Commentaries

Think about what you’re thinking about

Our thoughts have the power to shape our actions and our character. By examining our thought life more closely, we can better discern our God-given destiny, writes Father Eugene Hemrick.

In praise of millennials

The recent violence in Charlottesville has led some to lose faith in millennials, a number of whom supported the white supremacist movement. Yet others in the millennial generation build unity through their compassionate service, as Greg Erlandson writes.

‘Am I Mexican?’ — 6-year-old’s view of race spurs a timely talk

This is a time for all Catholics, starting with our bishops, schools and parishes, to lead frank conversations about race and racism for the sake of a healthy society, our faith communities and our children, writes Hosffman Ospino.

Don’t wait for the young adult group to get involved in your parish

Younger Catholics seek fellowship not only with each other, but with all ages in the faith. Zac Davis believes that the church can meet this need for community by inviting them to participate fully in parish life.

Shall we manufacture our children?

Genetic engineering has accelerated rapidly, creating at least three new moral dilemmas. Bioethicists must work quickly to address the costs of creating humans artificially, writes Richard Doerflinger.

Charlottesville: The antidote is in the venom

Where fighting in a city park broke out, people now are going to reflect, pray and sing songs of hope, writes Carole Norris Greene. Those suffering from the injection of evil into their midst are standing up to it with righteous indignation.

Cheers to the folks who fix things, and to solid career options

Maureen Pratt's need of a home repair made her appreciate how valuable construction and repair trades are in life, and the great value of the men and women employed in them.

Overdose takes another young life, but we persevere in prayer

Greg Erlandson prayed for his friend's daughter for years during her addiction, and he will continue praying at her funeral liturgy. The hopes of friends and family remain in the Lord, who will not abandon them.

We’re living in a digital age, and future priests must be formed in it

Writing his first column for CatholicPhilly.com, Oblate Father Thomas Dailey explains how seminarians in priestly formation must learn balance, not by turning off their devices but by encountering people online and offline.

Teens around the globe seek peace at Jerusalem summit

At an international gathering in Israel, youth from different backgrounds worked to build a culture of encounter and peace.