Commentaries
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.
A church of ‘yes’ may emerge from a church of ‘no’
The church's current challenge of finding a way to deal with divorce -- a pastoral "yes" -- while adhering to consistent teaching on marriage -- a doctrinal "no" -- might be resolved with an attitude of love, writes columnist Steve Kent.
Loss of job, arrival of troubles, puts strain on a marriage
The dark clouds of difficulties in various forms hit every marriage, but Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain share some strategies for couples to cope with the hard times and grow closer.
The growing presence of the ‘just-in-time’ professor
Columnist Father William Byron says use of adjunct college professors as piecemeal workers points to a growing phenomena: cost-cutting, job insecurity and unionization on college campuses. Not all Catholic colleges support unionized professors, he writes.
Subsidiarity, solidarity and making tough decisions in Pa.
Contributor Amy Hill discusses two bedrock Catholic social teachings and how they can be applied to difficult issues such making health care for the poor in Pennsylvania a moral priority.
Obamacare’s HHS mandate: In a word, it’s discrimination
The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that the government cannot prefer one religious group over another. With the federal health care law's classifications of religion, government is choosing religious winners and losers -- a practice discredited by 1,600 years of Western history and forbidden in America as an establishment of religion.
As you like it: The good news of the Gospel told in today’s media
CatholicPhilly.com’s editor says the website's success in reaching Catholics in the Philadelphia region and beyond points to the challenges and vast opportunities for Catholic journalism in a rapidly changing culture.
A governor’s brave step against the death penalty
The state of Washington will not be executing anyone for at least three years under Gov. Jay Inslee. Although columnist Steve Kent and the state's bishops applaud the decision, Kent recognizes that strong emotions will keep the issue far from settled.
It is right to question ‘the way it’s always been done’
Columnist Erick Rommel poses a thought experiment that can help us discern bad patterns of thinking from the positive benefits of experience. But first, we must question the status quo.
A Jesuit brother’s tale of physical and spiritual brawn
Columnist Effie Caldarola introduces Brother Pat Douglas, a vocation promoter and the first Jesuit brother in the Midwest in 30 years. What's the difference between a brother and a priest? "Think of me as a bald, muscular nun," he said.