John Freund, CM
Author
![The Star of Our Journey in the New Year](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2019/01/star-cycling-2309811_1280.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
The Star of Our Journey in the New Year
The star of the wisemen can be a metaphor the times in our lives when we must seek in the darkness for the light of God’s Providence as did St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Vincent dePaul.
![The Holy Family and My Family](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2019/01/holy-family-2.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
The Holy Family and My Family
Is your family perfect? No? Isn’t the birth of Jesus an invitation to a radical change in our thinking to grow into the mind of Christ’s way of thinking? It is okay to develop and grow within our family… as Jesus did!
![Revisioning Our Ministry in the New Year](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/12/new-year-time-for-change.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Revisioning Our Ministry in the New Year
What Herod and the Wisemen can teach us about revisioning our ministry with people trapped in poverty.
![Pope Francis – “Good Politics and the Service of People”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/12/pope-francis-speaking2.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Pope Francis – “Good Politics and the Service of People”
It is refreshing that Pope Francis’ in his Message for World Day of Peace chooses to focus on “Good Politics and the Service of People.”
![Charles Dickens – Artists as a Voice of the Poor](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/12/vincentian-arts-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Charles Dickens – Artists as a Voice of the Poor
Artists through the centuries have challenged superficial visions of poverty and inspired systemic change and dedication to direct services improving the condition of the poor.
![Woman Appointed Parish Pastoral Care Coordinator – WWVT?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/02/vincent-women-problem-solving-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Woman Appointed Parish Pastoral Care Coordinator – WWVT?
What would St. Vincent think about women having decision-making authority over a team of priests who will be responsible for sacramental ministry?
![Vincentian Family Speaks Its Truth at the UN](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/12/speak-truth-UN.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Vincentian Family Speaks Its Truth at the UN
The Vincentian Family takes advantage of its NGO status at the UN to speak its truth about its experience with people suffering from unsheltered homelessness and lack of access to adequate housing.
![Mary’s Digital Home “Liked” By Almost 3 Million People](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/12/Miraculous-Medal-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Mary’s Digital Home “Liked” By Almost 3 Million People
Do you know the address of the Facebook page that has been “liked” by 2.9 million people?
![My New Way of Entering Into Advent Expectation](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/12/expectation-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
My New Way of Entering Into Advent Expectation
This year my image of Advent is an image of expectant parents excitedly seeking, and rejoicing in, the evidence of life stirring in a womb of God’s people.
![A Baby Changes Everything](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/12/family-2610205_1280.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
A Baby Changes Everything
Having a baby is a life-changer. It bears repeating. A baby changes everything. One baby changed everything – for everyone – literally!