Mark Redmond

A skiing trip provides a lesson about creating memories. And that lesson has nothing to do with gloves or skiing.

Soul Seeing: God brings certain people into our lives, at certain times, for a purpose. According to St. Augustine, "You are to pay special regard to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you."

Commentary: As part of a committee Bishop Christopher Coyne of Burlington, Vermont, formed to establish a list of the credibly accused priests of his diocese, I know our work mattered.

Soul Seeing: As the director of a nonprofit organization in Burlington, Vermont, that helps homeless and at-risk teenagers, one of my principal duties is fundraising. This is what happened on one "Free Burrito Day."

Soul Seeing: Years ago, the Catholic Guardian Society purchased a home in my Brooklyn neighborhood with a plan to convert it to a residence for adults with developmental disabilities. My neighbors were determined to block it.

Soul Seeing: "What's credit?" Those words have crossed my mind many times in the ensuing decades, whenever I am tempted to seek recognition for something, whenever I feel jealousy over an award or accomplishment earned by a peer, or when I feel resentment.

Soul Seeing: Several years ago, a 19-year-old young man named Jackson showed up at our drop-in center for a hot meal. When we found out he was living in a car, we invited him into our shelter.