Commentaries
The gift of time for the lonely
Christmas is a season of longing, when thoughts turn to home and family, often the images of a time past. Some of us, when we were in college, away at work, or in the U.S. armed forces, longed to come home to the loving embrace of parents and siblings.
How can parents meet the challenge of keeping Christ in Christmas?
Our secular culture and preoccupation with buying Christmas gifts makes it difficult for families to focus on the birth of the Christ Child. Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain offer advice on how families can keep Christ in Christmas.
Welcoming those who feel unwelcomed
Father Hemrick emphasizes the importance of recognizing outcasts in our society who are often forgotten or ignored. Referring to Pope Francis’ apostolic exortation, “Joy of the Gospel,” he says Catholics are called to practice inclusion and welcome the exiled.
Strive to become an agent of good in the world
Karen Osborne encourages young people to be agents for good in their communities where they can make a positive impact by helping others.
Solitude offers time to listen to inner voice and make life decisions
Spending time alone, even taking a long road trip, can be helpful in a person’s decision-making process. Solitude provides the opportunity to reflect on what is most important and what will make you happiest.
Building a peaceful future with today’s youth
Karen Osborne urges teens who want a world free from war and fear, and where everyone regardless of race or class can eat at the table, to start building it today.
Golden Rule is measure of our response to refugees
Father Gus Puleo favors a stringent investigation process for refugees from Syria and other places experiencing a "third world war," but America should nevertheless welcome them like the Holy Family, he writes.
Almost-forgotten rosaries teach a lesson in simplicity
Writer Effie Caldarola almost lost her mother's priceless rosaries, and it reminded her of how her devotion to Mary has evolved over the years.
This Thanksgiving, be grateful and you’ll be happy
We would be a better, stronger, happier nation if we lived gratefully with one another every day of the year, not just on Thanksgiving Day, writes Father William Byron. Religion can help to make that happen.
Joe Biden and Paul Ryan share common ground that’s sacred
Both politicians face the hurdles of their jobs, but they put their family first, writes Father William Byron. For them, being home with the family is front and center.