Public libraries have been a staple of communities for generations, serving as a place for individuals to access knowledge, literature, and resources they may not have had access to otherwise. However, with the rapid rise of technology, public libraries have become much more than a simple repository of books. In many small communities, public libraries … Read more
Structures of Grace: The Business Practices of the Economy of Communion by John Gallagher My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have long been interested in a business model based on The Golden Rule. This book presents a case study approach to ten such businesses who are members of the Economy of Communion which is … Read more
Jesus Freak: Feeding Healing Raising the Dead by Sara Miles My rating: 5 of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down. It’s an incredibly well written book. I read her first book and was familiar with her. I also volunteer in a soup kitchen and a food pantry and have lived some of the same journey … Read more
A few months back I purchased some surplus iPads from a local school district. I had intended to use them in an after-school program where I am a volunteer. When I discovered that I didn’t need them because we already had enough computers I laid them off to the side. A little over a month … Read more
I’m walking to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Olean, New York next month. Suicide has touched the lives of many. Perhaps someone you know has struggled with depression. I’m walking because my life has been touched by members of our community who have been affected. Please help us to raise awareness and … Read more
Thank you Pope Francis for the words of your exhortation, Evangelli Gaudium. You have spoken powerfully. In his own way this pope has touched the lives of millions of people around the world who have been praying for a prophetic voice. When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was selected as the successor to St. Peter few people realized the … Read more
This is a great concept and my son Devin actually did this for total strangers last spring at a fast food enterprise. It makes me proud to be his father but more importantly to consider how I can contribute to others. Imagine how you can pay it forward for someone else. A Gift Economy at … Read more
Chade-Meng Tan’s talk gave renewed hope to an idea I had for a model economic development and empowerment for youth that promotes the greater good. Last summer I participated in a course at St. Bonaventure University’s Franciscan Institute. It was called, “Retrieving a Franciscan Philosophy for Social Engagement.” As part of the course I was … Read more
I first became acquainted with open source software in the mid-1990s. My brother James asked me if I had heard of Linux. I had not heard of it up until that time. A few weeks later I bought Red Hat 5.0 at the nearby Staples. Now, the open source model applies to more than software, … Read more
Earlier today I was reading Joan Chittister’s book, “Becoming Fully Human.” It’s a great read and filled with bite sized quotes from Sr. Joan and others. One of those morsels resonated with me. The purpose of life is to let God work through us to make the world a better place for every living creature. … Read more
