by Laura Ashbaugh | Jul 3, 2022 | Church, Weekly Note
The recent Supreme Court act to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision is the answer to years of prayer and hard work. While the recent Supreme Court action still allows for abortion, it is just not a right protected by the Constitution. Now it will be up to each... by Laura Ashbaugh | Jun 26, 2022 | Church, Weekly Note
Today ends the Year of the Family that began on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2021. As a parish, St. Mary of the Angels started the year of the Family earlier, in July 2020. So it has been two years of special focus on the family. Strong Catholic Parents— Strong... by Laura Ashbaugh | Jun 21, 2022 | Church, Weekly Note
Jesus Christ became man to reveal to us God the Father, so we will love God as a father, as our true Father, who loves us just as we are, with our smallness and weakness. Even on Corpus Christi, Jesus reveals the paternal love of the Father, as he taught us in his... by Laura Ashbaugh | Jun 13, 2022 | Church, Weekly Note
Small children usually need punishments and rewards to help them acquire virtue and self-control. Adults take ownership of their lives, shaping themselves by the repetition of good acts and avoiding the near occasions of unhealthy and sinful behavior. To acquire... by Laura Ashbaugh | Jun 6, 2022 | Church, Weekly Note
The addictive nature of screens, computer games, and social media means that sometimes “the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38), that is, sometimes we know and desire virtuous behavior but our flesh gets the better of us and we compulsively... by Laura Ashbaugh | May 29, 2022 | Church, Weekly Note
Computer games and other apps on the phone, tablet, or computer tend to trigger the release of chemicals (dopamine, adrenaline, norepinephrine) in the brain. This drives addiction, finding ways to reduce and control the release of those chemicals can be key to acquire...