Author: Deacon Nick

Bible

Homily

In Your Own Words – Homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

One of the most dreaded phrases in classrooms everywhere is “in your own words.” “Explain the causes of the Civil War in your own words.” “Describe the process of photosynthesis in your own words.” Teachers love the phrase because it requires students to do deep thinking; and students dread the phrase, because it requires them to do deep thinking. It may seem cruel of me to be talking about school so soon after summer vacation has begun, but I only bring it up because of what happens in...

Andrei Rublev- The Trinity

Homily

An Icon of the Holy Trinity – Homily for Trinity Sunday Year C

Not long ago we celebrated the Ascension, and this was the first year we could celebrate that feast with the beautiful icon of the Ascension greeting us as we walked into the Church. On this Solemnity of the Holy Trinity I am reminded of another icon, perhaps the most famous icon of them all, the icon of the Holy Trinity by Andrei Rublev. Rublev painted, or wrote, this icon in 1425 for the church of St. Sergius near Moscow, Russia, and it’s regarded as one of the highest...

Appearance Behind Locked Doors

Homily

Peace Be With You – Homily from the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Suppose we had a time machine and we traveled back in time to talk to Simon Peter before he met Jesus. And what if we asked him, “What would a peaceful life look like to you?” I wonder what he might say. Maybe he’d say, “Well, a peaceful life would be one where my fishing business would continue to thrive. I would catch lots of fish each day, sell them all, and support my family comfortably. My wife and I would live in harmony and raise our children...

#CatholicEdChat Founders

Travel

#CatholicEdChat TweetUp at #NCEA16

The founders of #CatholicEdChat @ncara @nsenger @BarbInNebraska began November 3rd 2012 #NCEA16 pic.twitter.com/ysYMYRdn7Q — Barb Gilman (@BarbInNebraska) April 2, 2016 It was great to see so many Catholic educators at NCEA 2016, but I especially enjoyed meeting those who are part of #CatholicEdChat on Twitter every Saturday morning. There were over one hundred members of #CatholicEdChat who came together to meet in person and socialize. I’ve not been able to attend to many chats in the last year, but I hope to be more active in the coming months....

Figurehead of HMS Surprise

Travel

Below Deck on the HMS Surprise

One of my favorite books is actually an entire series–the Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian. You may have seen the movie based on the books, Master and Commander, starring Russell Crowe. The series is about the exploits of Captain Jack Aubrey and his best friend Dr. Stephen Maturin. They sail on many ships in the series, but the ship that is dearest to them is the HMS Surprise. It was a real treat for me to discover that the HMS Surprise that was used in the movie is...

David Coleman, President of College Board

Travel

NCEA 2016 Reflections from Day One

Yesterday’s opening keynote was from David Coleman, president of the College Board, the organization responsible for the SAT and Advanced Placement tests. His talk was inspiring and filled with hope, and he was overflowing in his praise of Catholic schools. The first three-fourths of his presentation was spent thanking Catholic education for giving students five gifts that he believes the world needs desperately: Productive Solitude Reverent Reading of Shared Texts Restful Excellence Gratitude and Grace Dignity and Pricelessness Next followed some great educational sessions and a visit to...