Opinion
Giving makes a difference
By Edward J. Lis Giving gifts has become almost synonymous with Christmas in our culture. Among all the gifts given and received this time of year, there are always some that stand out as special gifts that really make a difference in the lives of others. Food for thoughtHarry G. Ochs Jr. was an icon […]
With wonder and awe
Do you believe in the nativity story depicted in nativity crèches? Those placed in most Catholic homes include rich kings, poor shepherds, animals of various kinds and recently, a new cast of townspeople bearing biblical names. Of course, they all complement the central characters, the holy family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Over the rustic structure […]
‘War on Christmas’ part of our dark times
By Msgr. Francis Carbine I recently attended a lovely concert in Northeast Philadelphia. For one hour, the audience was treated to carols such as “Joy to the World” and “Little Drummer Boy.” However, also featured were “Frosty the Snowman” and “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” We heard a bit of the best of […]
Mary’s protection extends past borders and cultures
Thousands of young families packed area Catholic churches praising God, honoring our Blessed Mother Mary and sharing the body of Christ in Communion. The occasion for this outpouring of devotion was the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe held last weekend in churches throughout the Archdiocese, from Pottstown to Philadelphia and Avondale to Bensalem. But […]
Toy story: A case of entitlement
By Father Leonard Peterson Entitlement. It’s a word that wanders in and out of meanings like the path of a brook; in that it is akin to the word “gay,” which has wandered quite far from its seasonal meaning in the Christmas carol describing holiday clothing. At one point, entitlement traveled with royalty, describing their […]
Marriage pays off when money is tight
Instead of buying and bickering, it seems married couples are facing hard economic times by drawing closer to each other. That’s the conclusion of one researcher who cites a slight dip in the spanorce rate since the economy plummeted last year. In the report “Marriage in America: The State of Our Unions 2009,” (online at […]
St. Ambrose speaks to a congressman
By Father Stephen Perzan Sometime back in the fourth century, when Catholic-Christianity was being established as the official religion of the Roman Empire, a great and horrible tragedy occurred. Christians, who had been so much under the sword of persecution, began to pressure for the outlawing of pagan practices, and with the help of the […]
Unsung heroes
Church sacristans open the doors early every morning, sometimes before the priest. They set out the liturgical vestments and vessels. They keep the church tidy and secure. Often they’re anonymous even to fellow parishioners. Talk about unsung heroes. The CS&T would like to talk about them. Do you know of a sacristan or sexton whose […]
Seminary relies on support from you
Three Catholic dioceses in the New York City vicinity this week announced they are considering a possible merger for their seminaries. The Archdiocese of New York and the dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Center (Long Island) each have a diocesan seminary. Discussions among them have only begun, but they might prompt Catholics in this area […]
Fertile soil for pro-life health care advocacy
In a parable, Jesus tells us that when seed falls on rich soil, it produces fruit, a hundred, or sixty, or thirty fold (cf. Matt. 13:8). The seeds, of course, are those who hear the word of God, understand it and act in response. Fertile soil and growing seeds are fitting images for the current […]