Papal Conclave Explained: What Happens Next

Last updated on: April 25, 2025 at 8:31 am By Dennis McIntyre

With Pope Francis’s passing, the question is: “Who will be the next Pope?” Therefore, this question will be addressed through the “papal conclave.” This solemn tradition, which successfully brought forth Pope Francis in 2013, guarantees that the next leader of the Catholic Church will be selected with care and thoughtful consideration. Let us delve into the forthcoming steps in this significant journey. The Papal Conclave Process The College of Cardinals decisively declares nine days of mourning following the passing of... Read more

Pope Francis’ Impact on the Catholic Church

Last updated on: April 22, 2025 at 11:26 am By Dennis McIntyre

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Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21st. Francis was sometimes a controversial figure based on several of his comments. The Vatican had to “clarify” several of its statements for better clarity. I had written previously about some of his controversies. Pope Francis’ Legacy Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. Francis was elected the 266th pope on March 13, 2013. In addition to being the first Jesuit priest... Read more

Palm Sunday Gospel Reflection

Last updated on: April 13, 2025 at 8:00 pm By Dennis McIntyre

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Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week, a week of joy and sorrow. The week begins with Jesus arriving in Jerusalem and ends with His death on the cross. Good Friday’s depth of sadness and despair will soon be replaced with joy on Easter morning. Due to the length of the gospel, I will focus on the main points. Let’s take a look. Palm Sunday Gospel: Jesus’ Passion and Death The gospel reading for Palm Sunday is Luke... Read more

Spiritual Growth and the Power of Discipline

Last updated on: April 9, 2025 at 5:08 pm By Dennis McIntyre

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Spirituality is about seeking a deeper connection with God. This doesn’t happen automatically. It takes commitment and perseverance to deepen that connection, which fosters spiritual growth. What critical skill is needed to deepen one’s relationship with God and grow spiritually? Let’s examine it. Discipline is Key to Spiritual Growth All relationships require strong commitment, communication, and love. The underpinning of all this is discipline. Your relationship with God is no different; you need a strong commitment to following God (discipline)... Read more

Gospel Reflection: Fifth Sunday of Lent

Last updated on: April 3, 2025 at 9:26 am By Dennis McIntyre

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This Sunday, April 6th, is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. The gospel story for this Sunday is about a woman caught in adultery. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on April 13th. You still have time to make this Lent meaningful if you haven’t already. The Woman Caught in Adultery The reading this Sunday comes from the book of John 8:1-11. The story starts with Jesus teaching his disciples, and the Pharisees bring in a woman caught in the act... Read more

Tariffs Explained: What You Need to Know

Last updated on: April 3, 2025 at 8:40 am By Dennis McIntyre

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President Trump campaigned on assessing tariffs on countries that didn’t treat the United States fairly or work cooperatively with the US on critical matters. A 25% tariff on imported aluminum and steel took effect on March 12, 2025, and a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts will take effect on April 3rd. Trump announced additional tariffs in his April 2nd address. Trump’s tariff strategy has been controversial. Let’s take a look. What is a Tariff? The site Investopedia... Read more

Fourth Sunday of Lent: The Parable of the Lost Son

Last updated on: March 28, 2025 at 4:53 pm By Dennis McIntyre

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This Sunday, March 30th, is the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The gospel is the story of the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32). The Fourth Sunday is called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word for “rejoice,” symbolizing joy and celebration amidst the somber season of Lent. We are halfway through Lent. How is your Lent going for you? If you are struggling, remember that tomorrow is a new day and an opportunity to start over. Don’t... Read more

Vietnam War: A Tribute to Veterans and Heroes

Last updated on: March 28, 2025 at 11:25 am By Dennis McIntyre

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March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This is an important day to remember those who put their lives on the line for peace and to try and stop the spread of communism. Whatever your views of the war, these soldiers are American heroes. They never received the welcome nor the recognition they deserved. Let’s take a look. Vietnam War: Overview The war itself was a disaster for the United States. What started out with military “advisors” and... Read more

Reflection on the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent

Last updated on: March 20, 2025 at 7:36 am By Dennis McIntyre

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This Sunday (March 23) is the Third Sunday of Lent. This week’s gospel reading is from the book of Luke 13:1-9. This reading is a story about sin, repentance, and patience. Let’s take a look. Lent: The Urgency of Repentance The reading begins with the disciples telling Jesus that Pilate has “mixed” the blood of the Jews with the blood of their offerings to God. Jesus asks the disciples not to see tragic outcomes, like the blood mixing or... Read more

March Madness: Excitement of NCAA Championship

Last updated on: March 20, 2025 at 9:52 am By Dennis McIntyre

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This week starts the “March Madness” tournament, also known as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. This is the most exciting college tournament every year. Expect some big upsets, especially in the first round, which is notorious for upsets. Breaking Down the Brackets While most teams’ tickets were “punched” in the Divisional Championships, the NCAA Selection Committee had some decisions to make regarding teams considered “on the bubble.” On Selection Sunday, the committee selected the remaining teams and determined the schedule.... Read more