Carolyn Zimmer – Blog Post 1

Can we encounter God outside of the rites of the Church? Look, far be it from me to say that you cannot encounter God outside of the sacraments. In fact, Josef Pieper explains that ”…no theology of the sacraments has ever taught God’s gracious acts to be contingent on...

Bobby Eberle – Blog Post 1

In answering the question, “Do I really need the sacraments?”, it helps to not only analyze what is meant by a sacrament, both historically, theologically, and today, but what is also encompassed in the word “need.” What does it mean to need something?  One can say...

Michael Perez – Blog Post 1

I was recently asked, is it possible to encounter God on my own without the rites of the Church? The short answer is yes. As Joseph Ratzinger reminds us, “[God] Himself determines the mode of His presence.”1 The Catechism also reminds us that it is God who has the...

Bobby Eberle – Blog Post 2

In this beginning journey to understanding the sacraments, two prominent theologians of the twentieth century provide much guidance.  Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Fr. Louis Bouyer provide an explanation of the divine gifts bestowed upon humanity in terms not...

Carolyn Zimmer – Blog Post 2

               In the American Church today, it is easier than it should be to understand the sacraments as religious rites of passage. After all, when you have a baby, you put him or her in a...

Carolyn Zimmer – Blog Post 3

               I want to start by welcoming all of you home to the Catholic Church, and on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are so happy you are here. I know you have spent a great...