Meditations
What’s the Problem?
April 21, 2025
By Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S.
You can’t fix a relationship or a behavior like a mechanic fixes a car or a surgeon “fixes” a patient. Behaviors and relationships don’t have parts that can be fixed or replaced when the break or malfunction.
I’ve Got It! (And You Don’t!)
March 24, 2025
An Assembling God’s Puzzle video
By Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S.
Human beings have a lot of problems getting along with each other, and there are no simple solutions, magic formulas or magic bullets that instantly dissolve disagreements. But there are things we can practice to smooth the path to living and working together.
Help! Save me!
February 19, 2025
By Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S.
What is the best approach to helping out someone in need? Most often, a team approach is needed. The helper and the “helpee” together look at options available and togther settle on what might actually be helpful. The old saying still holds here, “Two heads are better than one.”
Step by Step, Piece by Piece
January 24, 2025
By Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S.
As a counselor I often find myself disappointing people by telling them there are no easy answers to ridding themselves of whatever is causing them pain, that there are no “quick fixes” to their problems. Deep down inside, everybody knows this.
We know we should cultivate silence in our lives. Why don’t we?
January 1, 2025
Scripture, science and experience tell us that we all should cultivate silence in our lives. If we know this, why do we resist it? If you want “to learn to better wait in silence,” a silent, directed retreat might be what you’re looking for.
Decisions, Decisions
December 23, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S.
When you’re torn between options, how do you what is the right choice? There are no fool-proof way to know, but tapping into all of our wisdom centers — the head, the heart and the gut —is our best shot at making the best (and most loving) decision possible.
The Art of Invitation
November 24, 2024
An Assembling God’s Puzzle video
By Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S.
Using threats, shame and guilt to gain another’s cooperation is expedient but ineffective over the long-run. On the other hand, inviting someone to join us in a common work or goal, respects the other, is more constructive and more often results in substantive and long-lasting change.
Take a Risk or Play it Safe? A Conundrum
October 5, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
If we are alive, we will experience hurt, pain, and suffering. Hurt is a very powerful piece of the puzzle of our lives, and if given the chance, it can rule our lives. So, it is crucial to figure out how to deal with hurt effectively so we avoid being controlled by it.
The Necessities for Life
September 7, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
Just like houseplants have certain necessities — the right temperature, water, nutrients and sunshine — without which they can’t live and thrive. People too have a few necessities to live full and meaningful lives.
Change: It’s worth the effort
August 5, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
Sometimes change is as simple as pushing a button or asking someone to do something different, and first order change works. But it is good to recognize when more is needed, and step up to the challenge of second order change. It is harder, but is usually worth the work.