Commentaries
How to get up on the right side of the bed
With all the constant bad news from Mother Nature and human nature, it's easy to feel sour, admits Father Eugene Hemrick. What's needed is humility and the saintly art of letting go.
Much has changed since Paul preached to Greeks, not all of it good
Steve Kent retraces the steps of St. Paul in Greece, and after reflecting on the divisions of class and religion, he thinks it is time for a new letter from the Corinthians.
Get angry, but get moving, too
Whether you've got passion for repealing the death penalty or any other issue, columnist Effie Caldarola knows it's not good enough to be upset. You've got to do something about it.
Too few voters are showing up on Election Day
Jesuit Father William Byron thinks we are nearing a crisis in America in our refusal to participate by voting in local, state and national elections. We are paying for it in the poor quality of candidates, in political gridlock and in ineffective governance at all levels. He looks to Catholic social teaching and the underappreciated principle of participation.
Solution to climate change lies more in selflessness than science
Carolyn Woo of Catholic Relief Services sees Exhibit A of what the pope calls "the globalization of indifference:" Poor countries grapple with the effects of global warming, and most Americans shrug.
Young people inspire by example and word, if we listen
The story of an autistic boy and a formerly homeless young man dispel the old adage that children should seen but not heard, writes Erick Rommel. They tell the wisdom of their experience, sometimes using words.
From death to life: How recovery can help many
Columnist Father John Catoir reflects on the lessons of forgiveness, humility and the joy of being alive, courtesy of the 12-step addiction recovery process.
A preferential option for diplomacy
Negotiating with terrorists, or rather their agents, has gotten columnist Steve Kent's goat. But he does believe that bringing financial and other pressure -- banks, not bullets -- is better than war.
When words can hurt for years
Today's bullies use their words and their thoughts to cause significant damage in person and online. Columnist Karen Osborne knows the experience all too well.
Now that school’s out, what’s in?
No youngster has more hours or days in a summer week than any other, and all can engage in volunteer or community service, writes Jesuit Father William Byron. Boredom is not an option for those who have a pulse and even a modest measure of ambition.