Faith & Life
The Pivot to the Real
I send at least one handwritten note every week. It's slow. It's inefficient. It can't be scaled. And it lands differently than anything digital ever will
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.
Faith & Life
The Seeds That Form Us
I've been thinking a lot lately about the little moments that shape who we become. It started with a conversation in the car. My son asked me something from his Civics class about speeding tickets
Faith & Life
Drop Your Nets: The Invitations We Almost Miss
In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee and calls out to Simon and Andrew: "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." And then this line that stops me every time: At once they left their nets and followed him.
Faith & Life
Mid-Race Reflections
Eighteen months ago, I couldn't run a mile. Not “couldn’t” in the sense of some physical limitation - I just couldn't in the truest sense of the word. I was 46, mildly sedentary, and had never been a runner. When my son Andrew looked at me one day and asked if I'd start running with him to improve both of our health, I had a choice to make.
Faith & Life
The Servant's Mission
January 06, 2026 | Read Online The Servant's Mission This is a sample of a blog that will be shared weekly with those signed up at Emmaus Disciples. I’ll be…
Faith & Life
Fathers, be Fathers!
December 24, 2025 | Read Online Fathers, be Fathers! Fatherhood and the rise and fall of families, parishes, and societies Images of Saint Joseph have perva…
Faith & Life
Water
December 17, 2025 | Read Online Water An unexpected realization of our dependence on reliable water Drinking… washing dishes… washing hands… These are just …
Faith & Life
Water Well for the University of St. Joseph Mbarara
December 16, 2025 | Read Online Water Well for the University of St. Joseph Mbarara Can you help us provide reliable running water for the University of St.…
Faith & Life
In My Ears
December 10, 2025 | Read Online In My Ears A roundup of the media I find interesting & helpful Once every year or so, I find it helpful to share a list …
Faith & Life
Basking in the Warmth
December 01, 2025 | Read Online Basking in the Warmth Our dogs in front of the fire, and us at Adoration I guess I’m not ashamed to compare myself with our …
Faith & Life
Christ the King
November 24, 2025 | Read Online Christ the King A reflection on my favorite feast - and time - of the year As far back as I can remember - at least to my re…
Faith & Life
Remember, Christian Soul...
November 19, 2025 | Read Online Wednesdays @ LunchReflections for your Wednesday lunch timewith Deacon Michael Halbrook “The Last Battle”, from BARITUS Cath…