Commentaries
A difference of 18 human lives, and many more
In 2014 there were 32,126 abortions in Pa., 18 fewer than the previous year, reports Amy Hill. People may shrug their shoulders, but they are falling into the indifference that Pope Francis warns against.
Photographs at a funeral
Seeing the scenes of a man's life at his viewing, CatholicPhilly.com's editor, Matthew Gambino, ponders the suffering of the deceased and his family, and how a new pamphlet can help families prepare for the inevitable.
In life as in the kitchen, it’s all gravy
Bill Dodds regales the grandkids with stories of doughnuts made at home with lard, while they tell him of quesadillas and Japanese dumplings. He savors the comfort of food, and the happy mess of making it.
Make visiting the elderly a high tech, no tech, work of mercy
Sister Constance Veit suggests hooking up with desperately lonely older people through a video service, or better yet, through real, in-person face time. Better still, share a meal and a memory with them.
With a new year, another ‘good thing’ for the family schedule
In their Marriage Matters column, Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain discuss what to do when one spouse wants to add one more activity or volunteer opportunity to an already busy life, and the other spouse does not.
10 moments to watch in 2016
With all of Philadelphia’s sports teams ending 2015 in a four-part harmony chorus of “Wait til Next Year,” CatholicPhilly.com’s editor, Matthew Gambino, looks at 10 things Catholics can keep an eye on in the new year.
Catholic agencies glad for break in Pa. budget impasse
Amy Hill reviews how Catholic social service agencies, health care facilities and education -- especially the EITC and OSTC programs -- will benefit from the partial resolution of the six-month standoff for a state spending plan.
Offer kindness and mercy in a troubled world
Love overcomes all, even in a world that seems more heartless than heartwarming, writes Father Eugene Hemrick. He advises during Christmas that we focus on mercy not for our own sanctification but selflessly for our neighbor's sake.
Showing support and solidarity at Omaha’s Islamic center
Visiting an Islamic Center in Omaha, Neb., Effie Caldarola explores the impact of recent political rhetoric on members of the Muslim community.
New opportunities for religious to teach in urban schools as part of formation process
Father Byron highlights how prospective members of a religious community could become qualified teachers in urban areas while they are in formation.