Last year, we invited children and youth in our parish to create clay bowls, guided by Mark Terry, for use in our worship space during the sacrament of Holy Communion. We learned that a sacrament is an outward and visible sign of inward, spiritual grace.

For most of my life, I associated October 31st with ghouls, goblins, and ghosts. Yet the more I learn about Halloween's traditions and its Christian origins, the more I feel curiosity and wonder about All Hallowtide, the three-day celebration of the saints and souls who belong to Jesus. 

I am horrified. How am I going to tell a bunch of 12-18 year olds what it looks like for them to honor their father and mother. Just 6 days earlier, a friend told me that I am not living out this commandment. She gave voice to my growing awareness that I needed to reckon with God, myself, and my family. How am I supposed to teach something that I am struggling to practice myself? There must be people more qualified than me for this.