Commentaries
A Mass confusion, or sign of unity amid difference?
Seeing a "Balkanization" of Masses in one parish, Greg Erlandson doesn't think we need a "My Mass is better than your Mass" argument, but instead a recognition of blessed diversity in the liturgy.
Who speaks for Charlie Gard?
Richard Doerflinger explains how American law best reflects Catholic teaching with regard to a British baby boy with a serious illness. The courts should let Charlie live in the embrace of his loving family.
Almsgiving isn’t just for Lent
Father Eugene Hemrick saw the wisdom as his mother gave away all of his deceased dad's tools. Sacrificing one's personal goods to help others is mercy par excellence and a road to joy.
Priests in Scotland and U.S. facing challenges on global scale
In a series of talks for archdiocesan priests at their recent convocation, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Scotland describes the difficulties of his country that are heading here. The American Church’s strengths uniquely enable it to influence the life of the Church.
Like a ‘compact city,’ Church needs priests working together
Archbishop Philip Tartaglia describes what true priestly fraternity looks like, and why priests helping one another to stay strong is important for the health of the church.
Holy priests are set apart, as the Church is from the culture
Archbishop Philip Tartaglia teaches that from the time of the Roman Empire to the present, people both run to and are repelled by the Church. The reason: “apartness” is part of Christianity. Celibate priests should best represent this dynamic.
The elderly are vital to the church’s mission
WIth their growing numbers, senior citizens are becoming the mainstay of parish life and ministry. Their faith, wisdom and experience are treasures to be embraced by younger generations.
What to do with your life? Consider three questions
Young people can become paralyzed by many options as they face a choice of vocation. Recent college grad Katie Daniels discerns through this framework: What gives you joy? Are you good at it? Does anyone need you to do it?
For Mom and kids at home, summer living is stressful
Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain offer some tips for a couple grappling with summertime's challenges. Mom and Dad have work to do, while children have a lot of time on their hands.
Dialogue and challenge mark historic gathering of bishops and laity
The recent Convocation of Catholic Leaders, which drew over 3,000 bishops, priests and laity, called participants to minister to the margins of society. As Greg Erlandson observes, the gathering also highlighted the important role of the U.S. bishops' conference itself.