Commentaries
A little boy meets a pastor, then the trolls come out
When Pope Francis comforted a boy asking whether his dead father is in heaven, some were moved to tears and others to jibes. Greg Erlandson wonders about some of our pew mates, and everyone's call to joy.
What the loss of plant species should be telling us
With Earth Day coming up April 22, Maureen Pratt thinks about plant extinctions and maintaining a balance in the ecosystem, and in our appreciation for the God of all creation.
For Earth Day 2018 and beyond, say no to plastic bags
Discarded plastic items such as shopping bags are choking waterways and marine life, writes Effie Caldarola. By taking a few simple steps, we can collectively reduce this waste and preserve our God-given environment.
A conversation about ‘Humanae Vitae’ may finally be possible
Released during the throes of the sexual revolution, the papal encyclical fell on seemingly deaf ears. Fifty years later, its predictions have proven that the world may now be ready to listen, writes Charlie Camosy.
Pope Francis spells out three steps to joy
With the release of "Gaudete et Exsultate," the pontiff continues to emphasize the essential connection between holiness and true happiness, writes Father Geoffrey Brooke. Both are encountered in the ordinary experiences of daily life.
Uncut diamonds: Forming priests in today’s ‘change of age’
Seminary rector and Allentown Diocese priest, Msgr. Andrew Baker, writes of how seminarians are learning how to share a relationship with Christ and his church joyfully with others as disciples, not simply shepherds.
Mom and Dad differ on styles of prayer for kids
Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain discuss how a family with a strong foundation in Catholic faith can enrich the prayer life of their children who don't attend Catholic school.
Speaking personally with media is risky for the pope, but worth it
When a reporter got "creative" with Pope Francis' comments about hell, all you-know-what broke loose. Father Thomas Dailey explains that even though it makes him vulnerable, the pope prefers personal dialogue as the best way to communicate today.
Much is given, and much is required
Catholics have been entrusted with so many spiritual gifts, writes Effie Caldarola. We should support and challenge each other to live out radically the calling of these great gifts and mysteries.
Pro-life 2.0: A ‘moral consistency’ for all of today’s issues, above politics
Greg Erlandson senses a growing recognition that being pro-life means caring for more than just the defenseless unborn, because the defenseless born aren't doing too well either. High rates of murder and suicide should be on pro-lifers' agenda.