Since initially hearing the news, I have been praying about how to respond to the horrific story of Rutgers Freshman Tyler Clementi and his tragic suicide.  Let me first of all offer prayers for the repose of Tyler and for…

If you're familiar with the world of Catholic music or live with a Catholic teen, you've likely been blessed by the music of Matt Maher.  You may even have sung along to Matt's hit "Your Grace Is Enough" at your local Life Teen mass and been touched by the wonder of this incredible songwriter's passion for our faith. 

This year, during the liturgical season of Easter, that blessing will come to an even fuller fruition with the release of Matt Maher's latest project Empty and Beautiful (Essential Records, Provident Label Group) on April 8^th.  For the past few years, Matt has been crisscrossing the country touching hearts and souls with his work as a "musical missionary".  Performing to crowds ranging from arenas to intimate worship settings, Matt encourages those who enjoy his music to make room for silent, prayerful worship in their lives.  This may seem ironic, coming from a prolific songwriter who is on the verge of releasing yet another CD and this time from a major label.  But in speaking with Matt, you can't help but hear the conviction in his heart for what he is doing – a conviction which is infectious and which obviously spills over into the art he is creating with his music.  In his work with Life Teen, with Adore Ministries, with Spirit and Song and other organizations, Matt Maher is a beacon of light and of faith for all of us.

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This past week, I threw in the towel on a technology problem I've been frustrated by and called in a consultant.  The headache in question was related to my Catholic Moments Podcast, a weekly thirty minute talkfest…

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This week, there's been much discussion about a recent study involving sugar substitutes.   Time Magazine references the study in its article entitled Can Sugar Substitutes Make You Fat?   The article seems to point to weight gain in…

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I'm not like your typical 40-something year old suburban mom.  I have no desire to spend long afternoons shoe shopping and the thought of spending money on a designer purse makes me a little sick to my…

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When it comes to the art of social network, I am a slow learner and a late bloomer.  It normally takes me fifteen times being invited to the latest and greatest before I'll dip my big toe…

Every year, during the last week of January, this nation's 2.4 million Catholic school students and the 200,000 dedicated educators who nurture them pause to celebrate "Catholic Schools Week".  This year's celebrations, to be held January 27 through February 2,…

I love it when I run across a great book that I can wholeheartedly recommend without reservation. So many books have engrossing plotlines, but may contain objectionable material or adult themes. Others are squeaky clean, but don't capture the reader's…

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CNN Money has an interesting article today entitled Don't Spend Your Rebate Just Yet.  With all the talk of recession and the craziness of the market this week, it's hard to imagine that anyone in their right…

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If you've noticed a decided lack of CEOT blog posts from me in the past week, it's due to the fact that I've been deeply involved in a home renovation project with my husband.  The impetus is…