Commentaries
Parish is place where ecology encyclical can sink roots
It's good to read Pope Francis' encyclical, but now it's time to act, writes Father Eugene Hemrick. Situated in neighborhoods, parishes have excellent means for creating green projects in the community.
Miracles come to sinners as well as saints
If you've got a problem with anger, you may be in the company of some saints, writes Father John Catoir. He advises asking humbly for God's will to be done.
The roots of same-sex marriage run through the pill
Unless heterosexual couples recover the virtue of chastity -- viewing sex as connected to marriage and fertility -- they have no moral warrant for imposing it on their gay friends, writes John Garvey.
Learning to take the wheel of your own life
Karen Osborne advises young people not to sit passively as in the back seat but to stay alert and actively participate in the everyday moments of their life.
Pope Francis startles the world
Deacon Bill Masapollo believes the pope is exciting people around the world because he is reminding us of the profound beauty of living as Jesus would have us live.
Love your neighbor to combat the culture of violence
On the day that a Colorado jury was to announce its verdict in the case of a man who opened fire in a crowded movie theater killing 12 people, Tennesseans were trying to make sense of another deadly shooting, this time in our state.
Pray for those who persecute you
Only prayer, not the threat of law, can convert the hearts of people working at Planned Parenthood so that they rediscover their dignity, writes Bishop James Conley.
A papal call to action on the environment
The great Catholic tradition of social justice is at risk if Catholics fail to connect in the policy arena with all the social issues of our day, especially those related to the environment, writes Father William Byron.
Tragedy becomes a moment of grace
Effie Caldarola ponders the grace of forgiveness as shown by members of a South Carolina church, scene of a recent shooting that left nine members dead.
Job search reveals it’s more about attitude than resume
Writer Erick Rommel used a novel approach to getting job interviews, and jobs. Ask him about it -- he's always "in the area."