Commentaries
Getting to know you: Study the past, value loved ones today
The work of Sister Anne Marie Burton, I.H.M., in the Archives of Immaculata University shows her the importance of sitting down with our forbears, courageous people who have wisdom to share.
Thousands of Hispanic Catholic leaders expecting Holy Spirit
Hosffman Ospino predicts that the call to live the Gospel authentically will resound at the "V Encuentro," a national meeting of Latino Catholic ministry taking place in Dallas Sept. 20- 23.
The desert experience: Rediscovering dependence on God
Moises Sandoval revisits his childhood home in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, where faith continues to flourish in a desert infused with God's presence.
Parents are vital to rebuilding the church
By raising their children in the faith, and by living it out themselves, parents can help to heal the wounded body of Christ, writes John Garvey. There's a lot riding on them right now.
Like good coaches, catechists help students encounter loving God for life
Catechetical Sunday, Sept. 16, celebrates the 5,000 volunteers who pass on the Catholic faith in parish religious education programs in the archdiocese. Ann Menna leads the effort, and points out an example of timely education.
Good and bad ideas emerging on church reform
Nobody said the solution to the clergy sexual abuse crisis would be easy, but some proposals from the right and the left (though partisan loyalties have no place in the body of Christ) would be ineffective, writes Richard Doerflinger.
It’s time to be saints so God can use us to transform the church
“The Borgia popes were worse! Pray, hope, and don’t ask questions!” Jessica Carney hears the platitudes, but suggests holiness is the best way to improve the church, and she offers 9 ways to up your spiritual game.
Sex abuse and the coming synod on young people
In the presynod document, young people wrote they are ready to lead. At the synod next month in Rome, the bishops should ask their young counterparts for some timely help, writes Elise Italiano.
From a summer of shame to a fall of leadership
This autumn the church has three opportunities for strong leadership, argues an editorial: investigate the Archbishop McCarrick scandal, open the USCCB meeting to the public and insist on new safeguarding structures.
Land of the Vikings reflects Catholic Europe’s past and future
For the past 500 years, Catholicism has made little impression on Sweden, now Lutheran and ardently secular. Despite small signs of change, Greg Erlandson wonders whether adversity will cause a rebirth of faith on the continent.