Deacon Michael Halbrook

Deacon Michael Halbrook

Faith, family, work, and life - all intertwined.

Permanent deacon of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Husband, father of four sons, builder of Catholic technology, and writer of essays, fiction, and homilies.

No Backup Plans
Faith & Life

No Backup Plans

On faith, uncertainty, and stepping into the unknown

#2MinuteHomily: He Waited
Homilies & Reflections

#2MinuteHomily: He Waited

Third Sunday of Lent - The Woman at the Well God keeps showing up for people who don't deserve it. The Israelites grumbled in the desert - He gave them water a

Clarity Before the Climb
Ad Alta ↗ Transitions

Clarity Before the Climb

I turned 48 today. For most of my career, I didn't think much about birthdays. But this one feels different. I've been asking different questions - not "What's next?" but "Who am I becoming?"

The Names We Carry
Faith & Life

The Names We Carry

On patrons, identity, and who's interceding for you right now

Come Back Down
Homilies & Reflections

Come Back Down

2 Minute Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent

Legacy Over Achievement
Ad Alta ↗ Identity

Legacy Over Achievement

I used to measure success by what I built. Now I measure it by how I showed up. Here's the question that changed my definition of success in the second half.

Launching Lent
Homilies & Reflections

Launching Lent

#2MinuteHomily for Ash Wednesday & the First Sunday of Lent

Dust and Dreams
Faith & Life

Dust and Dreams

Preparing for Lent in a season of building

The Money Question
Ad Alta ↗ Practices

The Money Question

"What would I do if money wasn't a factor?" This question changed everything for me, because it revealed what I actually care about.

Every Hat on the Rack
Building Something

Every Hat on the Rack

What I'm learning about wearing all the roles at once