SIOUX CITY CATHOLIC 

As we discussed in Part 1, “God never ceases to be the father of his children.” These are the words of St. Anthony of Padua and get to the heart of this petition. We are dependent upon God for our daily needs; and we are encouraged to pray for him to meet those needs (Matt 7:11) with confidence and filial trust. Just as a child depends on and trusts in his own father, so too should we trust God to provide for all our needs (Phil 4:19). In fact, he knows even better than we do, what our needs are! READ MORE

This week, we will take a brief pause from our ongoing discussion of the Our Father for me to share a few thoughts on what I believe is a needed paradigm shift. This post is meant as a reflection more for those involved in the catechetical work of the Church. READ MORE

This petition of the Our Father carries with it great meaning and depth. On one hand it is pointing toward the practical daily needs we all have and our dependence upon God. On the other hand, we also see great spiritual truths here; we know that all our needs are not purely physical. We have spiritual hunger that must be satisfied as well! READ MORE

The Our Father is a prayer that holds a privileged place in the life of every Christian, and rightly so! It is the only time recorded in Scripture in which Jesus Christ gives his disciples a prayer. It is his answer to their request to be taught how to pray. St Thomas Aquinas referred to it as the “most perfect prayer;” and the Church, in her teaching refers to it as “the prayer of the Church par excellence, for which there is no substitute.” READ MORE...

It seemed hopeless. I found that there was nothing I could do or say to make the situation better. I went to pray the Rosary; offering it for the situation at hand. The rhythm of the words helped me to begin to shut off the anxiety I was struggling with. .... READ MORE

In Matthew 6:7, Jesus declares, “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.” In its proper context, Jesus is teaching those gathered for his Sermon on the Mount about prayer. He says this right before giving them what the Church sees as the most perfect and sacred prayer, the Our Father.......

There are few places I prefer to pray more than the Portiuncula, on the campus of Franciscan University. A few years ago, I was on campus for a conference. It was a hot humid day and a storm was moving in. As it began to thunder, and the rain became heavy, I didn’t want to leave. Here, so many times I have found peace, direction from the Lord, reassurance and comfort, and I wanted that again........ READ MORE

Relating to the Blessed Mother Have you ever thought of Mary and wondered how can I relate to someone who was perfect and sinless (which she was!) when I am not? This was something I often wondered. In our early relationship, she was this far away woman who I looked up to. I knew I could never attain her perfection, but I wanted to try and be holy like her. This was a good intention! But I remembered that Mary was also human......READ MORE