---
title: Formation for Mature Discipleship
description: Megan Shepherd uses the parable of the prodigal son as a starting point for meditating on the dispositions and practices necessary for spiritual maturity.
image: https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/hubfs/Shepherd%20Mature%20Discipleship%20title.png
---
[](https://www.nd.edu/)
[McGrath Institute for Church Life](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/)
Search
- [Home](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/)
- [Conferences](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/conferences/)
- [Online Courses](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/)
- [Service Learning](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/service-learning/)
- [Events](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/events/)
- [Resources](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/resources/)
- [About](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/about/)
- [Blog](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu)
Search
- [Home](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/)
- [Conferences](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/conferences/)
- [Online Courses](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/)
- [Service Learning](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/service-learning/)
- [Events](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/events/)
- [Resources](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/resources/)
- [About](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/about/)
- [Blog](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu)
# Formation for Mature Discipleship
Posted by [Megan Shepherd](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/author/megan-shepherd) on Feb 20, 2020 7:05:00 AM
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
What does spiritual maturity look like? Instead of laying forth specific criteria, let us enter into an imaginative contemplation of the parable of the prodigal son ([Luke 15:11–32](http://usccb.org/bible/luke/15)) as inspiration for creative consideration of the call to grow in authenticity and intimacy with Christ.
Drawing on Henri Nouwen’s spiritual classic [*The*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/122877/the-return-of-the-prodigal-son-by-henri-jm-nouwen/)*[Return of the Prodigal Son](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/122877/the-return-of-the-prodigal-son-by-henri-jm-nouwen/),* as we pray with this parable, we may begin to recognize ourselves in the three main persons in the narrative: our rebellion and waywardness in the younger son, our anger and resentment in the elder son, and our love, forgiveness, and generosity in the father.
The younger son leaves and then returns; the elder son stays home but ends up lost; the Father goes out to both sons in love, drawing them home. Setting the parable within the context of salvation history, we recognize our beginning in the home, the household of love. Our rejection of God the Father’s love leads to a journey to a distant land where we come to our senses and return home, seeking forgiveness where our Father waits to welcome us with outstretched arms.
Yet in our journey to mature discipleship, we also look to the elder son, standing outside of the house, filled with anger and resentment at both the younger son’s return and the lavish welcome he receives. While he never left home, the elder son has become “lost” in his obedience, and his duty has become a burden. This perceived burden twisted into resentment that diminished his capacity to recognize the love offered by his father, leaving him unable to participate in and receive joy.
At the end of the parable, the elder son faces a choice: to hold on to his resentment and anger or to ‘come home.’ The parable ends without his answer and the decision he faced becomes ours. How do we respond to the generous love of the Father poured out for us?
For the elder son—for us—to return home, we must first recognize that we are in fact lost, and then prepare ourselves to be found and brought home by the Father. To resist the temptation to settle into a “complaintive” way of life that follows the path of the elder son, we are called to cultivate a “contemplative” way of life through practices of trust and gratitude.
We recognize Jesus as the beloved Son who was sent to bring us all home to the Father as children of God. Jesus’ whole life and preaching reveal the unlimited and eternal love of God the Father and invite us to let that love shape every part of our lives.
This ordering of our lives in response to the love of the Father, to the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ, to the guidance of the Holy Spirit—this is what mature discipleship looks like.
**Spiritual maturity is experienced as an unfolding and deepening of one’s authentic, intimate relationship with God that leads toward a re-ordering of one’s life in light of Christ and calls forth from within us a generous outpouring of loving service to others. **
Formation for mature discipleship includes cultivating the dispositions, skills, and behaviors that allow us to reflect on the gifts given to us by God, perceive the reality of the world, identify the needs around us, and then creatively respond to those needs rooted in humility and gratitude for the gifts given to us by God.
The Father’s love is offered personally to both sons, and he wants his children to learn to love as he does. Loving like the Father is not lived out in the abstract, but in a particular place with particular people. We are called to love like the Father by practicing compassion, forgiveness, and generosity with others, loving them without any expectation of return.
Practices of Christian maturity allow the dispositions we cultivate to become embodied in behaviors that shape and form us as we grow in intimacy with Christ.
- **Envisioning the future** that we are invited to by God opens our minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit to inspire our creativity and imagination.
- Grounded in Scripture, the witness of the saints, and the sacramental life of the Church, we **live into that future in the present**, taking responsibility each day for our choices to build up the Kingdom of God.
- A life of discipleship requires a **(re)ordering of one’s life** in light of the call to follow Christ: choosing generosity, humility, compassion, and gratitude over self-interest, pride, riches, or glory.
- Regular **participation in the sacramental life** of the Church nourishes us, heals us, and sends us forth in mission to witness to the love of the Father.
*Like what you read? Submit your email below to have our newest blogs delivered directly to your inbox each week.*
Featured image: Rembrandt van Rijn, [*The Return of the Prodigal Son*, via Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rembrandt_Harmensz_van_Rijn_-_Return_of_the_Prodigal_Son_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg); public domain.
Topics: [discipleship](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/discipleship), [adult faith formation](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/adult-faith-formation), [Henri Nouwen](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/henri-nouwen)
## Living and Handing on the Faith
The McGrath Institute Blog helps Catholics live and hand on their faith in Jesus Christ, especially in the family, home and parish, and cultivates and inspires everyday leaders to live out the fullness and richness of their faith in the simple, little ways that make up Church life.
Connect with us!
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/mcgrathnd)
- [Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/mcgrathnd)
- [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/mcgrathnd)
- [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/iclnotredame)
### Subscribe Here
### Most Popular
### Posts by Tag
- [COVID-19 Resources (77)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/covid-19-resources)
- [prayer (51)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/prayer)
- [coronavirus (48)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/coronavirus)
- [Lent (45)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/lent)
- [saints (42)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/saints)
- [downloadable resources (29)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/downloadable-resources)
- [liturgy (27)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgy)
- [Monday Motivation Weekly Resources (26)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/monday-motivation-weekly-resources)
- [pro-life (25)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pro-life)
- [liturgical year (23)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgical-year)
- [spirituality (23)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spirituality)
- [Advent (22)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/advent)
- [communion of saints (22)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/communion-of-saints)
- [human dignity (22)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/human-dignity)
- [Scripture (21)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/scripture)
- [stories of grace (20)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stories-of-grace)
- [Mary (19)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mary)
- [science and religion (19)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/science-and-religion)
- [Catholic education (18)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-education)
- [Culture (18)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/culture)
- [domestic church (17)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/domestic-church)
- [faith and reason (17)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/faith-and-reason)
- [ministry resources (17)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ministry-resources)
- [family life (16)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/family-life)
- [ministry (16)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ministry)
- [Marian devotion (15)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marian-devotion)
- [devotional prayer (15)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/devotional-prayer)
- [parish life (15)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/parish-life)
- [traditions (15)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/traditions)
- [Easter (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/easter)
- [Eucharist (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/eucharist)
- [Holy Week (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-week)
- [parenting (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/parenting)
- [virtue (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/virtue)
- [visual arts (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/visual-arts)
- [feast days (13)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/feast-days)
- [leadership (13)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/leadership)
- [liturgical music (13)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgical-music)
- [teaching resources (13)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/teaching-resources)
- [Catolicismo hispano (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catolicismo-hispano)
- [Christmas (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christmas)
- [Office of Life and Human Dignity (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/office-of-life-and-human-dignity)
- [Politics (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/politics)
- [Pope Francis (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pope-francis)
- [community (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/community)
- [formation (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/formation)
- [liturgy and education (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgy-and-education)
- [sacraments (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacraments)
- [Hispanic Catholicism (11)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hispanic-catholicism)
- [art (11)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/art)
- [faith (11)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/faith)
- [healing (11)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/healing)
- [Academy Awards (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/academy-awards)
- [Oscars (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/oscars)
- [catechesis (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catechesis)
- [education (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/education)
- [holidays (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holidays)
- [online education (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/online-education)
- [pilgrimage (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pilgrimage)
- [universal call to holiness (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/universal-call-to-holiness)
- [Paschal Triduum (9)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/paschal-triduum)
- [devotions (9)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/devotions)
- [evangelization (9)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/evangelization)
- [young people (9)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/young-people)
- [Best Picture nominees (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/best-picture-nominees)
- [Mass (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mass)
- [contemplative prayer (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/contemplative-prayer)
- [discipleship (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/discipleship)
- [lay ecclesial ministry (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/lay-ecclesial-ministry)
- [preaching (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/preaching)
- [saint devotions (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/saint-devotions)
- [truth (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/truth)
- [vocation (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/vocation)
- [youth ministry (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/youth-ministry)
- [Catholic schools (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-schools)
- [Hispanic ministry (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hispanic-ministry)
- [Notre Dame (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/notre-dame)
- [abortion (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/abortion)
- [campus ministry (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/campus-ministry)
- [crèche (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/crèche)
- [educational resources (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/educational-resources)
- [election 2020 (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/election-2020)
- [homily (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/homily)
- [inspiration (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/inspiration)
- [leonardjdelorenzo (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/leonardjdelorenzo)
- [mental health (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mental-health)
- [motherhood (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/motherhood)
- [prayer enrichment series (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/prayer-enrichment-series)
- [Called & Co-Responsible Conference (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/called-co-responsible-conference)
- [Catholic Schools Week (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-schools-week)
- [Echo (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/echo)
- [Hope (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hope)
- [Liturgy of the Hours (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgy-of-the-hours)
- [Nativity scene (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nativity-scene)
- [Practice (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/practice)
- [Saturdays with the Saints (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/saturdays-with-the-saints)
- [children (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/children)
- [creation (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/creation)
- [death (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/death)
- [devotional music (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/devotional-music)
- [fasting (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fasting)
- [lectio divina (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/lectio-divina)
- [love (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/love)
- [racism (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/racism)
- [self-giving love (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/self-giving-love)
- [All Souls (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/all-souls)
- [DIY (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/diy)
- [Liturgy Week (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgy-week)
- [Millennials (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/millennials)
- [Notre Dame Vision (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/notre-dame-vision)
- [Respect Life Month (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/respect-life-month)
- [STEP (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/step)
- [Theology (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/theology)
- [anti-racism (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/anti-racism)
- [cardinal virtues (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/cardinal-virtues)
- [communication (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/communication)
- [conversion (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/conversion)
- [friendship (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/friendship)
- [holiness (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holiness)
- [homeschooling (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/homeschooling)
- [inculturation (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/inculturation)
- [liturgical formation (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgical-formation)
- [marriage (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marriage)
- [media (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/media)
- [poetry (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/poetry)
- [resources (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/resources)
- [rosary (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/rosary)
- [science (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/science)
- [technology (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/technology)
- [vulnerability (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/vulnerability)
- [Catholic Social Teaching (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-social-teaching)
- [Christian art (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christian-art)
- [Church Life Today (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/church-life-today)
- [Congregation of Holy Cross (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/congregation-of-holy-cross)
- [Corporal Works of Mercy (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/corporal-works-of-mercy)
- [Cross (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/cross)
- [Cuaresma (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/cuaresma)
- [Feasts (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/feasts)
- [Holy Saturday (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-saturday)
- [Mental Illness Awareness Week (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mental-illness-awareness-week)
- [Semana Santa (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/semana-santa)
- [Thanksgiving (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/thanksgiving)
- [Trinity (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/trinity)
- [activities (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/activities)
- [almsgiving (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/almsgiving)
- [communion (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/communion)
- [discernment (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/discernment)
- [embracing parish life (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/embracing-parish-life)
- [human flourishing (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/human-flourishing)
- [moral virtue (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/moral-virtue)
- [movie review (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/movie-review)
- [music (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/music)
- [perspective (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/perspective)
- [providence (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/providence)
- [social distancing (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/social-distancing)
- [social media (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/social-media)
- [trusting in God (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/trusting-in-god)
- [voting (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/voting)
- [Catechism (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catechism)
- [Catholic imagination (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-imagination)
- [Good Friday (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/good-friday)
- [Holy Communion (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-communion)
- [Holy Spirit (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-spirit)
- [Holy Thursday (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-thursday)
- [Immaculate Conception (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/immaculate-conception)
- [Jesus Christ (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/jesus-christ)
- [Las Posadas (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/las-posadas)
- [New Year's resolutions (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/new-years-resolutions)
- [Night Prayer (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/night-prayer)
- [Resurrection (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/resurrection)
- [Sacred Heart of Jesus (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacred-heart-of-jesus)
- [Social Justice (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/social-justice)
- [St. Augustine (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-augustine)
- [St. John Paul II (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-john-paul-ii)
- [St. Maximilian Kolbe (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-maximilian-kolbe)
- [St. Thérèse of Lisieux (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-therese-of-lisieux)
- [The Saint John's Bible (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-saint-johns-bible)
- [adult faith formation (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/adult-faith-formation)
- [asceticism (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/asceticism)
- [church life journal (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/church-life-journal)
- [co-responsibility (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/co-responsibility)
- [college (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/college)
- [family (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/family)
- [fatherhood (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fatherhood)
- [good and evil (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/good-and-evil)
- [intercessory prayer (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/intercessory-prayer)
- [justice (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/justice)
- [martyrdom (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/martyrdom)
- [mercy (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mercy)
- [playlist (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/playlist)
- [processions (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/processions)
- [retreat (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/retreat)
- [sacrifice (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacrifice)
- [sports (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sports)
- [theological education (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/theological-education)
- [theological virtues (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/theological-virtues)
- [visio divina (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/visio-divina)
- [women in the Church (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/women-in-the-church)
- [A Season with the Saints (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/a-season-with-the-saints)
- [Ash Wednesday (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ash-wednesday)
- [Best Picture (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/best-picture)
- [Black Catholic History Month (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/black-catholic-history-month)
- [Body of Christ (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/body-of-christ)
- [Camino (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/camino)
- [Catholic Worker (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-worker)
- [Christmas carols (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christmas-carols)
- [Christus Vivit (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christus-vivit)
- [Confession (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/confession)
- [Confirmation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/confirmation)
- [Divine Mercy (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/divine-mercy)
- [Dorothy Day (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dorothy-day)
- [Down syndrome (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/down-syndrome)
- [Epiphany (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/epiphany)
- [Examen (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/examen)
- [Exsultet (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/exsultet)
- [Fr. Ted Hesburgh CSC (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fr-ted-hesburgh-csc)
- [Gospel (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gospel)
- [Incarnation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/incarnation)
- [Internet (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/internet)
- [Jean Vanier (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/jean-vanier)
- [L'Arche (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/larche)
- [Laudato Si' (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/laudato-si)
- [Little Way (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/little-way)
- [March for Life (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/march-for-life)
- [May Crowning (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/may-crowning)
- [Mental Health Awareness Month (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mental-health-awareness-month)
- [Metropolitan Museum of Art (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/metropolitan-museum-of-art)
- [Miracles (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/miracles)
- [Montessori education (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/montessori-education)
- [New Year (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/new-year)
- [O Antiphons (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/o-antiphons)
- [Our Lady of Guadalupe (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/our-lady-of-guadalupe)
- [Padre Pio (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/padre-pio)
- [Pastoral Care for the Sick (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pastoral-care-for-the-sick)
- [Revelation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/revelation)
- [Sacrament of Matrimony (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacrament-of-matrimony)
- [Scriptures (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/scriptures)
- [Spiritual Works of Mercy (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spiritual-works-of-mercy)
- [St. Ignatius (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-ignatius)
- [St. Joseph (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-joseph)
- [The Chronicles of Narnia (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-chronicles-of-narnia)
- [Transfiguration (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/transfiguration)
- [Tres Reyes (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/tres-reyes)
- [Valentine's Day (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/valentines-day)
- [Vespers (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/vespers)
- [Year of Mercy (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/year-of-mercy)
- [accompaniment (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/accompaniment)
- [anxiety (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/anxiety)
- [baptism (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/baptism)
- [basilica of the sacred heart (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/basilica-of-the-sacred-heart)
- [book review (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/book-review)
- [books (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/books)
- [continuing education (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/continuing-education)
- [dialogue (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dialogue)
- [disability (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/disability)
- [gratitude (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gratitude)
- [iconography (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/iconography)
- [intermittent fasting (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/intermittent-fasting)
- [liturgical ministry (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgical-ministry)
- [multiculturalism (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/multiculturalism)
- [papal documents (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/papal-documents)
- [penance (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/penance)
- [perfectionism (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/perfectionism)
- [printable saints (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/printable-saints)
- [reconciliation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/reconciliation)
- [relationships (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/relationships)
- [religious education (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/religious-education)
- [romance (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/romance)
- [sacramental formation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacramental-formation)
- [sacred architecture (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacred-architecture)
- [school (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/school)
- [sex (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sex)
- [sin (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sin)
- [surrender (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/surrender)
- [teaching (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/teaching)
- [television (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/television)
- [theological aesthetics (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/theological-aesthetics)
- [works of mercy (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/works-of-mercy)
- [1917 (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/1917)
- [All Saints Day (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/all-saints-day)
- [Angelus (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/angelus)
- [Annunciation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/annunciation)
- [Archbishop José Gomez (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/archbishop-josé-gomez)
- [Assumption (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/assumption)
- [Ave Maria Press (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ave-maria-press)
- [Basil Moreau, C.S.C. (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/basil-moreau-c-s-c)
- [Ben Howard (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ben-howard)
- [Benedictine spirituality (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/benedictine-spirituality)
- [Beyond the Abortion Wars (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/beyond-the-abortion-wars)
- [Big Bang (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/big-bang)
- [Black History Month (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/black-history-month)
- [C.S. Lewis (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/c-s-lewis)
- [Catholic Twitter (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-twitter)
- [Catholic feminism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-feminism)
- [Catholic identity (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-identity)
- [Center for Liturgy (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/center-for-liturgy)
- [Charles Camosy (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/charles-camosy)
- [Christmas movies (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christmas-movies)
- [Church Life (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/church-life)
- [Civil Rights (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/civil-rights)
- [Dolly Parton (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dolly-parton)
- [Dulce Lopes Pontes (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dulce-lopes-pontes)
- [Easter Proclamation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/easter-proclamation)
- [Eucharistic Adoration (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/eucharistic-adoration)
- [Eucharistic Prayer (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/eucharistic-prayer)
- [Field of Dreams (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/field-of-dreams)
- [Ford v Ferrari (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ford-v-ferrari)
- [Fratelli Tutti (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fratelli-tutti)
- [Gerard Manley Hopkins (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gerard-manley-hopkins)
- [Giuseppina Vannini (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/giuseppina-vannini)
- [Greta Gerwig (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/greta-gerwig)
- [Henri Nouwen (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/henri-nouwen)
- [Ignatian retreat (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ignatian-retreat)
- [Immaculate Heart (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/immaculate-heart)
- [Indigenous Peoples Day (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/indigenous-peoples-day)
- [Isaac Newton (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/isaac-newton)
- [Jesuit spirituality (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/jesuit-spirituality)
- [John Henry Newman (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/john-henry-newman)
- [John the Baptist (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/john-the-baptist)
- [Jojo Rabbit (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/jojo-rabbit)
- [Joker (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/joker)
- [Kobe Bryant (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/kobe-bryant)
- [Leonardo Da Vinci (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/leonardo-da-vinci)
- [Little Women (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/little-women)
- [Mardi Gras (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mardi-gras)
- [Margherita Bays (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/margherita-bays)
- [Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mariam-thresia-chiramel-mankidiyan)
- [Marian Shrines (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marian-shrines)
- [Marian consecration (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marian-consecration)
- [Marriage Story (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marriage-story)
- [Martin Scorsese (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/martin-scorsese)
- [Mary Magdalene (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mary-magdalene)
- [Mass for the Dead (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mass-for-the-dead)
- [Mister Rogers (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mister-rogers)
- [Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mister-rogers-neighborhood)
- [Morning Prayer (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/morning-prayer)
- [New Orleans (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/new-orleans)
- [Nicene Creed (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nicene-creed)
- [Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nuestra-señora-de-guadalupe)
- [Obianuju Ekeocha (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/obianuju-ekeocha)
- [Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood)
- [Our Lady of Sorrows (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/our-lady-of-sorrows)
- [Palm Sunday (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/palm-sunday)
- [Parasite (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/parasite)
- [Paschal mystery (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/paschal-mystery)
- [Pope John Paul II (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pope-john-paul-ii)
- [Queenship of Mary (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/queenship-of-mary)
- [Quentin Tarantino (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/quentin-tarantino)
- [RCIA (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/rcia)
- [Requiem Mass (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/requiem-mass)
- [Rule of St. Benedict (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/rule-of-st-benedict)
- [STEM (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stem)
- [STREAM (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stream)
- [Sex Week (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sex-week)
- [Sign of the Cross (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sign-of-the-cross)
- [Sigrid Undset (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sigrid-undset)
- [Spiritual Communion (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spiritual-communion)
- [St. André Bessette (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-andre-bessette)
- [St. Casimir (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-casimir)
- [St. Jerome (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-jerome)
- [St. Martha (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-martha)
- [St. Oscar Romero (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-oscar-romero)
- [St. Peter Claver (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-peter-claver)
- [St. Stephen of Hungary (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-stephen-of-hungary)
- [St. Thomas Aquinas (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-thomas-aquinas)
- [Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sts-louis-and-zélie-martin)
- [Super Tuesday (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/super-tuesday)
- [Suscipe (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/suscipe)
- [Sábado Santa (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sábado-santa)
- [The Good Place (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-good-place)
- [The Irishman (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-irishman)
- [The Velveteen Rabbit (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-velveteen-rabbit)
- [Vatican II (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/vatican-ii)
- [Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity)
- [White Ribbon Against Pornography Week (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/white-ribbon-against-pornography-week)
- [Women's History Month (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/womens-history-month)
- [World War I (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/world-war-i)
- [Year of St. Joseph (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/year-of-st-joseph)
- [adoption (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/adoption)
- [bereavement ministry (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/bereavement-ministry)
- [canonization (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/canonization)
- [charity (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/charity)
- [childbirth (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/childbirth)
- [common good (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/common-good)
- [dating (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dating)
- [disaffiliation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/disaffiliation)
- [divorce (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/divorce)
- [doctrine (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/doctrine)
- [ecology (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ecology)
- [ecumenism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ecumenism)
- [elections (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/elections)
- [en español (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/en-español)
- [fairy tales (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fairy-tales)
- [faith formation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/faith-formation)
- [faith on film (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/faith-on-film)
- [feminism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/feminism)
- [gender (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gender)
- [gift giving (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gift-giving)
- [guardian angels (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/guardian-angels)
- [holy orders (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-orders)
- [hookup culture (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hookup-culture)
- [hospitality (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hospitality)
- [isolation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/isolation)
- [journalism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/journalism)
- [joy (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/joy)
- [lay formation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/lay-formation)
- [leisure (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/leisure)
- [literature (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/literature)
- [materialism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/materialism)
- [multicultural ministry (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/multicultural-ministry)
- [nature (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nature)
- [nostalgia (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nostalgia)
- [online giving (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/online-giving)
- [parenthood (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/parenthood)
- [peace (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/peace)
- [popular culture (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/popular-culture)
- [pornography (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pornography)
- [poverty (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/poverty)
- [pregnancy (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pregnancy)
- [privilege (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/privilege)
- [psalms (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/psalms)
- [relics (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/relics)
- [righting reflex (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/righting-reflex)
- [safe environment (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/safe-environment)
- [salvation history (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/salvation-history)
- [sermons (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sermons)
- [service (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/service)
- [service learning (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/service-learning)
- [signs (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/signs)
- [silence (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/silence)
- [solitude (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/solitude)
- [spiritual childhood (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spiritual-childhood)
- [spiritual exercises (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spiritual-exercises)
- [stability (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stability)
- [stained glass (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stained-glass)
- [stewardship (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stewardship)
- [teens (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/teens)
- [temperance (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/temperance)
- [tithing (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/tithing)
- [trust (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/trust)
- [undergraduates (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/undergraduates)
- [witness (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/witness)
- [wonder (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/wonder)
- [young adult ministry (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/young-adult-ministry)
- [young adults (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/young-adults)
See all
[Copyright](https://www.nd.edu/copyright/) © 2018 [University of Notre Dame](https://www.nd.edu/)
[McGrath Institute for Church Life](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/) 342 Geddes Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Phone 574.631.5510 [mcgrath@nd.edu](mailto:mcgrath@nd.edu)
[Accessibility Information](https://www.nd.edu/about/accessibility/)
-
-
-
-
