My immensely competitive nature often proves to be both a blessing and a curse. Most of the impressive feats of my life can largely be attributed to a combination of my overwhelming desire to prove myself and comically poor time management. Writing sixty percent of my master’s thesis in a day and a half was most definitely a poor life choice, but I still brag about it out of a sense of misguided superiority. Click title for full column.

I have no idea if this is actually an ancient proverb, nor do I recall exactly where I heard it, but since it suits my purposes here, I will blindly trust that some wise man said it at some point. I once heard that the greatest curse you could wish upon someone is to say, “May you live in interesting times, and may you get exactly what you ask for.” Click title for full column.

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Matthew 9:38-39 A recurring emphasis of Archbishop Schnurr has been creating a culture within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati which fosters vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated religious life. He often notes that an important factor in building such a culture is prayer and shares a story of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States in 2008. A bishop asked the Holy Father, “What can we do to increase vocations?” The pope replied, “Don’t overlook the obvious. Beg the harvest master.” Click title for full column.

I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. I disappoint myself enough throughout the year, so no need to start off on the wrong foot so early on. But I am a fan of taking time early in the year to take stock of priorities, look back on the previous year, and spiritually prepare myself both for Lent and the year that is to come. That’s why I always schedule my retreat during January. That, and because it’s the closest thing to hibernation in the winter I can get away with. Click title for full column.