importance of music, and the second on gardening. Catholic Schools Week and the Crusader Benefit posts interrupted my cycle, so today I conclude with my final bit of advice: Teach Financial Literacy.

Last Friday, we welcomed our grandparents to join us for breakfast, classroom visits, and Mass. It is one of my favorite events of the year because we witness not only the connections among our families and our faith, but also the deep and enduring importance of relationships. The gym was filled to overflowing with more than 300 grandparents from near and far, introducing themselves and sharing with one another their stories.

Over the summer, my husband and I traveled to Minnesota for his 50th (public) high school reunion. Of the approximately 50 attendees, a third of the group, including my husband, had matriculated from the local Catholic elementary school -- St. Joseph’s.

As I shared with you in last week’s memo, the new year provides for us the opportunity to begin anew (Nunc Coepi) by resolving to make some improvements, not only our own day-to-day routines, but also by making a concerted effort to elicit some positive changes for our children and grandchildren. I was pleased to receive responses from several of you affirming the value of music – both playing and listening -- as a means to foster intellectual as well as emotional development

The start of the new year also marks the end of the regular NFL football season, and while San Diegans do not have a home team to root for, we fondly remember the days when the Chargers called “Amerca’s Finest City” their base. So, when Philip Rivers temporarily came out of retirement as signal caller in three of the last four Indianapolis Colts games, I watched him with delight.

Gary Chapman, in his book, “The Five Love Languages,” describes different ways people express and perceive love. Each person, Chapman states, gravitates toward one primary and one secondary love language, among them: 1) Words of Affirmation, 2) Quality Time, 3) Giving/Receiving Gifts, 4) Acts of Service, and 5) Physical Touch.

On Saturday, the Big Ten College Football Championship pitted favorite and top-seed Ohio State against second-seed Indiana. In a surprising win, Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza catapulted his team to victory and cemented Indiana’s first championship in 50 years. The Hoosiers will play next in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026. Mendoza, who is a favorite in contention for the Heisman Trophy, tied his success to his faith stating, “I want to give all the glory to God.”

Yesterday marked the beginning of a new liturgical year as we entered the Season of Advent. Over the next four weeks, we take time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. I pull out all of my tried-and-true recipes handed down to me from my mom, grandmother, and even great-grandmother, hoping they will gratify the palate of those around my table today as well as in future generations. As I mix the ingredients for the pies, stuffing, and other traditional dishes, I cannot help but reminisce about the people in my life who have blessed me, not only with their food, but with their wisdom, guidance,

Every November 11, Americans pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in our military, both past and present. This year is especially significant because three branches are celebrating 250 years of service and sacrifice to our country. The Army was founded on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistments of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. In the same year, on October 13, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to fo

When I was growing up in the 1960s, my most prized possessions were my Chatty Cathy and Barbie dolls (which I still have, along with clothes my mom sewed for them). The following decade saw the rise of Atari games and Star Wars. By the '80s, Rubik’s Cubes and Pac Man were the rage; the '90s introduced Super Nintendo, Walkman, and the ever-popular slap bracelets; and in the 2000s, the craze centered on Furby, Polly Pocket, and Game Boy.

Recently, the Office for Schools hosted a convocation for all Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of San Diego, with over 1,100 people in attendance. It was a joy-filled day celebrating the impact of Catholic education, and re-affirming our mission and vocation to teach and guide our students as future leaders.