Category: Prayer

The Fruit of Intentional & Relational Youth Ministry: Discipleship and Vocations

Written by: Andy Baker, Coordinator of Family, Faith Formation, Youth & Young Adult Ministry

In recent years, youth ministry at Saint Clare Catholic Church in North Palm Beach has undergone a quiet but powerful shift. “At Saint Clare, we believe high school teens grow most deeply in their faith through authentic relationships, where they are truly seen, heard, and valued”, remarked St. Clare Pastor, Fr. Nick Zrallack. Saint Clare is moving away from programs focused on classroom style or large group ministry. Fr. Zrallack and his parish have embraced the small-group, relational ministry vision of the Diocese of Palm Beach — an approach rooted in evangelization, accompaniment, discipleship, and authentic relationships that stir a hunger for truth that is fed by intentional catechesis. “Relational ministry allows us to walk alongside them personally, fostering trust and discipleship in ways that large group settings simply cannot”, Fr. Zrallack continued.

This shift has begun to bear fruit not only at Saint Clare but at multiple parishes around the diocese, where this style of ministry is growing and strengthening the faith among young people and their families. Relational ministry is not without its ups, downs and messiness, but that is what life-changing ministry to people is, messy. The days of the conveyor belt are over, and the fruit we see from this shift will last a lifetime.

One common misconception about small-group ministry is that it prevents young people from coming together for larger experiences such as retreats, conferences, camps, and mission trips. However, that is far from the case, and Saint Clare is an example of the small experiencing the large. This past January, Saint Clare’s small group ministry proved the effectiveness of strategy of growing small to grow large again.

Recently, youth from Saint Clare joined with the youth of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, for an “outside the box” experience of Rock the Universe, Florida’s largest Christian music festival in Orlando, Florida. These two parishes, though separated by hundreds of miles, have been intentionally walking together in building small-group, relational youth ministry. For the past several summers, the combined group has served the poor in Roanoke Rapids. In winter, they have reunited for retreat, service, and fellowship in Orlando. What has emerged is not simply a shared schedule, but a shared life, one where the young people know one another so well that when they gather it feels like family.

Fr. John De Guzman, Pastoral Administrator of St. John the Baptist; “As the pastor of a small country parish in Roanoke Rapids, the collaboration with Saint Clare and the joint mountain top experiences are a real gift not just for me but for our youth and our adult leaders. These large gatherings, born of the work of small group relational ministry, help broaden the perspective of our young people by revealing the beauty of the Church as truly universal. These moments invite our youth to join the mission of the church to serve as Christ did”. 

During this year’s winter gathering, the youth served at Second Harvest Food Bank, where they processed and sorted more than 12,000 pounds of food—enough to provide over 32,000 meals for the homeless. Their hands-on service was paired with intentional prayer and reflection, reminding them that charity and faith are inseparable.

Throughout the weekend, the youth also entered into a retreat experience centered on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Daily Mass and time spent with the Eucharist anchored the days, helping the young people connect their service and fellowship to the sacramental life of the Church.

This year the youth from Saint John the Baptist departed early ahead of an impending ice storm back home in North Carolina. Though the farewell came sooner than expected, it underscored just how deeply connected the group had become.

Saint Clare carried on and visited the Basilica National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. There, the youth were immersed in the beauty of sacred art and catechesis, encountering the Gospel through the stories told in the basilica’s walls, doors, and gardens. Later that afternoon, they gathered for Eucharistic Adoration. In the quiet presence of Christs’ body, blood, soul, and divinity, many emotions surfaced as the youth encountered the Lord in a very personal way. That encounter continued through the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as Christ’s mercy was made tangible through the ministry of the priest. The day concluded with the beautiful and solemn celebration of the Vigil Mass at the Basilica.

Small groups have allowed us to have deeper conversations and build the trust necessary for youth to fully open up about their faith. This trust coupled with the attention and involvement of our priests have encouraged several boys from each parish to openly share that they are considering the Priesthood as the vocation God may be calling them to. The fact that they are open and talking about it is half battle in bridging the vocation gap.  

This model of ministry is not new. Small-group, relational ministry has been the pastoral vision of the Diocese of Palm Beach since 2021 and is strongly affirmed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 2024 Document on Youth Ministry called Listen, Teach, Send. That document calls on the local Church to accompany young people, to walk with them in their lived experiences, and to lead them toward a personal encounter with Jesus Christ within a small community of faith.

In the Diocese of Palm Beach, there is a vision and a framework for bringing young people to an encounter with—and conversion to—Jesus Christ using a small-group, relational ministry model that includes preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This vision is growing and young people are responding.

When asked about her experiences making this shift, Bibi Mendoza, Director of Religious Education at Saint Clare said; “we all know what we have been doing isn’t working and that young people today are searching. Taking the time to get to know them and their families, walking with them in their lives now, allows us the opportunity to evangelize and share the gospel with them – and when they are open, to catechize them in the beauty and fullness of our faith”.

Saint Clare’s Youth Ministry continues to draw positive responses from both students and parents. “I love learning more about the Catholic faith, the discussions about scripture, and the opportunity to grow and strengthen my understanding of the faith,” said Jasmine, a 12th grader. Olivia, a 9th grader, described the program as “a welcoming community and a place to connect,” while fellow 9th grader Joseph highlighted the “kind people” and “positive environment” that encourage meaningful conversations. Danielle, a 10th grader, added that the ministry is “a place where I feel safe and supported.” Noah, also in 9th grade, said the program helps him grow closer to God while spending time with friends, noting that it offers more than just fun, it is “a place where I can be myself and feel like I truly belong.” Parents echo these sentiments. Karen, a Saint Clare parent, expressed gratitude for the youth ministry’s small groups, mission trips, and strong mentorship, saying they have helped her son grow in both faith and confidence while providing a safe, supportive community that continues to guide his faith journey.

Youth are not lost, they are searching. Youth ministry isn’t what it used to be, but it isn’t a thing of the past. It just looks different. We can adapt our ministry and approach in many ways, but one thing is clear, we cannot afford to do nothing. So, our challenge to our parishes is to answer the call, and let’s walk this Emmaus together. To our readers, call your parish and offer your time to walk with a group of young people. Time is of the essence, but together, with the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can move hearts and mountains!

Contact: Andy Baker, Coordinator of Family, Faith Formation, Youth & Young Adult Ministry

561.775.9559  |  jbaker@diocesepb.org

Thank You, Bishop Barbarito!

Author: Cathy Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director, Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

Thank you Bishop Barbarito for your unfailing support of marriage, family life, faith formation & youth ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach

Ever since I met with our soon-to-retire Bishop Gerald Barbarito in early 2013 to discuss the open position for a diocesan Director of Marriage and Family Life, I knew without a doubt how much importance he places on the family and all aspects of family life.  Those who know him well know that he was very prayerful about his decision, wanting to make sure that marriage and family would remain a key focus in his diocese. Even today, Bishop Barbarito holds that “family life remains a priority for the Diocese of Palm Beach, especially in today’s challenging environment.  We are made in the image and likeness of God, the Trinity, and the family reflects this reality in a special way.” 

Bishop’s priority reflects the truth that family is the fundamental unit of society, and as St. Pope John Paul II famously warned us: “As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.” Over the years, Bishop has made good on his promise to support and strengthen families in the diocese of Palm Beach. Whether earmarking funding for special initiatives to strengthen marriage, supporting new endeavors in faith formation or new approaches to youth ministry, or celebrating wedding anniversaries, Bishop Barbarito has joyfully embraced and supported many new initiatives and longstanding traditions.

One of our favorite traditions is the annual anniversary masses celebrated by Bishop for couples marking significant wedding anniversaries during the year. These celebrations are so well attended that we hold two masses to accommodate the demand. They are joyful celebrations presided over by the smiling Bishop who loves to incorporate marriage jokes into his homilies and laughs at his own jokes.  Following mass, Bishop always graciously poses for photos with all the couples who would like a picture with him.

Since a solid marriage is the foundation of a strong family, Bishop Barbarito has been very encouraging of efforts to help form engaged couples for marriage and has been an advocate for promoting natural family planning as a healthy and licit means for couples to plan their families in concert with God’s will for their lives and the realities facing each couple in their daily lives. In addition, Bishop has supported the development and ongoing implementation of marriage enrichment retreats to support marriages and more intense intervention efforts for couples whose marriages are troubled.

In the area of faith formation and catechesis, Bishop Barbarito has enthusiastically supported multiple new and creative initiatives aimed at engaging families and assisting parents in teaching their children about the faith. Whether for families with very young children through the Catholic Tots ministry or families with adolescents through the LoveEd program, parents are prepared and guided in leading their children to the truths of our Catholic faith in an age-appropriate way. Bishop Barbarito has consistently encouraged the development of ministry efforts to support families and teach the faith.

When he was approached about bringing Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) to the diocese, Bishop Barbarito stated that he “is pleased that the Diocese of Palm Beach is able to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which is meant to concretely help a young person, from an early age, to experience and grow in the faith, especially in regard to the sacraments.”  CGS is a unique method of catechesis where the catechist offers select presentations from scripture and liturgy in a specially prepared environment to honor and foster the relationship between God and the child. Speaking about the volunteer catechists, Bishop reflected: “I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and positive response of those who want to utilize the program in the parishes. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be a blessing for our diocese in many ways.”

Of course, Bishop Barbarito has always held the young people of our diocese close to his heart. He remains a strong advocate of Catholic Schools and our parish-based faith formation programs for our youth. He joyfully presides at the annual Confirmation masses for our 54 parishes and missions and is encouraged by the young people who step up as leaders of their peers and positive witnesses to the faith. He has embraced the relationship-based approach to youth ministry where young people are invited to join a small group led by a team of mentors who foster a safe and trusting environment for young people to deepen relationships with each other and with Christ, so they can dive deeper into and grow in their Catholic faith.

Over the years, Bishop has embraced and supported many different initiatives to build up the family of faith in the Diocese of Palm Beach. He has helped promote spiritual healing through the development of the Unbound Healing Prayer Ministry, supported life through countless prayer vigils, celebrated masses honoring new life and offering blessings of babies in the womb, celebrated our young people at graduation masses and rallies, and encouraged grandparents in their role of passing on the faith to younger generations. Bishop Barbarito has been a blessing to us all in the Diocese of Palm Beach, and we will miss his gentle and genuine smile.

Second Star to the Right! 

Author: Andy Baker, Faith & Family Formation, Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator, Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation & Youth Ministry – Diocese of Palm Beach

It was just one of those ah-ha moments, standing in a 90-minute line for one of my family’s favorite theme park rides, Peter Pan’s Flight at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. As we stood there shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of strangers, I couldn’t help pondering one of the great challenges in ministry today, RELATIONSHIPS!  As we slowly meandered the queue, it became apparent to me that this ride process looks an awful lot like the process of faith formation that we have used for decades. Not knowing whether it was the heat or the Holy Spirit, I knew that in this ride I was witnessing the dilemma and I had the answer.

Over the centuries the Church has enjoyed a solid amount of time ministering in what is known as a Christendom time. A time when the majority of the world’s society lives for and aligns its values to a life lived for Christ. A Christian society that deeply influences every aspect of life from families to politics, in media, and education, etc.  It was in this time that the church created a process of formation that led the already believing faithful toward encounters with Christ in His Liturgy and Sacraments. Knowledge-based formation that helped believers grow in their understanding of the beauty and truths of our faith. This school-based model of formation served its purpose for a time, but in recent decades, amid a rapidly changing society and an ever-evolving human condition, it has proven increasingly inadequate. As more people become disengaged and disbelieving, the Church has called for a renewed model of formation.

To grow the church again we have been challenged to embrace the ancient ministry model of Jesus and the apostles, a model that has at its core the development of true and intentional relationships. 

The current formation process, like most major theme parks, has mastered the art of moving large groups of people through a process. Like the ride, it all begins with an all call, an invitation for large groups of people to step onto a conveyor belt and into a generic process that moves them together, through a desired story line, within a very short and specific amount of time. When the process is over, the conveyor belt stops and the participants, often even more disengaged, are left wandering and wondering. This process may have worked in a Christendom time when the family, church and greater community were aligned in their belief and values, but in the post Christian era – it just isn’t working. It is failing us because it lacks the foundational elements of family, community, trust and friendship necessary. In other words, the model has no seedbed for the knowledge of our faith (the seed) to germinate.  

Using the Synod on Synodality as a jumping off point, the theme that has reverberated through the Synod and its documents has been RELATIONSHIP! In this post Christian era, the way forward, the way to lead people to Christ and His salvific love is through a genuine relationship – a friendship. This is the ministry model of Jesus and His Apostles and in order to grow the church again within this new era that is being called an Apostolic time, we must see, understand, value, listen, accompany and evangelize a seeking people toward an encounter with and conversion to Jesus Christ. This is the Christocentric mission of the church and the commission given to each one of us at baptism. 

The challenge of this shift is monumental but not difficult. In order for parishes to change their approach, we ourselves must change. We must step out of our comfort zone, embrace our baptismal call and proclaim joyfully the gospel, not just in words, but in our willingness to walk with others, just like the Apostles more than two thousand years ago. The parish can no longer pursue this mission alone; it needs our help. The idea that one person, a Director of Faith Formation or a Youth Minister can do it all by themselves is a mistaken belief. One person can’t build the relationships necessary with an entire parish to successfully lead them to a lasting and ever deepening relationship with Christ. Christ himself didn’t even do that, His primary focus was not the crowd but His twelve and in the twelve, Peter. So, if we are going to help our parishes turn off the conveyor belt and walk with people into the salvation story and not just sail over it, we must answer loudly, HEAR I AM, SEND ME! (Isaiah 6:8)

On this one-year anniversary of my first blog on relationships, I challenge you once again to become a Linus Van Pelt or in this storyline, Wendy, for someone else. Pick up the phone, call your parish and say here I am, send me, I want to help bring others to heaven. When we allow Christ to work through us, and we intentionally share scripture and the beautiful truths of our faith, we save lives, grow parishes and change the world. What are you waiting for, take the leap, and as Peter Pan would say, “Second Star to the Right then Straight on till Morning”, and together we can grow the church again!

A Glimpse into what scripture says about discipleship and relational ministry:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. (Luke 24:13-16)

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4: 18-20

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5: 13-16)

Prayer of Paul: For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Families Out of Order

Author: Cathy Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director, Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

More than 100 years have passed since the final apparition of Our Lady to the three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. As later revealed by Lucia, the only seer of the three to live beyond childhood, she was told that the “final battle between the Lord and the kingdom of Satan will be about Marriage and Family” (Letter to Cardinal Caffarra, founder of the Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family). As we look around us at the state of the family, we can see how prophetic that message is. In the United States today, 40.5% of babies are born out of wedlock (WorldPopulationReview.com). About 43% of U.S. marriages end in divorce (Forbes.com/ Advisor). By 2020, 33% of U.S. children were living in fatherless homes, up 25% since 1960. Unfortunately, the repercussions of absent fathers are devastating: 85% of children with absent fathers get involved in crime; 70% of children in fatherless homes have dropped out of high school; and children who live in fatherless homes are 4 times more likely to live in poverty (increditools.com/fatherless-homes-statistics/). Further, the U.S. birthrate has fallen to 1.6 births per woman, well below the population replacement rate (GovFacts.org).*

This is not the orderly plan God set in motion as evidenced by the Creation story. In Genesis 1, we read that first God separated the light from the darkness and then created the spaces, heaven, the land, the seas, and then he filled them, everything in order. Finally, He made man, male and female, and blessed them and commanded them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. God created order, yet families have fallen out of order into chaos. Many families have become wounded and are suffering because they are not living in accord with God’s plan for human flourishing.

God created us to be happy, to be “in friendship with [our] Creator and in harmony with [ourselves] and with creation around [us]…” (CCC 374). However, ever since that first temptation to distrust God when Adam and Eve decided to pursue their own path, Original Sin entered the world, and that original harmony was destroyed. Ever since, man has been tempted to seek fulfillment and happiness on his own terms, often without regard to the Creator. That path always leads to heartache. In Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 1, verse 21, we are warned that “although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened.” Unfortunately, even those of us who do seek to honor God and give Him thanks are subject to the effects of Original Sin including a weakness of nature and an inclination to sin, concupiscence. The battle rages on, but there is always hope, and there is no victory without the cross.

During the Jubilee Year of Hope, let us remember that Jesus is the reason for our hope, and hope never disappoints. As we begin the new liturgical year with the season of Advent, we can make an act of hope by taking some time to assess our faith life and that of our family with the goal of positive change. Regardless of what our family looks like, how solid we are, or if we are broken and suffering, there is always a path forward. There is always a way to strengthen our faith and grow closer to Jesus Christ, so we can flourish as God intended. He gave us a roadmap, a divine order, starting with love God and then love your neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). No matter our state in life, we are called to first love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Everything else follows. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” (Ephesians 5:25). “Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Be respectful of governing authorities (Ephesians 6:1). The path may be clear, but it is not always easy.

Thankfully, in His love and mercy, God gave us a way to return to right order. When we stumble and fall short, we can turn to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and restore our relationship with the Lord and each other. Receiving the Eucharist then gives us the grace and strength to persevere on the right path.

Here at the beginning of the new liturgical year, let us take the time to consider some new faith and family resolutions or prepare our resolutions for the approaching new calendar year. Even though the Jubilee Year of Hope concludes on January 6, 2026, let us remember that Jesus is our hope, and He is with us “always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

What does the Bible say?

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.” Psalm 19:2a

“All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God….” Wisdom 13:1a

“…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.…” 1 Peter 3:15

What does the Church say?

“Yet the grace of Baptism delivers no one from all the weakness of nature. On the contrary, we must still combat the movements of concupiscence that never cease leading us into evil.”  CCC 978

*Note: All statistical sources accessed 11/6/2025.

God had one Son on earth without sin

“God had one Son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.”                                                                                                      St. Augustine

Author: Cathy Loh; Diocese of Palm Beach, Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

This quote from St. Augustine was not one I ever thought I would choose for a blog reflection. However, personal events during the last month drew me to ponder this quote. On September 15, the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, my father passed into eternal life after a lengthy illness. He was almost 90 years of age, and he had a full life with its share of joys and sorrows, successes and challenges. He certainly experienced his share of suffering. Two weeks later, my mom was sent to the Emergency Room with breathing challenges, and she spent the week hospitalized in the Progressive Care Unit. As I write this in early October, she is being cared for in an acute rehabilitation hospital, and we still have more questions than answers.

In the midst of all of this, I was reminded of a quote from the Book of Job: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).  Unfortunately, suffering is part of our human experience, but unlike our Hebrew forebearers, we now understand that suffering is not punishment for sin or wrongdoing but is a result of original sin entering the world. We know that Jesus was like us in all things (c.f. Hebrews 2:17), except sin (cf. Hebrews 4:15), and yet he suffered intensely, “even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Suffering invites us to consider its purpose and to question why it is an inevitable part of our lived experience. As St. Paul encourages us in Romans 5:3-5: “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance proven character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Perhaps suffering is meant to draw us closer to God, or strengthen our faith, or purify our character. Suffering challenges us to step out of our immediate circumstances and find God in that suffering, trusting that he is there and that he will see us through.

Thinking again about the quote from Job cited above, we recognize that yes, the Lord takes away, but he also gives in so many ways.  Surprisingly, the Lord gave us glimmers of hope and joy while mom was in the hospital PCU.  Every so often, we could hear the sounds of a lullaby floating over the din of the hospital monitors and call buttons. One day during our stay, the music sounded repeatedly, causing us to wonder what was going on. We learned that the music was meant to announce that a new baby had just entered the world! That particular day, many babies were born, even twins. What unexpected joy that music brought and what perspective it prompted. As the Director of Marriage and Family Life, I found it especially touching and life affirming…new life being joyously announced in the midst of the suffering around us. Indeed, God is with us in every moment, he gives and he takes away, but through it all he gives us hope, hope that does not disappoint.

P.S. On Monday, October 13, the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima, Portugal, my mom went home to be with the Lord and with my dad. “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Amen.

What does Scripture say?

1 Peter 1:7 -“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 2:17 – “Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people.”

Hebrews 4:15 – “For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning.”

What does the Church say?

CCC 467 – “…Following the holy Fathers, we unanimously teach and confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: the same perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity, the same truly God and truly man, composed of rational soul and body; consubstantial with the Father as to his divinity and consubstantial with us as to his humanity; “like us in all things but sin.” ”

Late Have I Loved You

“Love have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you!” St. Augustine, Confessions X

Author: Cathy Loh; Diocese of Palm Beach, Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

A continuation in the series of reflections on key quotes from St. Augustine, the spiritual father of Pope Leo’s Augustinian Order.

In the first account of creation in the Book of Genesis, we are told that after God had created the light and separated it from the darkness, separated the waters from the dry land, created vegetation on the land, the sun, moon and stars in the heavens, the creatures in the water, in the sky, and on land and had finally made “man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26), God “saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we learn that “He has made everything beautiful in its time; also he has put eternity into man’s mind….”  Beauty was part of God’s creative plan from the beginning and remains a part of his redemptive plan. God placed a desire for beauty in our hearts as a means of drawing us back to himself.

Each of us has experienced this truth for ourselves. Think of the moments when you were overtaken with awe at the wonder and beauty of a sunrise or moonrise, of the multitude of stars in the night sky, of a flowery meadow or even a single flower, a towering mountain, an exquisite piece of music, a mellifluous voice raised in song, a soaring cathedral, a sleeping infant, a sacred liturgy, or even a gentle breeze. Each of these experiences is meant to draw us out of ourselves toward the transcendent. For a moment, we step out of time and space as we are drawn toward the infinite. It is God’s way of reminding us that there is something greater waiting for us, a redemptive moment drawing us closer to Him.

I remember one such experience when traveling to Switzerland. We had arrived in Zermatt late in the afternoon after the clouds had descended and covered the mountains. The next morning when I stepped out onto the balcony of the hotel, I was overwhelmed by the sight of the Matterhorn standing sentinel against the bright blue, clear sky. It was as if time stood still, and I felt as if I could reach out and touch the mountain that beckoned me toward the heavens. It was truly a transcendent moment that I will never forget. Only something or someone, certainly bigger than me, could set in motion the creative elements to form such a magnificent edifice. I think that is why I personally love the mountains so much. They draw me heavenward and help me feel closer to God.

Now that I live in the flatlands of Florida, I have come to a greater appreciation of the ocean, of its vastness and the rhythm of the waves and tides. The moonlight shimmering on the water is a reminder that God is always with us and draws us to Himself. He is the creator, and he declares: “I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

An encounter with beauty transforms us and awakens in us a desire to experience the transcendent. It unites us in our response. Pope Benedict XVI, as well as Bishop Robert Barron from Word on Fire, repeatedly emphasized how the New Evangelization must lead with beauty. God speaks to the heart through beauty, and we are drawn to Him who is Truth, Jesus Christ. Beauty is a universal language that opens the way, the via pulchritudinous, an often-used phrase by Pope Benedict, providing a pathway toward presenting the gospel. Beauty elicits awe and wonder that can pierce even the hardest heart and bring us to a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

What does Scripture say:

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1

“Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:20

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’….” John 14:6

In the One Christ, we are one.

Author: Catherine Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

As we continue our reflections on how our new Pope Leo XIV is influenced by St. Augustine, the patron of his Augustinian Religious Order, we can clearly discern Augustine’s thought in Pope Leo’s choice of papal motto: “In the One Christ, we are one.” This motto has been linked to St. Augustine’s reflection on Psalm 128 where he associates blessedness to a life lived in faithfulness to God, especially the blessings of a faithful family life. Living united in reverence and obedience to God is a source of happiness and blessing. Pope Leo’s call for unity centered in Christ is already a key theme of his papacy begun on May 8, 2025.

Pope Leo’s motto also echoes Christ’s prayer for unity offered in his farewell address to his apostles on the night before he died:  “I do not pray for these [apostles] only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21).  This call to unity was taken up by St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-5).

However, St. Paul (as well as Jesus) knew full well that we live in a fallen world, damaged by sin, so how did he propose that we attempt to live this unity? Well, he reminded us of the fruit of the Spirit- charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity – formed in us by virtue of our baptism into the Lord and perfected in us by the Holy Spirit. Paul encouraged us to call upon them to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Again, in his letter to the Colossians, St. Paul reminded us that the fruit of the Spirit is the key to living in perfect harmony.

Unfortunately, as the recent escalations in the Middle East have proven, we have yet to achieve living in unity and peace. Regardless of our personal opinions on the events of Saturday, June 21, 2025, the actions should elicit a certain global sorrow but also a personal examination of conscience regarding how we have allowed the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us and inform our daily lives. Even among us followers of Christ, we have yet to achieve the unity called for by Jesus and St. Paul as attested to by the multiple confessions of faith separating the Body of Christ.

But we know that Christ’s promises are true. We are reminded in this Jubilee Year when we are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope,” that Jesus taught us that he has “other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:16). Further, we are promised that “affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:4-5). So, let us allow the Holy Spirit to perfect the fruit of the Spirit given to us, thereby participating in the coming of the Kingdom when perfect unity will be achieved “when everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will [also] be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28).

What does Scripture say?

Psalm 133:1: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

Ephesians 4:1-3: I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace….

Colossians 3:12-14: Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.

Galatians 5:22-23: In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Patience and Wisdom

Author: Catherine Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

On May 8, 2025, following one of the shortest conclaves in recent history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 266th successor to Saint Peter and took the name Leo XIV. Not only is he the first Pope who hails from the United States, he is among only 34 who were members of a religious order.  Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order and served as their leader or prior general for two terms, a total of 12 years. In honor of Leo’s spiritual patrimony and to gain some insight into our newest Holy Father, over the next several months we will explore some of St. Augustine’s famous quotes, beginning with:

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”

Ah, patience… a virtue and a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and something I have learned to never pray for! Patience is a beautiful disposition and, as a virtue, patience is one of the holy habits that lead to a more perfect relationship with God and others (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 1803). How beautiful is that, except the most common way patience is cultivated is by bearing difficulties and suffering with fortitude without becoming discouraged. Like so many things, easier said than done! Bottomline, patience is the offspring of suffering, and that is why I hesitate to pray directly for patience. God seems only too ready to answer that prayer!

However, as suggested by St. Augustine’s quote, patience does not labor alone. Its companion is Wisdom, one of seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3). These gifts aid us in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and they sustain the moral life of us Christians (CCC 1830). They are “perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory” (CCC 1832). Wisdom aids us in discerning the purpose and the plan of God.

The truth of the relationship between patience and wisdom is born out in the life of our first Pope, St. Peter. Although he did not start out as the paragon of patience and wisdom and even caused Jesus to rebuke his impetuous words and reactions, Jesus knew Peter would ultimately cultivate both patience and wisdom. After his resurrection, Jesus warned Peter: “Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hand, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18). Although Peter’s ultimate demise is not recounted in Holy Scripture, we know by tradition that, in fact, Peter was led to where he did not want to go and underwent crucifixion, and upside down at that, rather than denounce his Lord, Jesus. Clearly, Peter had cultivated patience and wisdom since the time of Jesus’ arrest when Peter denied even knowing him.

In our broken world, each of us has ample opportunity to develop patience and its companion, wisdom, but we know that our sufferings are all meant for our good (cf. Romans 8:28).  St. Paul encourages us that “affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:3b-5). That’s where wisdom comes in and helps us remain focused on “Jesus, the leader and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).  Moreover, in his First Letter, St. Peter promises us that “although now for a little while [we] may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of [our] faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for the praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6b-7). Our trials and sufferings are God’s permissive will to mature our faith through patient endurance and cultivate the wisdom in us to understand his plan. We know that God equips those he calls (cf. Hebrews 13:21, Ephesians 4:12), and trials and sufferings are part of that preparation.

Now, circling back to our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, we can only surmise the opportunities for suffering and renunciation that God has allowed in his life to help prepare him for his new role as the visible head of the Catholic Church and spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics around the world. We know Robert Francis Prevost left his family to become an Augustinian priest and then left his country of birth to be a missionary in Peru. We have heard stories of hardships and the reality of ministering in Peru, requiring him to travel on horseback to reach his flock in remote parts of the country. At one point, he was called to leave Peru to become the prior general of his order. After 12 years in this role, he returned to Peru but then was called to Rome to serve in the Dicastery for Bishops. Now, he has been called to the ultimate renunciation of self by his fellow cardinals through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to become the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church.  Pope Leo has been described as a mature man of faith, filled with wisdom, clearly the fruit of his trials and years of service to the Lord and his Church. Let us pray for him and for ourselves in the spirit of St. James: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.”

Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Hebrews 13:20-21: “May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will.”

Ephesians 4:11-12: “And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ….”

Seasons

The book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament gives us guidance about true Wisdom. The Wisdom we seek is not found in earthly things, rather, it rests with God. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 contains verses we often hear at funerals, but the Wisdom and beauty of the passages here are worthy of constant review throughout life. They help us better understand the value of life and the dignity of our days.

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Just as nature moves through seasons—spring’s promise, summer’s fullness, autumn’s letting go, and winter’s rest—our lives, too, follow sacred cycles. Each season, whether external or internal, has purpose and meaning. We are not meant to bloom year-round. There is a time to grow, and a time to be still. A time to create, and a time to rest. A time to hold on, and a time to release.

The beauty of Ecclesiastes 3 lies in its acceptance of life’s contrasts. It doesn’t promise perpetual happiness, nor does it dwell in sorrow. Instead, it teaches us to recognize the Divine timing in all things—to trust that the season we are in, no matter how difficult or joyful, is not forever, but it is meaningful.

This message becomes especially sentimental for those entering the retirement season, which includes yours truly.  After years of planting, building, leading, and striving, there comes a sacred time to slow down—to simply be. It is a time to find peace in still waters, to cast a line into a quiet lake, to walk forest trails without hurry, to pedal down a winding country road and feel the breeze of grace on your face. It is a time to see families grow and pass on God’s important truths. It is a time to listen more closely to the voice of God, often heard best in the hush of morning light or the rustle of leaves.

And in this quieter season, we are blessed to realize that some friendships—those rooted in shared joys, hardships, and prayers—have lasted across all the years. These are companions of the soul, with whom we have walked through many seasons, and whose presence remains a living witness to the constancy of love and loyalty. There is great comfort in knowing that as the leaves of life change, some bonds hold firm, as steady as the mountains.

So let us embrace each season with grace. Let us learn what it has to teach us, and trust that just as winter yields to spring, so too will our seasons shift in time.  After all, there is an appointed time for everything. And in that divine timing, we find peace.

A Farewell and Blessing

As I write this final blog, I do so with a grateful heart. Thank you for walking with me through these reflections—through seasons of growth, of questions, of gratitude, and of faith. It has been a gift to share words with you, and I pray that something along the way brought you peace, clarity, or simply a moment of pause.

Though I step away from writing for now, I carry each season shared with me, just as you carry your own story forward. May God bless you at every time appointed to you—in joy and sorrow, work and rest, hello and goodbye.

And may you always find Him in the turning of your seasons.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May He look upon you kindly and give you peace—
in every season, and all the days of your life.
(Based on Numbers 6:24–26)

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
—Ecclesiastes 3:1

With peace and gratitude,
Beth Zanotelli

Offerings

During Lent, we often focus on what we are giving up. We talk about fasting, about sacrifice. But what are we offering to the Lord? Scripture reminds us that offerings are more than just physical sacrifices. In Mark 12:33, we read, To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. At every Holy Mass, the priest prays over the gifts, saying, “May what we offer you, O Lord, in token of our service, be transformed by you into the sacrament of salvation.” These words remind us that our offerings should be more than routine gestures; they should be truly pleasing to God. What about the offerings of our own lives?  God gave us the gift of our life; do we offer our life back in service to God?

Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—all of which are ways to offer ourselves to God. Often, we think of offerings in terms of action, but our prayers are also a precious gift in His sight. Psalm 141:2 says, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

When we pray, we are offering God our time, our trust, and our love. A sincere prayer—whether of praise, repentance, thanksgiving, or petition—is an act of the heart that God welcomes. But do we approach prayer with reverence and devotion? Do we truly offer our words as a gift to Him, or do we rush through them without thought?

There are many ways to make our prayers more of an offering to God.  First, pray with intention – Instead of just saying words, we can take a moment to acknowledge that we are speaking to the living God. Offer your prayer with love and devotion. Perhaps we could pray with greater surrender, that is, offer your desires, struggles, and joys to God, trusting that He knows what is best for you.  Another way to offer our prayers to God is to unite our prayers with sacrifice – Offer up small sacrifices during the day, like patience in difficulties or kindness when it’s hard, as a prayerful act of love.  Often, we are asked to pray for others.   Interceding for someone in need is a powerful way to make our prayer an offering of love. One other way to make our prayers more of an offering to God is to give God our time – Set aside focused time for prayer, free from distractions, as a true gift to Him.

Are our offerings favorable to God? When we fast, do we unite our sacrifice with Christ’s? When we give alms, do we do so joyfully, as an act of love? When we help someone, do we see it as an offering to God? When we love our neighbor, do we recognize it as a sacrifice more pleasing than any material gift?

Too often, we focus on what we do rather than why we do it. Our works of love—helping a friend, forgiving an enemy, comforting the sorrowful—can be powerful offerings to God. But do we give Him credit for these moments? Do we thank Him for the opportunity to serve? Do we ask Him to guide us toward new opportunities to love?

Lent is not just about giving things up, it is about giving of ourselves.
It is about surrendering our hearts, our time, our love, our very lives to the Lord. Mother Teresa once said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”  Her life was an offering, a willingness to be used by God as His instrument.  We, too, can offer ourselves in this way – allowing God to write His love through our actions, our words, and our prayers.

So, how can we better offer ourselves to God today as part of Lenten practices and continuing into Easter?

  • Through prayer: Lifting our hearts to Him as a sincere offering.
  • Through fasting: Sacrificing comforts to grow in spiritual strength and reliance on God.
  • Through almsgiving: Generously giving our resources, time, and love to those in need.
  • Reflect on your daily actions:  How can they become intentional offerings to God?
  • Ask God for opportunities to serve Him through others.
  • Make your prayers an offering: Pray with devotion, offering them as a gift of love.
  • Go forth and love—because in loving, you are offering yourself to God.

May our prayers, our fasting, and our almsgiving be holy and pleasing to Him.

Here’s what Scripture has to say:

Romans 12:1 – I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.

 Hebrews 13:15-16 – Through him, then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

Psalm 51:17-18 – Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise.  For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept.  My sacrifice, God is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.

Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.