Commentaries
Catholic campus ministry drawing souls to Christ at Penn-Drexel
The team directors for FOCUS at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are part of an expansion of ministry in University City, helping students grow in their faith and share the Gospel.
A simple formula to ‘do’ Advent well: Jesus, others, you
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Sister Laura Downing, but she knows one can wake up on Christmas morning feeling the season's busy-ness has overshadowed Advent. She offers a way to live Advent intentionally.
Advent as an invitation to practice hospitality
"Las posadas," a December tradition among Latino American Catholics, reminds us that we wait for Christ by welcoming him in the most vulnerable, writes Hosffman Ospino.
The unimportance of practically everything
Although we're easily distracted by our digital devices, we can choose how we use them, writes Father Thomas Dailey. Through discernment, we can prioritize what really matters in our lives.
The bomb and the pill: Snuffing out life in the name of security
Attempts to circumvent nature or reprogram it are ultimately dehumanizing, writes Brett Robinson. In our desire for a risk-free existence, we end up sacrificing our freedom and humanity. Our higher calling to morality is the true source of security.
‘Home for Christmas’ can come with a helping of Catholic guilt
Christmas is a wonderful time, but it’s stressful. We want time for reflection while the culture pulls us the other direction entirely. Effie Caldarola knows it's a time to sing, with Bing, "you can count on me."
Stop the competition: In the Body of Christ, we’re all in this together
While doing the dishes, moms can get in a funk comparing themselves to other people doing "amazing things." But Jessica Carney knows where to find support. We're not in a race, we're in a church.
Don’t diss the comics, they’re a source of inspiration
Characters created by the late Stan Lee, as shown in recent comic book movies, have given very positive messages about the human spirit -- despite the comments of some comedians, writes Richard Doerflinger.
As parish numbers plummet, fall in love with Jesus, again
In a time of decline in Mass attendance, Gina Christian explores what it means to be church: Are we about having more bodies in the pews, or in building a true body of Christ? Are we running the numbers like a business, or running back to Jesus?
Giving thanks for Thanksgiving
A painful root canal recently inspired Greg Erlandson to reflect on his many blessings. Such gratitude is needed more than ever in a time of fear, hostility and scandal.