I recently walked the same path St. Francis de Sales once took. As I stood, I watched a cow straining to reach the grass just beyond the fence, while ignoring the field around her. Do you know that feeling of fighting the fence and forgetting the field? How often do we look past the blessings God has in front of us?

There’s nothing quite like hearing that someone has been digging through trash and thought of you! St. Francis teaches us to find “God’s goodness in all things.” How can we apply this to not the people we encounter?...

Salesian joy is not shallow optimism. It does not ignore suffering or pretend that everything is easy. Rather, it springs from courage. How did a recent retreat remind Fr. Joe of this, and how can we practice Salesian joy in our lives?...

Our Novice Director, Fr. Tom Helfrich, OSFS, is well known for his love of the outdoors. He often draws from this passion to create meaningful formational experiences for our novice, Chris Allen. His most recent lesson is one I didn’t know I needed…

We are a few weeks into the new school year, and I always find this season rejuvenating. Last week, someone stopped me after Mass and asked, “What are young people like nowadays?” I answered with a story…

Ovens are instruments of permanent transformation. If you’ve ever baked something, you know this to be true. How does this metaphor remind us of the permanent transformation that is the work of the Lord?

Through a brief exchange with a teacher, I discovered that a student hesitated to approach me about discernment. How did this prompt me to reflect on how I am perceived and the importance of leading with honey, not just in words, but in presence

Some reminders don’t come from books or sermons but from the ground beneath your feet. How does the daily walk on the heart-shaped path from the Novitiate house to the chapel become a daily invitation to choose God and serve Him? 

.For the first time in my life, I received a jury invitation! How did turning to St. Francis' Preparation of the Day help to guide my mindset and actions? How can the steps be applied to everyday life?

On Wednesday, one of our young Oblates, Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS, professed his final vows. In preparation, we gathered for a Reconciliation service and a special examination of conscience inspired by St. Francis. Why is it important to examine our conscience?...

Having worked with the Oblates all t over India, in our German-speaking Province, and now in the U.S., I am comfortable being part of an international order. Since beginning my ministry in the U.S, I have been overwhelmed by the support of my brother Oblates and community...

Live Jesus Ministries focuses on youth small group discipleship and utilizes check-in questions to help build comfort through sharing and listening to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. What check-in questions do we need to hear? ...

Every year, the most nerve-wracking moment of my ministry isn’t a homily —it’s reading names at graduation. How does our name affect us, and what name does St. Francis de Sales have for us in his writings?…

Hard boiled eggs are a quick source of nutrition. However, making them can lead to unexpected experiences of humility. How can a kitchen mishap be a lesson in Salesian Spirituality?... 

Bells have always been part of the Christian tradition. After being silenced for Holy Week, they ring out to announce the Resurrection. When the bells ring, what do they call out to our hearts? What will you think the next time you hear them...

Love of neighbor is on par with love of God and follows it immediately. When I entered the Oblates, my first superior, Fr. John Lehner, OSFS, was a great example of this. How can we learn from Fr. John's example of love, gentleness, patience, and meekness?...

I often take my imperfections and make them my identity, and get spiritually trapped by shame.  Does that sound familiar? As we journey through Lent, let's reflect on the difference between guilt and shame. and what St. Francis de Sales teaches...

Looking for people to love what we love is natural, but it is also a recipe for great upset. How many times have you hoped someone would think, feel, or love as you do, only to be disappointed? Since we cannot expect people to always be like us, where can we turn in scripture to guide our hearts? ...

Jesus often uses children to make a point. He not only says, “Let the little children come to me” but He also embraces them. Why is this a radical response by Jesus? What’s the big deal and how can we carry out this teaching?...