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How to live our lives

Written by Julie Carroll The beatitudes have a central prominence in the Gospels. Taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel (5:3-10) and his Sermon on the Plain in Luke’s Gospel (6:20-26), the beatitudes tell us how we should live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

“Jesus does a lot of things in his earthly life,” said Father Michael Byron, theology professor at the St. Paul Seminary and pastor of St. Cecilia in St. Paul. “But there are a few times where he deliberately stops and teaches directly. This is one of those times.”

While the beatitudes tell us what our rewards will be if we live according to God’s will, Father Byron cautions that the word “blessed” in the beatitudes should not be equated with a particular emotion. “To be blessed is not necessarily to feel good,” he said. “It’s to know that you’re doing something right . . . and to persevere in the midst of what may not always feel like blessedness or happiness.”

Here, Father Byron explains each of the beatitudes and provides examples of how Christians can live them out today. Read more: How to live our lives

Time & Talent: 9 Catholics share how they give to their parishes

Youth Mass reading coach

Jim Eckert
St. Joseph, New Hope
Jim Eckert is a retired broadcaster. He is also a writer and works for the Minnesota Historical Society as a historic interpreter at Fort Snelling. He is married and has two grown children and five grandchildren.

Why am I Catholic? Because I’ve always been a Catholic and it seems to fit me.

What do I do for my parish? I work with a team of three who creatively plan and execute introductions to the first and second readings done by the young people at their 6 p.m. Sunday night Mass. We try to find the core of the reading. I just work on the presentation of the words.

Why do I do it? Because I should. I had been in broadcasting for 50 years. I loved it. I learned a lot. I worked with some very special and talented people. I feel that knowledge shouldn’t go to waste, so I do what I can to apply what I know. Read more: Time & Talent: 9 Catholics share how they give to their parishes

If you want to . . .

Get married in the church

Talk to your parish priest, or visit www.archspm.org/html/parish.htmlto find your nearest parish. Each parish has its own requirements for couples preparing for marriage. Read more: If you want to . . .

Planning the archdiocese’s future requires your voice

Written by Maria Wiering The Catholic population is growing. Ethnic diversity is increasing. The number of priests is declining. Some parishes are facing financial difficulties.

These are just a few of the facts that moved Archbishop John Nienstedt to announce in March the beginning of a comprehensive parish planning process. Read more: Planning the archdiocese’s future requires your voice