Saint Francis of Assisi Ministry

Paul

  • The solutions are at hand today

    Last week, I wrote about guilt and action. I suggested that guilt could be a motivator for action and that the sage advice to avoid all guilt might be wrong if it avoided taking responsibility and having empathy.  But feeling… Continue reading

  • No guilt, no action

    I think it’s an understatement to say that modern society is constantly telling us to stop feeling guilty. It’s not your fault. Turn off the outside world. Take care of yourself.  But perhaps this advice is not always right. A… Continue reading

  • Earth Day 2022 Cleanup Announced

    The Saint Francis of Assisi group is hosting our second annual Earth Day Cleanup on Sunday, April 23 in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle! Looking for an opportunity to take action to celebrate Earth Day? Join us as we head… Continue reading

  • The Peace Poem

    By John Denver There’s a name for war and killingthere’s a name for giving inwhen you know another answerfor me the name is sinbut there’s still time to turn aroundand make all hatred ceaseand give another name to livingand we… Continue reading

  • The True Cost of War

    War is terrible. I am heartbroken at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And also, of course, for the victims of war and violence in many other countries, including Syria, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Yemen, and Myanmar. Wars kill and injure people. It also… Continue reading

  • How will you prepare for Lent?

    We are all familiar with the traditional Catholic practices of praying, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent. We may pray more, pray with different intentions, eat less or give up a favorite food or drink. We give more to our parish… Continue reading

  • A Peace Prayer for the Privileged

    I had the privilege of attending Father Dan Horan’s powerful Racial Justice workshop this past Saturday with 400 other attendees. I am also reading Father Dan’s book, A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege. I may have more to… Continue reading

  • Liberty vs. Responsibility

    When I started my first job out of graduate school, I remember thinking that I had finally arrived at adulthood. I had a great job, a healthy salary, and no more classes. I recall at the time, realizing that I… Continue reading

  • Making that Low-Carbon Resolution Stick

    During January, I shared with you my four low carbon footprint resolution ideas: eat more plants, use less energy, buy less stuff, and talk and advocate for change. I often think about this column when I run. And this past… Continue reading

  • Resolve to Talk and Advocate for Change

    January is the month of New Year’s resolutions. For week four of my resolution series, our last, I want to focus on talking about and advocating for change. As I have mentioned before in this column, climate activist Will Grant… Continue reading