Reflections

Jesus Came That We Might Have Life

During the Easter Vigil liturgy, the single flame of the Easter candle shines through the darkness. That small flame spreads as each person’s candle is lit and the light of Christ is shared with others. Before we know it, the [read more...]

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: The Common Good

In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the Catholic bishops of the United States identify the four main principles of the Church’s social teaching and apply them to some concrete issues. This is not to tell the faithful [read more...]

What Catholics Believe About the Body

Did you know Christians have a radical view of the body? While society often swings between two extremes—either dismissing the body as insignificant or idolizing it—Christianity offers a balanced and profound understanding of the unity between body and soul. Fr. [read more...]

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Dignity of the Human Person

In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the Catholic bishops of the United States identify the four main principles of the Church’s social teaching and apply them to some concrete issues. This is not to tell the faithful [read more...]

“Stay With Me Lord”

On September 23, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of St. Padre Pio. I would like to share a beautiful prayer by my favorite saint who dedicated his life to Jesus. “Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to [read more...]

Are Your Bored at Mass?

You’ve definitely either said—or met someone who’s said—“I go to Mass, but I just don’t get anything out of it.” Fr. Mike gets you. He’s said it too. But what he’s learned and cannot stop telling everyone is that Mass [read more...]

The Angel in the Marble

If you show up to the gates of heaven completely whole, I kind of doubt you’ll be let inside. I know that sounds pretty awful, because what kind of God doesn’t want all of you, exactly as you are? “Be [read more...]

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: The Role of the Church in American Political Life

The Church is the body of Christ, who reigns as king over all Creation. Everything, including political life, belongs to Jesus Christ, and so participation in political life belongs to the mission of the Church. Our mandate is to ‘go [read more...]

My Journey Towards Priesthood

Greg Wilk, 3rd-year Seminarian at Mundelein Seminary, shares about his journey towards Priesthood with Our Lady of the Wayside Parishioners on September 21, 2024. Greg is an OLW parishioner and made his First Holy Communion, Sacrament of Reconciliation and his Confirmation [read more...]

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Introductory Note

Let us look to the example of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ parable summons us to rediscover our vocation as citizens of our respective nations and of the entire world, builders of a new social bond. This summons is ever new, [read more...]