Archbishop Chaput's column
Ten ways to deepen our relationship with God
We can’t be passive partners in our relationship with God, writes Archbishop Charles Chaput in his weekly column. We need to pursue God as we would the persons we love. Here a few steps that can help us draw closer to Him.
Series 2014: Feeding the adult Catholic mind and soul
National Catholic Schools Week this year runs from January 26 through February 1. The Church treasures the work of education because in developing the mind, the human person grows – or should grow -- in his or her ability to understand the world, to know truth, to seek God and to serve others.
Homily for Mass before March for Life
In the homily for a Mass in Washington Jan. 22, Archbishop Charles Chaput wrote, "people who march and lobby and speak out to defend the unborn child will be – and are – reviled by leaders and media and abortion activists that turn the right to kill an unborn child into a shrine to personal choice." See the full text of the homily.
Roe v. Wade and Christian witness,
41 years later
Archbishop Charles Chaput writes in his weekly column that the “March for Life” this January, like every January over the past several decades, reminds the nation that killing an unborn child is never a private matter. Abortion is a uniquely intimate form of violence – but violence with bitter public consequences.
National Migration Week and the goal of immigration reform, 2014
In his weekly column Archbishop Chaput prays that Congress will adopt a comprehensive immigration reform package this year. Reform should provide a path to permanent citizenship for the undocumented already here, and create avenues for future workers and their families to enter the country legally.
The World Day of Peace, 2014
In these days of the Christmas season, writes Archbishop Charles Chaput, this is a good moment to commit ourselves to living more modestly and giving ourselves and our resources to others more generously. If we want peace, the road to that destination begins in our own actions.
The birthday of life and an uprising against sorrow
Two of the recurring themes for “the holidays” each December are joy and peace, writes Archbishop Charles Chaput in his weekly column. But beset by so much frantic marketing and pressures, many Americans can’t remember why they should feel happy. Warm feelings need a better reason than the winter solstice.
‘Rejoice in the Lord always’
For anyone who seeks out the real meaning of the holidays, the last few days before Christmas are the most powerful period of Advent and an intensely beautiful time of year, writes Archbishop Charles Chaput in his weekly column. During these final Advent days, the Church gives us a last opportunity to settle our spirits, quiet our worries and refocus our hearts on the One who should anchor our lives.
A listening heart and ‘The Joy of the Gospel’
Archbishop Charles Chaput writes in his weekly column that the joy we seek at Christmas and throughout the year can’t be had from things. It comes from the experience of love we share with God and other people. “The Joy of the Gospel,” the first major text written by Pope Francis, distills and expresses that simple truth with uncommon beauty. Read it. Pray over it. Then make it a part of your life.
The gift of Thanksgiving and the Advent season
Thanksgiving is a good time to step back from the pressures of work, reflect on the course of our lives and remember that gratitude is the beginning of joy. This weekend, on December 1, we also celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, which opens the new Church year. It’s a chance to begin again, and look for the coming of our Savior.