• My RCIA Experience,
• Bacteria, Infection and Antibiotic Resistance,
• Making a Difference,
• Christian Roots of Christmas Traditions, and
• By the Joy and Peace of Our Giving Spirits.

When Fall approaches, many people think of cooler, leaves changing color, and the Bears football season. Another season that begins every fall is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) process. For St. Vincent de Paul Parish, potential new Catholics will begin the process around late September. As a member of the Class of 2004, I have fond memories of my time in the RCIA program. I cannot do justice to the RCIA program in this article, but I will try to give a snapshot of it. jump to article ›

In the event of an infection, antibiotics are routinely prescribed to alleviate the infection by killing the culprits responsible, specifically the bacteria. However, we now know that bacteria avoid being destroyed by blocking the antibiotic from entering the site of the infection; by altering the target site (the location of the infection) to the extent that the antibiotic is not effective... jump to article ›

In this lifetime I want to feel fulfilled and make a difference with my time. Do you find yourself having these same thoughts and/or feelings? If you do, I’d like to share my story and tell you of a place I found that provides this fulfillment; it’s St. Vincent de Paul Parish. I grew up in a devout Catholic household back in New England with my family going to church every Sunday. I had a grandmother that believed one day one of her grandsons would become the first priest of the family. jump to article ›

Advent and Christmastime are seasons rich with traditions, both religious and secular. Although we see and often participate in these traditions year after year, we sometimes forget or don’t know the history and symbolism behind them. The most popular tradition associated with the liturgical season of preparation for Christ’s birth is the lighting of candles on an Advent Wreath in both churches and homes. jump to article ›

Advent is the period of waiting that precedes Christmas. It is a time that is shrouded in darkness yet is represented by light. In fact, four lights are lit, one each Sunday of Advent, signaling the coming of Christ, for advent is derived from the Latin word adventus. As each candle is lit, we are closer to Christmas, the celebration of the arrival of the Lord. In much the same way that there is a period of preparation and waiting for Lent, Advent is also a period of preparation. jump to article ›