Barb Umberger

Dec 1, 2023 | thecatholicspirit.com | Barb Umberger

“The reflection and the use of fire and gazing upon this natural symbol of Jesus; candles are symbols of Jesus in so many ways, light of the world — but they also light up a room by dying,” he said. “They spend themselves to light up a room, which is a beautiful reflection of Christ himself, who has come to be born to die for love of us.”Father Erickson recently joined “Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley to discuss how the faithful can more fully enter into the Advent season.

Dec 1, 2023 | thecatholicspirit.com | Barb Umberger

“The anti-Semitism that we saw in the Second World War, we’re seeing after this conflict started between Israel and Hamas; we’re seeing somewhat of a showing of that, of revealing that some of that residual anti-Semitism remains,” which cannot be tolerated, said Father Rutten, who also serves the archdiocese in supporting ecumenical and interreligious affairs.

Nov 30, 2023 | thecatholicspirit.com | Barb Umberger

At the time, she was “comparing religious life and marriage, and was curious, and admired her teachers,” she said. “I would say to anyone, ‘Don’t think you’re too young to be listening to God’s call,’” nor too old, she said. She did “all the normal fun things” in high school, but had a constant interest, pull and curiosity about a religious vocation, she said. With the Dec.

Nov 21, 2023 | thecatholicspirit.com | Barb Umberger

“That would always be an important moment for us,” the archbishop said. The family also used an Advent calendar. “Especially when I was a little kid, it really helped with the anticipation leading up to Christmas,” he said. Today, he knows people who put a manger outside, but without the Christ child. “That helps us to focus on the fact that we’re not quite there yet at Christmas, and so to take our time to savor the season of Advent,” he said.

Nov 21, 2023 | thecatholicspirit.com | Barb Umberger

“You’re growing up thinking about somebody else first, and that would kind of go into everything else in your life,” Schmidt said. Today she works full time with her dad on the family farm. She does more of the herd management, working with the cows, and her dad focuses more on growing crops and other business aspects, she said. Schmidt recently joined “Practicing Catholic” radio show producer Kayla Mayer to describe life on the family farm and the role and impact of faith in her life and work.