Commentaries
End the stalemate on immigration reform
Columnist Steve Kent uses the story of a desert town running out of water -- everyone has acknowledged the problem and the solutions for decades but can't come to an agreement -- as a parallel to inaction over federal immigration reform.
Making the choice for joy, despite life’s ups and downs
A woman wrote columnist Father John Catoir about his column on joy. She hadn't been feeling joyful. After reading his column and a book by Thomas Merton, and despite loneliness and emotional pain, she decided to be a happy, joyful person anyway.
Balance of power in government is eroding
Columnist John Garvey cites examples of the executive branch acting without legislative consent or ignoring a statutory command. When that happens we run the risk of arbitrary rule and of losing government by the people.
‘When in Rome …’ you go to church
Our correspondent in Rome is helping with the visit of the Philadelphia delegation – including Archbishop Chaput, Governor Corbett and Mayor Nutter -- to officials planning the 2015 World Meeting of Families. She discovers the job is not just work, it’s a spiritual pilgrimage.
The downsides to an easier SAT
The new SAT will have no penalty for a wrong answer, no "difficult" vocabulary words, no essay writing -- and no challenge to thinking, writes columnist Steve Kent. He questions the drive to lower the bar, de-emphasize thinking and abandon perfectly good words.
The Catholic parish in the 21st century
Jesuit Father William Byron reflects on the 10th anniversary of Villanova University's Center for Church Management and Business Ethics, and a seminar on parish life for the occasion. Considering how parishes can revitalize, he cautions that without deeper understanding of the Eucharist, we could wind up with mega-parishes and malnourished parishioners.
A must-see film for the Lenten season
Columnist Effie Caldarola recommends the film "Tokimane," which was filmed in Congo. The title is an expression used often by the people there, meaning, "We must hold each other." It's a thought that should inspire us all during Lent.
The mind of God behind the beauty of nature
Columnist Father Eugene Hemrick has faced the same gray winter weather as the rest of us. But now he faces a springtime, at least in his area's botanical garden, that is literally breathtaking.
Now’s the time to plan for retirement, not just financially
People hope for retirement but when it comes, many are unprepared physically, emotionally and even for a possible change in their relationship with their spouse, writes columnist Maureen Pratt.
Surprise — federal money isn’t fixing marriage
Everyone recognizes strong marriages are good for society, so the federal government spends about $60 million, or $11,000 per couple, in a marriage program. But it doesn't work, Catholic University of America president John Garvey writes.