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So today is Sunday, July 6, and this is William Michael, the headmaster of the classical liberal arts academy. One of the most frequent questions that I receive comes from adult men asking how they can obtain a classical education. They may be through their own formal studies. They may be established in their own career, married, starting a family. I’ve even had older men established in their careers in the latter half of their lives, wanting to get the education that they never had, and seeing it as a good opportunity later in life to do that. And so … Continue

I am often asked what I believe about the origin of the world, and how I reconcile that belief with the claims of modern science. I believe that the world was created by a God of infinite wisdom and power, not by a long process of incremental development, but instantaneously, in a single act of incomprehensible and miraculous power. Anything less would be inappropriate for a divine being of such greatness. This is not a belief formed in reaction to modern ideas, nor is it based on a simple or literal reading of the Book of Genesis. Rather, it is … Continue

As a Catholic mother of many children, I have often met women who feel discouraged when they hear others talk about early sleep training. Some are just learning about the idea when their babies are already three months old—or even seven or nine months. Others have fallen into rhythms entirely centered around the baby’s needs, rocking or nursing the child to sleep, and staying up long hours. These mothers want to change things, but they wonder: Is it too late? Can I start now, without harming my baby or disrupting my family more? This article is for those mothers. It … Continue

God Still Speaks: Reading the Bible with Catholic Eyes As a Protestant, I often made it my goal to read through the entire Bible in a year. I had a checklist in the back of my Bible and took it very seriously. I believed that God’s Word was a “lamp to light my feet” and the primary way God spoke to me. If I had questions about life or wanted to grow spiritually, I turned to Scripture. Now, as a Catholic, I understand even more deeply what the Bible truly is: not just a book of inspiration or guidance, but … Continue

It’s often assumed by Christians that there is little value in the study of pagan philosophy when we have works written by Christian authors.  As a Classicist, I have frequently been asked by parents why the kids are studying this pagan author rather than a saint or doctor of the Church. It’s a good question, but it’s only asked because modern Catholics haven’t studied the ancient philosophers.  If they did, they’d know the difference between Christian and pre-Christian teaching, and why pre-Christian teaching is so important. An exclusive Christian view ignores the fact that reason is a natural gift from … Continue

In the midst of a fast-paced and often secular world, Catholic adults are increasingly seeking ways to order their lives around prayer, reflection, and devotion. Yet building a meaningful and consistent devotional life can be daunting without guidance. The Classical Liberal Arts Academy offers a solution rooted in tradition, discipline, and faithfulness: a structured devotional program that centers on three core courses—Daily Scripture Reading, The Holy Rosary, and The Liturgy of the Hours. These courses are not merely educational but formational. They invite adults to enter into the rhythm of the Church’s spiritual life, cultivating habits that align the soul … Continue

The Invitatory Psalm is the traditional entrance into the Church’s daily liturgical prayer. It is prayed at the very beginning of the first Hour you recite each day—whether that is the Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, or, in some cases, Midmorning Prayer. Its purpose is to “invite” the soul to prayer and to awaken the heart to praise. In both monastic and lay practice, the Invitatory sets the tone for the day, proclaiming the greatness of God and calling the soul to listen to His voice. The most commonly used Invitatory Psalm is Psalm 95, though Psalms 100, 67, or … Continue

The hymns of the Liturgy of the Hours are an essential part of the Church’s daily prayer, offering a poetic and musical expression of the faith that sanctifies each part of the day. They serve not only to open each hour with praise but also to set the spiritual tone for prayer, drawing the heart into the mysteries of the liturgical season, the time of day, or the life of a saint being commemorated. Rooted in Scripture, tradition, and centuries of devotional poetry, these hymns carry forward the voice of the Church in song, uniting the faithful across the world … Continue

Night Prayer, also called Compline, is the final prayer of the day in the Liturgy of the Hours. It is meant to be prayed just before going to bed, as a way of entrusting the night and your soul to God’s care. It is the most personal and intimate of all the hours, marked by peace, stillness, and trust in divine protection. Whether prayed alone or with others, Night Prayer helps you close the day in the presence of God, with gratitude, examination, and rest. 1. Begin with a brief examination of conscience Before starting the actual prayers, take a … Continue

Evening Prayer, also called Vespers, is one of the two main “hinge hours” of the Liturgy of the Hours, the other being Morning Prayer. It is prayed in the late afternoon or evening, often as the day is ending and the work is coming to a close. Its purpose is to give thanks to God for all that has taken place throughout the day and to entrust the evening and the coming night to His care. It is a time of quiet reflection and renewed hope, filled with praise, Scripture, and intercession. Evening Prayer is prayed daily, but it also … Continue