Commentaries
Among the bullets, our hearts are in the crossfire
The relentless cycle of gun violence points to a problem that lies not weapons, but in the depths of our being, writes Gina Christian.
Joy in a ‘fulfillment center?’ No, it’s in service to the poor
In the desert that is our consumer culture, there are paths to true joy, writes columnist Effie Caldarola. Christians should rejoice in building a church that is devoted to the Gospel, about which Pope Francis has written so well.
Synod not about a final report, but changing how we listen
The current global synod underway in the church is more about the journey than the destination -- like the Gospel encounter on the road to Emmaus -- writes Matthew Gambino. It's a permanent countercultural trait that is beginning now.
The joy of encouraging vocations, at any age
During National Vocations Awareness Week, Sister Constance Veit says that living youthfully with a smile is the best way of attracting young people to religious life.
Homelessness and the ministry of witness
Priests, like Father Eric Banecker, and faithful Catholics must be more present and visible so that homeless people can see they have a home in the household of God, which is the church.
The church’s teaching on war and peace
A expert on Catholic social teaching sketches the papal and episcopal statements of recent years as well as documents including those of Vatican II that called for an "evaluation of war with an entirely new attitude."
This holiday season, remember it’s not about you
Last year's holiday restrictions give perspective for making this year a delight, not a disaster, at the holiday table. Laura Kelly Fanucci's own family tragedy leads her to the wisdom that the more mercy we bring to the table for others, the more we will find for ourselves.
At baptism, you were sent on a mission — meet your co-workers
Meghan Cokeley, director of the archdiocesan Office for the New Evangelization, introduces Paola Herrera as the new associate director, and explains the mission of all baptized Catholics to share their love of Jesus and zeal for his saving work.
Halloween, All Saints’ and All Souls’ point to ‘thin places’
It's the time of year when the veil separating this world with the next seems porous, writes Effie Caldarola, who on a chilly autumn walk considers the holy ones in her life.
Just how partisan is the Supreme Court?
Among the issues of a too-conservative or too-liberal court faces, abortion is the 800-pound gorilla in the room, writes Richard Doerflinger. He traces its legal, and partisan, fault lines.