The Wounded Healer
This past week we explored the process of grief in the context of leaving the religious life. The final stage of grief, Acceptance, can seem a far way off when one is in the deep valley of anger, depression, or denial. Yet it does, and will come to all of us. Today is...
“By Waiting & By Calm”
The Holy Spirit moves in mysterious ways. Whenever we are faced with a move, a change, it brings conflicting feelings. This Pentecost I am in the middle of preparing for a move from my first assignment as a priest to a new assignment later this month. One of my...
Good Grief! A live chat about returning to the world
On May 29th 2014, we explored the stages of grief and discussed healthy ways of coping with the pain experienced by those who have been in religious life and returned to the world. We sincerely hope you benefit from this video! May God bless you.
Ladies, Get (Us) Ready!
"Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where every bend may reveal a totally new landscape." - C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed What often comes to mind when we hear the word "grief" is mourning the loss of a loved one. Yet it encompasses so...
The End of the Story
Leaving the convent and returning to the world was quite the experience, to say the least. Did you feel the same way? I was in the convent, going about my day and then two days later I was in a car driving to my parents' house. My routine was suddenly turned upside...
Broken, Blessed, and Beautiful
Even though I don't know what your plan is, I know you're making beauty from these ashes. "Broken Hallelujah" by the Afters Broken, Blessed, and Beautiful: Isn't this the Paschal Mystery we proclaim? Isn't this also how the stories of our lives are written? As we...
Re-Entering the World: A Step Down? Not So Fast.
Leaving the atmosphere of religious life can feel like a big let-down. It's easy to fall in love with that atmosphere, away from the seemingly pointless hustle and banality of our modern culture. It's easy to think that you'll never find the peace and tranquility you...
Forgiveness
Especially during the first several months after I returned home from the convent, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out just what went wrong. Initially, I nearly exclusively blamed myself. I felt like it was my fault that I didn't stay: I was too proud; I was...
Take Up the Resurrection: Easter Reflection
One can view the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus from either a cosmic or a personal viewpoint. From a cosmic viewpoint, the Resurrection is the ultimate triumph of God's love and power over the forces of evil, whether seen as human or Satanic. The failure of...
He Still Calls You: A Palm Sunday Reflection
Hello to you all! I am Father David Hasser, a priest of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. I was ordained a priest in 2007 and currently serve full-time as the Director of Vocations for our diocese. In anticipation of you reading this brief post, I wish I could have...
Monday Memes Gallery
