Opinion
Missionaries called by God to share Nativity story
Guest ColumnistBy Msgr. James McDonough One of the touching and inspirational moments of the Christmas season takes place in our parish churches after Holy Mass. Mothers, dads and sometimes older brothers and sisters lead the younger children to the manger and tell the story of the newborn baby. They tell of the love that His […]
See the goodness this Christmas
Earlier this year, the Archdiocese produced a series of video segments to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Church in Philadelphia. The videos were titled “I See the Goodness.” In each, a Catholic inspanidual reflected on the experience of his or her faith as it is lived in parish life, education, or in many other […]
Thinking about the changing nature of the Archdiocese
Guest ColumnistFather Leonard Peterson “The times, they are a changin’,” so wrote Bob Dylan for his 1963 song. Last month, we priests attended two significant meetings about the changing nature of our Archdiocese. At the first meeting, the topic was the new “face” of the Archdiocese, and how the literal faces within it have changed […]
Catholic social teaching can guide federal rescue efforts
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, in the form of early presents from Washington to some beleaguered American companies. The news this week that the big three domestic automakers will get $15 billion in emergency loan guarantees to stave off bankruptcy follows an autumn of similar steps. Loan guarantees, lines of credit, stock […]
An open letter to President-Elect Barack Obama
Guest ColumnistBy Msgr. Francis X. Meehan Dear President-Elect Barack Obama, I extend congratulations to you on your having been elected the 44th President of the United States of America. Despite our differences, I take time to celebrate the many gifts that you bring to the presidency – the gift of an acute intellect, the gift […]
Light of hope shines in a darkening time
One could be forgiven for feeling a little gloomy in this time of shortening days, as the sky becomes dark by late afternoon. It’s not the only reason for a dimming outlook on the world, if not a sense of dread. Last week’s deadly attacks in Mumbai, India showed that shadowy terrorist groups remain active […]
Each of us becomes a missionary for the Lord
Guest ColumnistBy Msgr. James McDonough At baptism, each of us is given a distinct responsibility. The Lord calls on us to tell the world the Good News of His love and salvation. He calls us to be His missionaries. This was the message delivered by Cardinal Justin Rigali at Mass celebrating World Mission Sunday on […]
Giving thanks, giving ourselves
As you read this, what’s left of the Thanksgiving turkey is sitting in a refrigerator, and Thursday’s football games have become just a memory. Presuming that gratitude was given to God for His gifts before the first glass was raised or potatoes were passed, this time after Thanksgiving Day presents a challenge. Whether we are […]
Way to the future is just beginning
This week Catholics learned through local media about a fundraising initiative of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Though details are set to emerge early next year in a public announcement, 12 parishes already are engaged in an early “pilot” phase. It’s the latest step in a planning process a year and a half in the making. […]
Cheer for Catholic education
Guest ColumnistBy A. B. HILL Gimme an “A”…gimme a “C”…gimme an “E.” What’s that spell? Advocates for Catholic Education – a newly energized network of cheerleaders and fans for Catholic education in Pennsylvania. In the past, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) coordinated a statewide group of school-choice advocates. Although school choice is not completely a […]