One of the most memorable experiences of my time as chaplain to college students happened about seven years ago — in one of the most rugged, forgotten corners of Appalachia, Kentucky. Ten students from Montclair…
FRATERNITY WITHOUT PLEDGING
People often tell me I should write a book- especially about my experiences working in campus ministry with college students. For sure, after almost 14 years, it's never boring, routine, or predictable. One chapter of…
EARLY WORLD
DAY 1: Genesis 1 & 2 - Psalm 19 LIKE NO OTHER I remember the first time reading sitting down to read Genesis 1 & 2 back to back in my Freshman year of college…
TO FELLOW CATHOLICS: ABOUT “THE CHOSEN”
It was last July when a priest friend said to me, “you really need to watch this” as he handed me a DVD of “The Chosen.” Full disclosure I had heard about it from some…
NOT JUST A WHITE GUY – A GOOD…
Last summer, in the craze and haze of so much unrest and protest - was a curious incident that probably got lost in the non-stop stream of news that was and is impossible to digest. …
BOYCOTT (aka PASSIONATE WITNESS)
It’s hard to remember a time where we’ve seen calls for boycotts over a wide range of issues, controversies, debates on almost on a weekly or even daily basis. You’ll hear about how this company…
FEAR, DOUBT & MERCY (Divine Mercy Sunday)
A man who was sent to begin a new leadership assignment for the corporation he was working for was gathering with his new team for an introductory meeting. The office manager thought a good way…
“EVERYBODY WAS A MESS” – Easter Sunday
Happy Easter! It’s good to say that – to people, from a pulpit on Easter Sunday, rather than into a camera live streaming it without any idea who’s “tuning in.” I’ve been reflecting throughout Lent…
CLOSER THAN EVER
The painting above is by an artist named Daniel Bonnell, which I received as an incredibly thoughtful gift for Christmas from our office manager (who’s also affectionately and appropriately been dubbed “the Newman Mom”) Mary…









