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Faith

The practice of hope isn’t folly; it’s absolutely necessary

One of the greatest misunderstandings from those who question a life of faith is that they believe the practice of maintaining hope is nothing more than a folly by those who do not understand how the world works. … At best a childish fantasy, perhaps. In reality, however, those mature in their faith understand this: Living into hope is a divine act of perseverance, a conscious effort to acknowledge one’s own -- and others! -- suffering and transforming into a fuel that feeds their courage to hold on for a better day. … A brighter day! Hope is the antithesis of despair; hope ...

Faith Briefs for Jan. 16

2026 Education Contest announced Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Joan of Arc, #1291 is sponsoring the local education contest for 2026. The themes for this year are: “The Least of These”: -— Matthew 25:40 or “The Least of These: Lifting Others Up.” Youth in grades 4 through 12, as well as Adult CDA Members, are encouraged to participate. The entries must reflect the theme chosen and need to be your original idea. Entry deadline is Jan. 30. For more information contact Pat Gawarecki at 507-828-1098.

Finding hope in the Star of Bethlehem

It’s hard not to ponder the horrific irony in the timing of this year’s Epiphany feast celebrated Jan. 6, and the killing of a Minneapolis woman by ICE agents a day later. The Christian observance of Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the magi who traveled a great distance to see the newborn baby savior, signifying Jesus’ revelation to all the world as the messiah, not only to the Jews. In other words, it’s a festival to recognize the savior’s manifestation as God in the flesh. Because of that, an epiphany also can be described as a moment when one has a clarifying ...

Seeing the Christmas Miracle year round warns off the doom

“No, sir, it’s a donation,” the kind woman said with a comforting smile. “Thank you for all your staff does.” Christmas Eve morning I had stopped into our local religious supplies store to pick up communion supplies for our Christmas Day worship at the shelter. The generous woman helping me took one look at my shelter badge and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Everything on the house, a donation to help make our service beautiful. I finished my happy cry sitting in my pickup. What a joy to begin Christmas! Friends, the world is not as bad as we want to believe. There ...

The beauty of Christmas amidst everyday chaos

Comfortably slumped in an uncomfortable wooden chair, listening to the four young adults joyfully singing Christmas carols in the corner of the shelter cafeteria, I felt the first tear drop from my eye. Surprised, it brought me out of the sleepy reverie I had been enjoying. I sneakily reached up to wipe away the glistening track down my cheek before anyone could see it. … Only to find the solitary tear had turned into a dam break out of both eyes. Finally, I gave in, and with “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night” as the soundtrack, I had a good, cathartic cry, right there ...

Faith Briefs for Dec. 19

Blue Christmas Worship at First Lutheran There will be a Blue Christmas Worship sponsored by First Lutheran and Christ United Presbyterian churches in Marshall at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at First Lutheran’s main sanctuary. The holiday season can be difficult for many — a time when grief, loss, or loneliness feel especially heavy. First Lutheran and Christ United Presbyterian churches are joining together to provide a Blue Christmas Worship that offers a quiet, reflective space for prayer, comfort, and hope.