Commentaries
Amtrak derailment offers a lesson on gratitude and greed
Soon after the dust from the train accident settled, law firms were ready to get big cash settlements. Father Eugene Hemrick hopes to put the obsession with money into perspective.
When Mom comes between husband and wife, it’s time to talk
In their Marriage Matters column, Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain discuss what to do when a wife’s close relationship with her mother creates friction in the marriage.
Pop stars can teach teens about teamwork
Stars like Beyonce and Madonna are so big they use only one name. But hordes of talented people are supporting them, and Karen Osborne sees a life lesson in that.
What is that graduation speech really saying?
Father William Byron notices how commencement speeches presume that the good life is more a matter of having than being, of achieving rather than relating.
In gratitude for creation — and bird droppings
What happens when bird feeders proliferate in the neighborhood? Effie Caldarola thanks God for the beauty of creation, while her husband cleans up the inevitable end result.
Lamentations for the Christians of the Middle East
Columnist John Garvey thinks the ancient Israelites would recognize the plight of today's Christians in the Middle East, who are persecuted by a resurgent Islamic militancy.
Finance councils: Serving the parish as stewards
Finance council members are "essential to the vitality of the parish," and 114 such individuals attended a recent workshop to hone their skills.
In Baltimore, a lesson in blame
Columnist Carole Norris Greene distinguishes the thugs from peaceable Baltimore residents, and acknowledges some bad cops among good police officers.
While hoping for Romero’s sainthood, learn from his life
Father Gus Puleo reviews the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero before his beatification May 23, the lessons of his martyrdom and the power of the living Word of God.
Four words that can make a difference
"I made a mistake." If we all used those words more often, the world might be a happier place, says writer Erick Rommel.