With COVID-19 forcing us to stay home and self-isolate, there is a challenge for all of us on how do we experience our faith when we are all essentially disconnected. We hope to share some stories about how some of us "Catholic During COVID". If you want to share your story, email us at yamnwblog@gmail.com. Today, Bryan, one of YAM-NW's Co-Chairs, will share his story and his struggle to practice his faith in this difficult time.

I have had the fortune of being Catholic since I was a small child, and I can probably count on my hands the number of times in my life that I’ve missed Sunday mass. However, as Spiderman taught us: with great power comes great responsibility. Being a cradle Catholic, I have recently (in the last 5 years) found it important to grow as a person in both Knowledge and Wisdom. God gave me these gifts, and I know I must use them to improve myself, my family and friends, and the world at large. This doesn’t mean I need to end world hunger today and stop all war tomorrow. Rather, I understand it to mean I should do my best in the situation I’ve been given. I should make the most of the challenges I face. How do I do that though? Also, how does this relate in any way to the point of this article—how I pray?

Dear Max, I am a Catholic in his/her 30s who is still single and working a job that often leaves me unfulfilled. What would you recommend I do to start finding deeper meaning in my life?   Sincerely,   Lost and Confused

Hello again, it’s Elizabeth.  This year has been rough for us Catholics.  The news has been so very hard to hear, and the path forward--at least for me--has been obscured.  I remember driving home on I-294 in tears as NPR reported on the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report.  As I drove home, I asked myself if I remain Catholic am I complicit in this abuse and cover-up?  And if I am, where do I go?  I graduated with a French minor but need some practice, I grew up hearing Polish from my grandparents but only know enough to be polite, and I learned the numbers in Spanish (long story about a terrible maternity leave sub).  So the Eastern Rites or the Orthodox churches are not an option.  The closest Protestant church would be Anglican.  But there would be no Real Presence.  I love the Eucharist, incense, and beautiful churches that lift my heart to heaven.  I love the 2,000 year history and tradition that answers me when I question my place in this world.  There is no other church that would surround me with the heavenly peace of adoration. 

It’s Mike, back to talk to you about another Saint I admire: Saint Moses the Black. Born in Ethiopia in 330 AD, Saint Moses the Black also answered to Abba Moses the Robber or, simply, the Strong. He started life as the servant of an Egyptian government official, but his owner released him due to suspicions of theft and murder. Moses joined a band of pirates who soon made him leader due to his amazing physical strength. While with them, the group robbed, killed, and generally did whatever they wanted. Basically, they brought fear into the hearts of all who heard of them. One day, Moses sought to rob a house but was foiled by a barking dog. He swore vengeance, but the same dog foiled him again. He hid in a monastery and found himself deeply moved by the rigor of the monks there. Though they thought his conversion was insincere, he wouldn’t relent. He waited until they eventually accepted him and, upon acceptance, quickly took to the monastery’s rules. He even moved to a solitary cell where he spent his time in prayer and strict fasting.

Dear Max, Hi Max! I work in the secular workplace and am struggling with living my faith while at work. I obviously don't want to go around saying "I'm Catholic..." or "As a Catholic I think/we believe...". How do I live out my Catholic faith without overtly proselytizing? And how should I respond to criticism and misunderstandings of my faith? Sincerely, Catholic Professional

It’s Elizabeth again, back to discuss a talk I recently heard about abuse within relationships and the best ways to intervene as a bystander.  On February 10, I attended a talk sponsored by the Domestic Violence Ministry and Stepping Stones Ministry of Our Lady of the Wayside and St. James.  Grant Stenzel, a former pastor and mental health professional, presented on healthy relationships and engaged bystanders while Mr. Stenzel geared his talk towards teens; really, though, I think his focus on an individual’s dignity and healthy relationships applies to all ages.

Elizabeth talks to us today about how she prays using the Angelus.

Dear Max, For Lent this year, I am giving up dessert. This includes cake, pie, candy, brownies, ice cream, and anything else I enjoy that's sweet. It's tough because I live for dessert, but I know I have the willpower to make it through. All this being said, my sister's birthday is right in the middle of Lent. Should I eat birthday cake (thus breaking my sacrifice) or refuse (and skip out on the celebration)? I feel bad because this happens every year on her birthday. Please help! Regards, Sweet-toothed Sandra

Hello Friends; it's Elizabeth. Today, I'm sharing a reflection I wrote about Lent and a familiar song that I heard in a new way.