Fasting (the Second Pillar of Lent) and the Coronavirus Crisis
Take me to the Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem Podcast
By Peter Malinoski, Ph.D.
Fasting is something that Catholics typically define as limiting our food intake. You know, the ole “one full meal and two smaller meals” rule. And many Catholics leave it at that. Just meet the obligation on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and you’re good to go. Check the box. Done.
Remember the Point of Fasting
Let’s take a step back and ask: What is the point of fasting? Fr. Dwight...
A Psychological Take on the Coronavirus and Lent: Prepare for Prayer
Take me to the Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem Podcast
By Peter Malinoski, Ph.D.
We’re about halfway through the Lenten season, and how many of us predicted the kind of sacrifices would be required of us just a month ago? It’s been three generations since many of us have seen as much dislocation to daily life and our culture as we currently have with the coronavirus pandemic. With the rapid changes and all the new challenges come great opportunities for growth, for...
The Role of Free Will in Addictive Behavior
Take me to "Restoring Your Marriage After Pornography"
By Gerry Crete, PhD
Addiction to any number of substances or behaviors is common in today’s modern society. According to the Addiction Center, almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction.
Some addictions are easy to spot because they have some kind of negative effect on a person’s life. If you’re an alcoholic, you may have received DUIs, lost a job, or damaged relationships. The gambling addict may lose his...
Are You for Real?
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Self-Help"
By Ruth O’Neil
If you’re a parent, you may be familiar with the classic story of The Velveteen Rabbit. The story addresses the important question of what it means to be “real” in the context of a tale about playthings in a child’s nursery. Throughout the work, “real” is described as a coveted state of being, something all playthings wanted to become, and a stuffed rabbit’s own journey to becoming a...
How Maintaining Relationships Through Disagreements Prepares Us For Heaven
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Helping a Loved One in Distress"
by Eric Gudan, PsyD
Disagreements are part of our fallen human nature and original sin. It’s perfectly natural to want others to agree with us, especially those closest to us. When others hold the same point of view, it makes us feel better about our thoughts, decisions and actions. And, if we’re honest with ourselves, having others affirm what we believe often feeds our prideful desires.
Most of us see...
What’s the Past Got To Do With It?
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Self-Help"
by Jennifer Madere, MA, EMDRIA-AC
Focus on the present moment… Just put the past behind you… Do the next right thing…
Coping skills, building virtue, and time management may reduce chaos, reduce anxiety, and improve our functioning and relationships. But what if you feel that old feeling or fall into that old pattern, and find yourself in the same song-and-dance… again…?!
How about your view toward the...
Smart Parenting in the Smartphone Era: Part II Using Resources
By Wendy Baribeau, LAMFT
As we discussed in last week’s blog, the dangers that our children face when utilizing modern technology are serious and complex. As parents, we all have an obligation to protect our kids from the tech that can be addictive, degrading, or unsafe. Parental controls and other resources can help parents take advantage of the benefits of modern technology while protecting kids from harmful tech. The dangers are changing everyday, so parents need to stay...
Smart Parenting in the Smartphone Era Part I: Know the Risks
By Wendy Baribeau, LAMFT
Many Catholic parents have decided to give their children computers, smartphones and tablets for a variety of reasons. While nearly all schools in this country, including Catholic ones, have embraced the belief that technology aids learning, most parents are not fully aware of the dangers that unsupervised internet usage creates.
Every day, kids and teens seemed to be glued to their smartphones and devices. Although most parents have a general concern about internet...
Can Catholics Practice Mindfulness?
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Self-Help"
By Matthew McCall, Psy.D.
During the last five years or so, a practice called mindfulness has become incredibly popular across much of the Western world. You’ve probably heard of mindfulness, and perhaps have had a friend, family member, or health care professional recommend it.
As a faithful Catholic, you may wonder if mindfulness is simply a beneficial exercise for the brain or a more worrisome and forbidden entryway into a Buddhist form of...
The Power of a Word
by Ruth O'Neil
Like a brand-new journal, January represents a fresh start or a clean slate. It’s a great time to reflect on what’s going well and what needs work--and to make changes if necessary.
One way to give your new year a jump start is to choose a word that can help define or refine your direction. This word will be the theme or motto for the coming year. It can act as your compass, leading and guiding you in the direction of personal and spiritual growth. Claiming a...