Commentaries
End the tragedy of the American Indian Reservation
Writer Richard May takes a painful look at the deep poverty in which Native Americans live in the reservation system. He points to the church's role in lifting up the first Americans.
Power of prayer revealed after sentencing of abusive ex-priest
Michael McDonnell watched the former priest Francis Trauger sentenced to prison last week and found release from years of pain, trusting in God's mercy with the aid of other faithful supporters.
Welcome back to Mass. The church needs you more than ever
The church has responded with patience, generosity and heroism during this pandemic. Whether you've gone back to Mass or not, you can help support your parish and your media today.
Laughing at God’s good plans, and listening
As a youth minister, Katie Prejean McGrady helped plant the seed of vocation for a young man who laughed, but then followed the call and became a priest.
Communication can pave path toward communion
Transparent and honest collaboration is the first step toward building more than mere community, but instead a communion of souls, writes Matthew Gambino.
Homework for the Fourth of July
A reference to the comic character Buckwheat during preparations for a family gathering sparked a reflection by Gina Christian on racism and the lesson plan for dismantling it, so that all humans can be truly free.
New ruling keeps DACA breathing, barely
Edith Avila Olea, a "dreamer" under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was overjoyed that the Supreme Court saved the program. But much work remains to fix our broken immigration system.
Break the habit of your endless scroll of bad news
"Doomscrolling" all of today's troubling news exacts a high mental demand on us, with destructive consequences, writes Brett Robinson. He suggests prayer as an age-old antidote.
Examining our prejudices
We rightly decry those who justified the institution of slavery, writes Effie Caldarola. But now is the time to look at our own institutions and at our own hearts.
Giving money to charity? Look for a foundation
Public, private and community foundations take the guesswork out of giving, stretching donors' dollars and benefiting both contributors and recipients, says Sarah Hanley.