Commentaries
Practice austerity before nature makes it mandatory
Father Eugene Hemrick sees in California and Oregon two examples of living with less, and how hard it can be for people to accept change.
A code of civility for the Internet
After reading the means things people wrote about a dying woman's decision, Erick Rommel thinks online wags should disagree without being disagreeable.
Trip to Mars begins in a classroom
The history of flight and its future into space wouldn't be possible without teenagers learning from those dreamers who went before, writes Karen Osborne.
Listen to the cries of the poor — and act
More than 45 million people in the U.S. live below the poverty line. An editorial argues that fighting poverty, in all its complexities, requires us to protect human life and dignity.
One-child families may change society
In a world in which birthrates are falling and one child becomes the family norm, John Garvey wonders what will happen to brother love and sisterly affection.
Help for 50 million refugees starts with 5
Columnist Effie Caldarola joined volunteers to spruce up an apartment to welcome some of the worldwide refugees settling in the U.S. with loss, yet hope, in their hearts.
Business school trains today’s church leaders
A partnership between the Archdiocese of New York and Villanova offers a master's in church management, which is what the church needs, writes Father William Byron.
A Chrism Mass moment of hidden beauty
St. Charles seminarian John Howarth had a busy day serving around the altar for the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. He witnessed a profound priestly gesture untold until now.
When the price of great expectations is too high
Eric Rommel recalls a bright and promising friend from college who, unbeknownst to his friends, starting using drugs to deal with pressure, until his death by overdose.
Religious freedom laws as safeguard in Indiana, and elsewhere
An editorial argues that religious freedom restoration laws go beyond the one issue of same-sex marriage. Catholics should speak up to defend freedom of conscience.