Commentaries

When the price of great expectations is too high

Eric Rommel recalls a bright and promising friend from college who, unbeknownst to his friends, starting using drugs to deal with pressure, until his death by overdose.

Religious freedom laws as safeguard in Indiana, and elsewhere

An editorial argues that religious freedom restoration laws go beyond the one issue of same-sex marriage. Catholics should speak up to defend freedom of conscience.

Honey, I’d like to be a deacon

Permanent Deacon Paul McBlain and his wife Helen have advice for a man discerning his vocation to the diaconate, and his wife’s misgivings: Pray, discuss and pray!

School-choice tax credits have proven ROI

Amy Hill notes the solid track record of Pa.'s EITC and OSTC education scholarships. They're investments that deserve the increase state legislators are seeking.

Stations of the Cross: An ancient devotion that lives anew

Did you know the stations were once prayed in reverse? Father Gus Puleo reviews the devotion's history and its annual live reenactment in his parish.

As with spring, Christ’s light shines through our winter

Columnist Effie Caldarola see the emerging signs of life and light illuminating her spiritual darkness, and dispelling it.

The seedlings of spring bear lessons for life

Maureen Pratt has her seedlings off to a good start. Their growth has her thinking of how all good things grow, and how weeds also can arise.

How to lighten up without acting like a child

Erick Rommell knows the difference between a child's cuteness and an adult's creepiness. But to stay youthful, it's important to balance sober maturity with childlike joy.

By the fire pit, recalling love via the prodigal son

Effie Caldarola hopes her children would always welcome each other in love and mercy, no questions asked, in imitation of the parable of the prodigal son.

An idea: Get the poor to where the jobs are

Jesuit Father William Byron thinks a public-private partnership to offer free transportation for able-bodied workers to ready job sites could ease poverty in Philadelphia and other cities.