What I'm Coming Back To
The sabbatical is ending.
For two months, I stepped back from active parish ministry - no preaching, no meetings, just prayer and discernment about what the next five years of diaconal service should look like.
The question I kept sitting with: Do I run from what I don't like or agree with? Or do I do something to try to affect it from the inside?
The answer - after weeks of prayer, spiritual direction, and honest conversation with my pastor - is that I stay. And I lean in.
I'm back at the Sunday Holy Hours. I'll be back preaching at all the Masses the weekend of August 22-23. I'm re-engaging in youth ministry and OCIA, and leaning into liturgical leadership with Father Alfred and Father Godwin.
The solid self doesn't stay because there's nowhere else to go. The solid self stays because staying is the work.
Read the full reflection: What I'm Coming Back To
Disney with Joseph
When you receive this, Joseph and I will be on a plane to Walt Disney World.
Three days together, just us. This is the first solo trip I've taken with him since the MLB All-Star Game in 2024 - and the first solo Disney trip with him. Thomas and Andrew have each had their turns; now it's Joseph's.
He likes different things at Disney than his brothers do: Slower rides, more shows. He's just like me when I was younger in that sense. Hollywood Studios is his favorite park (though we'll hit EPCOT for fish and chips in Great Britain). It'll be a nice, laid-back few days together.
I've been looking forward to this for months.
The Weeks Ahead
Next week: Fort Wayne for a few days. I meet quarterly with my friend Jacob - we advise each other on business and life. One of the rhythms I'm grateful for.
Two weeks: Suzanne and I head to San Antonio for Matthew's graduation from Basic Training. We can't wait to see him.
Domus Update
The & Altar app continues to grow. I'm grateful.
Here's a stat that encourages me: industry average for trial-to-subscription conversion (when you don't require a credit card upfront) is about 8-10%. We're hitting 19%.
God is providing. People are praying. The domestic church is real.
WeAreDomus.com/start - 7-day free trial.
Ad Alta: The Boardroom
Next week I'm launching something new from Ad Alta: The Boardroom.
A monthly intelligence brief for Catholic executives and founders - the data, trends, and strategic analysis I'd want if I were still running teams. Paid subscription, launching next Tuesday.
This week's free post explains what I'm not doing - and why focus matters:
2 Minute Homily
I'm back to recording after the summer break.
This Sunday (August 16): The Canaanite Woman - "Great is your faith." The outsider's faith puts the insiders to shame.
Next Sunday (August 23): Peter's Confession - "Who do YOU say that I am?" The question is still open.
Two Lamps
Short fiction braiding the lives of two saints across centuries. Every Friday at 6 AM Central.
This Friday: Issue 15
Lux Perpetua
A serial novel in two tracks - mystery, memory, and the weight of what we inherit.
The Living Thread - Chapter 22 is live. The Lost Crown - Chapter 19 drops tomorrow.
Final Word
The solid self doesn't stay because there's nowhere else to go.
The solid self stays because staying is the work.
The parish you're given is the parish where God is forming you. I'm grateful to be back.