Commentaries
Recovering intimacy in a lonely world
As sex, love and marriage are in worldwide decline, the church can offer a genuinely positive vision of God's gifts of procreation and relational bonding, writes Greg Erlandson.
New Year’s resolutions for a scandalized church
The next 12 months shouldn't be "business as usual" for Catholics, says an editorial. Instead, the church must create a culture that is responsive, transparent and accountable.
A last-minute Christmas book list
Take a stand against the electronification of everything, and give (real) books this Christmas. George Weigel recommends eight titles that promise to illuminate, and lighten up, Catholic readers.
What’s so holy about the Catholic Church?
John Garvey is stumbling over the creed's reference to the "holy church," which doesn't seem holy these days. It is the union with Jesus that makes the church holy. Our membership has little to do with it.
Becoming a mom means losing control — and that’s OK
Once Stephanie Clary gave up trying to control her fertility, the Spirit taught her to embrace each moment as it is, not as she wants it to be. That surrender strengthened her in the hard work of motherhood.
A new St. Nicholas for our poverty of attention
While hanging stockings with care, Brett Robinson realized his fireplace isn't used for warmth, cooking or storytelling. Homes are now fragmented centers of furious activity. We need a divine babe to give us a sense of communal joy.
It’s cold outside, and inside a church decimated by secular forces
As secular groups fight over the "holiday season," Catholics are waging a battle for the souls of their own brothers and sisters who have walked away, writes Father Eric Banecker. The church needs hearts renewed by Christ's love.
A 4-year-old’s imagination at the creche can teach adults
Playing with the figurines of the manger scene stirs a child in the ways of Ignatian contemplation, writes Effie Caldarola. We can all find quiet time to enter imaginatively into any scene from Jesus’ life.
Humanity is our business
In "A Christmas Carol," the ghost of Jacob Marley and three spirits convinced that "covetous old sinner" Ebenezer Scrooge to make charity his business. May we also love our neighbors, especially those who suffer.
What are you giving for Christmas?
In the 19th century, the Little Sisters of the Poor served in a society that discouraged giving to beggars. Today, Sister Constance Veit suggests a poor person deserves a look of love and the gift of humanity, at least.