McGrath Institute Blog

I’m known among my friends and family as a staunch curmudgeon when it comes to technology – particularly regarding kids, teens and our collective use of smartphones and social media. Back in 2007, I peered at ads of the forthcoming iPhone with lots of suspicion and a little fear, much like the way one looks at a feral cat. Surely, it was the beginning of the end. 

Valentine’s Day can be awkward for a lot of people. It’s unlikely the holiday will come up in Church conversations, except perhaps in the young adult group. Catholics may see little connection between their faith and the chocolate overdoses of February 14. But it is a day that takes on new dimensions when viewed through a Christian lens.

I read a lot. And for 2019, I made a commitment to be more intentional about what I was reading. I wanted a book list that was not only relaxing, but also fulfilling for my mind and my soul. So, I created this list of 19 Catholic books to read in 2019.

In Mexico, we eat tamales all year long, but Candlemas on February 2 has its own special traditions. On this day, we celebrate the presentation of Jesus in the Temple by gathering as a community, clothing the Baby Jesus in special garments, honoring him on our family altars and singing the Baby Jesus to sleep.

Please, God, please! Let Tom Brady play well tonight. Please, help my team to win!

My middle school self (please forgive me, but my team pride cannot help but highlight that the Patriots have been playing in Super Bowls for that long!) knelt at her bed, begging God to help her team win. Haven’t we all, from children to seasoned fans, done this? Look at the stands at any close sporting match and you’ll find people with eyes closed and hands clasped together in prayer as the clock winds down. We’ve prayed and bargained and pleaded with God when a game is on the line. And when victory is ours, we exclaim that God was on our side. However, does God really care?