Reflections from St. Ann DC

Some pro-tips for a fantastic #Lent: 1) Partake in the sacraments as much as possible, especially confession. 2) Make a sacrifice that is challenging for you. 3) Help those in need.

How do we truly love like Christ? Ask Him: "Jesus, take my heart and give me yours." This is a very powerful prayer.

Jesus is an example to follow in this week's Gospel; He doesn't get angry or lash out: He just walks away. Who do you need to walk away from right now?

Have you ever thought that maybe God's will for you is to give you more, not less?

Msgr. Watkins explains how the Annual Appeal has helped him personally - something we all didn't realize. Still want to contribute to the #ADWAppeal, but didn't get a chance? Visit stanndc.org/give today.

According to this past weekend's Gospel, we are the "salt of the earth." How do we keep our flavor?

Why we light up the church, an answer to "what was Jesus' actual birthday?" and an invitation from our pastor.

We're nostalgic and disconnected from past generations: How do we reconcile this? If we don't change the hearts of people, our "change" will not last.

Jesus did not need to be baptized. He did not have to be presented in the Temple. He being fully God, Jesus could have done without these human traditions. But with humility, He chose to enter entirely into our humanity.

What are the ingredients for a good adventure?

We are bombarded - with emails, texts, phone calls, news, interruptions... the list could go on. What should we listen to, and how should we tune out the noise? Msgr. James Watkins gives some practical tips on how to shape our minds and hearts to hear and heed what really matters.

Have you always wanted to go on the biggest adventure of your life? Here's the place to start.

Are you lacking motivation and drive? Do you need to reconnect with something that inspires you? A first step: Rest assured in the arms of Our Father. He affirms you as His child.

When Jesus approached John the Baptist to be baptized, John "tried to prevent him." Jesus insisted. Why on earth was this so important? In this homily, we discover the answer.

Are we afraid of what God can do through us? Are we afraid, like Herod in this week's reading, that God might take what's good from us instead of give what's best to us?

King Herod "was greatly troubled" at the news of Jesus, "the newborn king of the Jews." He asked the magi to find Jesus and to "bring me word" - not stating that he intended to kill him. What was all this mess about? From a metaphysics professor at The Catholic University of America, take a listen to this homily: a fascinating psychological take on the insecurity of the Herods.

Want some help with all the resolutions you may have already broken? Listen to this sound advice. Keep listening after the homily to pray the rosary in honor of our Mother's Feast today!

How can we best live like the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph? What is the role of woman in a family? What is the role of man? What do the stats show us about family these days?

Jesus needed to grow and learn, perhaps not in His divinity, but certainly in His humanity, just like we do. His family faced conflict and struggles just like we do. What was it like?

This Christmas, we contemplate: How would you have saved the world?

Realize that God can speak to you, too, sometimes in very unique ways. This Christmas season, may our ears be attentive to His Word.

Mary's fiat is the perfect example for us. What are your plans? Is God calling you to let them go and follow His?

Learn what makes our 150th anniversary custom commemorative rosary so special! Learn more at stanndc.org/rosary

This Advent, learn how to overcome trials in this life, looking toward the next.

Who is Mary and do Catholics worship her? What's the big deal about the rosary? Why do Catholics have this devotion and when did it start?