Commentaries
Young people: Tell the pope what you think
For the first time the Vatican is inviting direct public responses to prepare for a synod. The survey is directed at young people -- who have been offering their opinions online all their lives.
The wisdom of calling God our Father
Gender neutral language -- try Godself instead of himself -- is more about us and our sexual politics than about God, writes John Garvey. We must embrace the language of a child.
How an unknown lobbyist became a hero for life
Richard Doerflinger recounts four ways that Mark Gallagher, the late deacon and lobbyist who crafted the Hyde Amendment, helped save 2 million unborn lives. Washington needs more people like him.
The coming synod and the need to really listen to Hispanic youth
Hosffman Ospino hopes dioceses can see the results of a Vatican questionnaire to Hispanic youth. The church must rely not only on a survey but on going out to where young people are.
In a ‘dismal time,’ what is a Catholic voter to do?
It's easy to fight over politics, but it's harder to understand those with whom we disagree, writes Greg Erlandson. To do so, Catholics must find a way to express the entire ecology of Catholic moral teaching.
Praying for immigrants
Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez prays that Americans see themselves in the faces of new immigrants to the U.S. -- may we see in them our own desire for happiness and to be welcomed and loved.
A call to oppose the rise of rudeness
The climate of courtesy in the U.S. may have plunged, but Effie Caldarola believes we should make our lives speak of respect and mercy. We should "go high" even as other folks are "going low."
On Father’s Day, pray for flawed and deadbeat dads
Fathers receive almost no preparation for their crucial role in the family, and some fathers make the worst of mistakes. Carolyn Woo calls for empathy for imperfect fathers everywhere.
Are we (really) listening?
Although we retain less than a quarter of what we hear each day, there are skills to help us understand and engage better -- for important talks or even in prayer -- writes Maureen Pratt.
Young adults: The world needs your voice
Writer Patrick Laorden has noticed fewer young adults at Mass. And they are not engaged in ongoing social ministry. Where are they? The upcoming synod on youth will likely ask that same question.