Welcome
A Story
The young woman meeting with me said, “I want to be happy. I want to live my own life. I don’t want anyone to tell me what I can or cannot do. I want to make my own decisions. I responded, “Well Jesus doesn’t tell us what we can or can’t do as much as he invites us to live life as he did. If we choose to do so, then he promises that we will find a deep sense of meaning, be truly happy, and experience life to the full both now and after our death, in God’s new world to come.” |
This Site
This site is meant to help each reader understand his or her own story and how the story of Jesus and the Church enables them to identify and experience what they long for in the depths of their heart.
What then does Jesus and the Catholic Church offer to people that they may find happiness and meaning in their life? They offer a story that enables a person to See, Celebrate and Live life in a uniquely integrated way. It is a way that brings meaning and happiness and enables them to deal with the most fundamental questions of life, including those of suffering and death.
The framework for this site is the Nicene Creed which Catholics pray each Sunday. The Creed is, in reality, a short story of the Good News of God’s love for each person and summary of what Christians have believed from the earliest centuries. By reflecting on the different statements of the Creed, a person can develop an integrated understanding of life and find both meaning and happiness as a follower and companion of the Risen Christ.
Stories
Stories touch our hearts. The most important story is your story. Your story springs from your experiences. Stories often help a person deal with fears and anxieties, sorrows and joys. They can shape a person’s dreams and hopes as well. Sometimes one needs to be like an archaeologist in order to recall, recover and identify the experiences, feelings and convictions that provide the basis for one’s stories.
As you recall your own experiences, feelings, convictions and stories be open to listening to the stories that Jesus told and the stories of his disciples, the Church. As you hear or read them, they can help you clarify your own story and so bring you healing and hope, new happiness and joy.
Format
The basic format for each topic presented in this book is as follows:
- Your Story
- An optional reflection starter
- Our Catholic story
- Clarification
- Additional Resources: Books and Links
I welcome any questions you may have. It is my hope that exploring these topics will enrich your life with a deeper sense of joy and peace.
Sincerely,
Fr. Michael McDermott
Pastor
St. Charles Borromeo Parish
7112 S 12th St.
Tacoma, WA 98465
(253) 564-5185
[email protected]