Commentaries
What’s so holy about the Catholic Church?
John Garvey is stumbling over the creed's reference to the "holy church," which doesn't seem holy these days. It is the union with Jesus that makes the church holy. Our membership has little to do with it.
Becoming a mom means losing control — and that’s OK
Once Stephanie Clary gave up trying to control her fertility, the Spirit taught her to embrace each moment as it is, not as she wants it to be. That surrender strengthened her in the hard work of motherhood.
A new St. Nicholas for our poverty of attention
While hanging stockings with care, Brett Robinson realized his fireplace isn't used for warmth, cooking or storytelling. Homes are now fragmented centers of furious activity. We need a divine babe to give us a sense of communal joy.
It’s cold outside, and inside a church decimated by secular forces
As secular groups fight over the "holiday season," Catholics are waging a battle for the souls of their own brothers and sisters who have walked away, writes Father Eric Banecker. The church needs hearts renewed by Christ's love.
A 4-year-old’s imagination at the creche can teach adults
Playing with the figurines of the manger scene stirs a child in the ways of Ignatian contemplation, writes Effie Caldarola. We can all find quiet time to enter imaginatively into any scene from Jesus’ life.
Humanity is our business
In "A Christmas Carol," the ghost of Jacob Marley and three spirits convinced that "covetous old sinner" Ebenezer Scrooge to make charity his business. May we also love our neighbors, especially those who suffer.
What are you giving for Christmas?
In the 19th century, the Little Sisters of the Poor served in a society that discouraged giving to beggars. Today, Sister Constance Veit suggests a poor person deserves a look of love and the gift of humanity, at least.
Avoiding another Roman fiasco in February
Columnist George Weigel sees disturbing signs that Those Who Just Don’t Get It are still not getting it, so he flags five pitfalls the February meeting on responses to the sexual abuse crisis should avoid.
Good news for crowded churches
The "Christmas-Easter Catholics" are coming Dec. 24 and 25, taking regular churchgoers' parking spots and usual pews. It's a good problem to have, writes Laura Kelly Fanucci, who suggests we slide over and welcome the stranger.
The Vatican and US bishops: It’s deja vu all over again
After a surprise derailment by the Vatican of a long-awaited vote of the U.S. bishops, tempers in the church were frayed. That was in 1988, recalls Greg Erlandson. The lessons of 30 years ago are instructive today.