These are some of the people who have influenced my Christian faith. More to come.

 

Alice Camille

Alice Camille is an author, religious educator, and parish retreat leader. Her book “God’s Word is Alive!” contains reflections on all three lectionary readings (the first, second, and Gospel) for Sundays and holy days — years A, B, and C. She follows these with “questions for reflection,” one for each reading, and concludes with an “action response” to help readers live their faith.

John Catoir

John Catoir is a Catholic priest devoted to spreading the Gospel by the use of mass communication. He was executive director of The Christophers from 1978-1995, hosting “Christopher Closeup,” an interview show, and recording “Christopher Minutes,” sixty-second radio ads promoting The Christophers’ message of hope (“It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”). In 1995 he founded St. Jude Media Ministry to provide an “uplifting message of joy to those most in need through all forms of media.”

John Powell

John Powell was a Jesuit priest and teacher who became well known as a speaker and best-selling author of books such as, “Why Am I Afraid To Tell You Who I Am?” With many college degrees to his credit, Fr. Powell “brought together psychology and religion in a unified approach to personal growth and spiritual development,” according to one of his publishers. Growing up, I remember seeing copies of his books on my parents’ bookshelves, and the Jesuit retreats I went on included the playing of his tapes during meals. I have since read Fr. Powell’s books and listened to his recordings, both on tape and on the radio. His lessons have inspired me to try to be a better person. I was surprised and saddened to learn he has been accused of sexually abusing young women in the 1960s and 1970s, according to Bishop-Accountability.org, a database of publicly accused priests in the United States. Fr. Powell died in 2009 at the age of 84.