Commentaries
New immigration rule is too little, too late
Father Gus Puleo writes that President Obama’s recent order does a little for only a third of the 12 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., but it doesn’t address the overall issue. And the rule may be fleeting.
‘I’m sorry,’ and other words for Advent
True words of apology can begin the process of forgiveness and healing, writes Maureen Pratt on the cusp of Advent. She can't imagine "my bad" making it into the sacrament of penance.
St. Anne, grandmother of her savior
John Garvey is excited about a unique exhibit of art about Mary. In one painting, Mary sits beside her mother and between them they hold Jesus, who leans back and looks over his shoulder at his grandmother.
The best Christmas deal is free
Black Friday sales have begun already, and thus begins too much running around during a season that's supposed to bring us peace. Father Eugene Hemrick suggests an antidote: Daily Mass.
Husband’s a spender, wife’s a saver: What do they do?
Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain aren't concerned as much about a couple's spending habits -- though they call for better communication -- as on emphasizing people (children especially) over things.
Please, it’s for a good cause
Father William Byron knows it is not easy to ask for money but doing so is essential. He advises fundraisers to remember that among donors, it is the heart that gives, fingers just let go.
How to stop cyber bullying right now
Karen Osborne writes it's time for everyone to stop participating in online harassment. Don't share someone's personal information that isn't yours, or say and write hurtful things about other people.
In November, a call to reform the prison culture
The logic of locking people up and throwing the key away still reigns. But some states are looking at ways to close prisons, reform prisoners and reduce crime. A Catholic organization is leading the call.
Pa. Catholics worked hard to influence state lawmakers
Joelle Shea reviews the advocacy efforts of Catholics in the state during the 2013-2014 legislative session in Harrisburg, and the issues of interest to Catholics faced by a new governor and legislators next year.
Status of PCC action alert issues
Throughout the year, thousands of Catholics in Pennsylvania contacted their legislators through the Catholic Advocacy Network. We review the status of those efforts on five specific issues.