Commentaries
How domestic abuse starts
Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain pose the issue of a husband who starts to control his wife’s finances, then her job prospects, then her relationships. They advise counseling and looking at the behavior for what it really is.
Helping to find the gateways out of poverty
Amy Hill of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference describes an initiative in the state legislature that seeks to go “upstream” to the source of poverty and find solutions to the persistent problem, despite the billions spent on easing it.
Natural law and same-sex marriage
Columnist Steve Kent echoes the U.S. Catholic bishops by saying that government should adhere to natural law by promoting the common good and upholding authentic marriage. If doing so is ruled unconstitutional, as in recent court decisions, then change the Constitution, he writes.
Official at local Israeli consulate lauds pope’s visit to Holy Land
"Peace, Faith and Tolerance" was the theme of Israel's welcome to Pope Francis in his just-concluded visit. The consul general of Israel in this region was encouraged by the pope's friendship with the Jewish people and concern for Palestinians, and hopes that the words of the theme take root in the all too often stony soil of the Middle East.
These days, making small talk is a big job
From personal sensitivities to taboo topics, making casual conversation is harder than ever. Maureen Pratt offers ways to avoid the potholes, get to know one another and communicate Christ.
Climate change as a pro-life issue
The problem of climate change is a human life issue of enormous proportions, according to a guest editorial. The church has an opportunity to use its resources, academic experts and parochial structures to educate people. The solution lies in a love for God's creation as much it does in our instinct for self-preservation.
When mystery shows up, walk with it
The moon appeared in columnist Effie Caldarola's spring evening and ushered in a prayer that helped her see the divine mystery of new life and the "thin veil" separating us from those who await us in eternity.
Get busy doing nothing
Father Eugene Hemrick writes of three ways we can cut through the noise and busyness of life to find the great gift of silence, where we can hear the voice of God.
Papal encyclical on oil not such a crude idea
All the world would benefit from a social justice document on petroleum, and Catholics could learn a lot from renewed teaching on the sacrament of anointing of the sick, which uses holy oil, writes Jesuit Father William Byron.
Turning an evil at Harvard to a good
The protest against the "black mass" included a eucharistic procession through Cambridge attended by thousands, followed by a standing-room-only crowd for adoration at St. Paul's Church. The result was a small victory against blasphemy and a way to talk about the real presence in the Blessed Sacrament, for a large local and national media audience.