Commentaries
Parishioners’ snide comments hurt parents of big family
In their Marriage Matters column, Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain discuss church teaching on planning the size of one's family.
When trust is broken, fixing it is a tall order
The Ashley Madison website leak exposed not only a sordid practice, but the underlying problem of breaking trust. Columnist Karen Osborne has felt the hurt of betrayal first-hand.
A lesson in grace from Jimmy Carter
Father William Byron reflects on the 39th president's diagnosis of cancer and his promise to be "at ease with whatever comes." That is a simple way of entrusting oneself to the Lord. That is faith, not fatalism.
For Philadelphia, a reluctant shining hour
Seminarian Eric Banecker knows the city of his birth has an inferiority complex. Despite the whining he hears, in the end, thousands of people will enjoy the papal events in the shadow of the Rocky steps.
Read this standing up, you may live longer
Columnist Maureen Pratt cites a study tying prolonged sitting to higher risk of heart disease. She offers 6 tips for getting things done while getting off that chair.
Teen lesson 1: Don’t make Mom worry
Lost on a drive with friends one night, columnist Erick Rommel learned some lessons for life on the road from childhood to adulthood.
Philadelphia, get ready for a new chapter in papal teaching on marriage
Jesuit Father William Byron believes that if you want to know what the Synod of Bishops on the family will discuss in October, listen to what Pope Francis says about family life here next month.
Make plans to meet your goals, not excuses, excuses
Karen Osborne's young niece wanted to see her favorite band in concert. Rather than complain about the high cost she worked hard, planned ahead and now is on her way.
Abortion explanations won’t work anymore
The logic that abortion is about women's reproductive and health care rights has led to the dark place of selling the organs of aborted babies. We must treat all people, unborn and not, as sacred.
Do you aspire to God or the idol of consumerism?
The term "aspirational crimes" got Carolyn Woo thinking about what we want, and whether that leads to God or to idols. We must choose which master we will serve.