Opinion
Build respect for God’s children this month
The Spanish word for “smile,” sonrisa, sounds like a good if not literal description of the word: every smile is like a “sunrise.” Nothing says newness and openness to joy like the light of dawn or a child’s smile. It’s no wonder that the theme of this year’s Respect Life Month in the Church uses […]
Critical health reform questions
By A. B. Hill As the health care reform debate continues many people are asking provocative questions. They should. Health care reform deserves an in-depth, open-minded and civil discussion of all points of view. Two questions Catholics might consider: Why should we worry about health care? Why should we remain vigilant in preserving policies against […]
Prayer before hot air? Facing climate change
Imagine sitting in a crowded theater as someone shouts, “Fire!” Most people would consider it urgent enough at least to turn from their seat and see the commotion for themselves. Others would bolt from their seats and head immediately for the door. Would you be the one who could not be bothered by a hysterical […]
A cure for the anger of our times
By Msgr. Francis X. Meehan Recently, a friend wrote to me about how there seems to be so much anger in the atmosphere today. He holds a position very much in the public eye. “Never,” he remarked, “in all my years have I received e-mails and phone calls with such a consistent tone of anger […]
Thanks for words; we wait for deeds
You might have heard the saying that one should “take a man at his word.” Indeed, a woman, too. President Obama last week offered words in his speech to Congress that many have been waiting to hear: “Under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain […]
Standing on the shoulders, embracing the future
Guest ColumnistFather Stephen D. Thorne This past year I was blessed to offer the homily at the funeral Masses of two prominent African-American Catholics – Msgr. Albert Norrell and Sir Knight William Collins. Both men are legends in this Archdiocese, and their lives were powerful witnesses of deep love for Christ and His Church. I […]
Taking stock of a life’s work
Labor Day’s lateness played havoc with scheduling, but finally, Catholic, private and public schools are all back in session this week. Young students are looking no further ahead than this semester. Students in 11th and 12th grades, however, are beginning to look at their lives after high school. Many seniors spent their summer visiting college […]
Religious like leaven in dough
Faith in ActionBy Edward J. Lis Congregations of consecrated religious men and women founded and staffed many of the institutions and programs that comprise Catholic Social Services. While their numbers have diminished significantly over the years, we are blessed to have more than 40 consecrated religious men and women serving in Catholic Social Services today. […]
The best things in life
Guest ColumnistFather Leonard Peterson Despite the possible joke in his name, Phil Tripp is a travel writer. A thoughtful quotation from one of his articles is: “Identify the hidden rewards that make you and others do what they do.” Most of the time, we priests don’t search out rewards, but they do come into our […]
Priests, bishops need prayers of the faithful
Local events celebrating the Year of the Priest in the Church begin ramping up this month and continue through next June. They’re a way to focus attention on priests, their growth in holiness which aids the holiness of all, and the need to support priests. That need became crystal clear this week with the surprising […]