(This column is not for children). You might have heard the phrase “the elephant in the living room.” It refers to a highly important topic that everyone knows is real and significant but almost no one wants to discuss or address, because it is too controversial or, as often as not, makes some people very […]
Family Planning and Marriage through a Christian Lens (Part 1) Read More »
It used to be a staple of every Catholic household library to have a work on the lives of the saints. Especially popular was a classic work by 18th Century English priest and philosophy and theology professor, Fr. Alban Butler. His multi-volume work on the saints became the go-to reference for many decades and it’s
Now that we are about to enter into the summer Olympics season in Tokyo, our Archdiocese has just celebrated its bicentennial, and we have just celebrated the 4th of July national holiday, my memory was brought back to the nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. It was a time of great celebration and red, white and
Balance in the Christian Life Read More »
In some ways, I had the typical experience of the 4th of July holiday when I was growing up. My folks were not “in-your-face” patriotic, but certainly taught us gratitude for our nation. My dad put out the flag for Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the 4th of July, and my mom made sure we
Independence Day, plus Religious Liberty—Part II Read More »
In recent years, our U.S. Bishops have asked us to pray and act to defend our religious liberty in the period from June 22nd through the 4th of July. (June 22nd marks the feast day of some great martyrs for religious liberty, Ss. Thomas More and John Fisher). It is easy to forget how important
Praying and Acting for Liberty (Part I) Read More »
Twenty-three Catholics Tell How Their Fathers Led Them to Christ A father has a crucial role and responsibility as the spiritual leader of his family. Many problems in the Church and culture today can be traced back to fathers neglecting this responsibility, and failing to realize that their children’s relationship with God depends predominantly on
Because of Our Fathers – Tyler Rowley Read More »
I lost my own father to a sudden heart attack some 30 years ago, but despite being without his earthly presence since my 20s, he had a profound impact on my life. I saw many echoes of my own dad’s influence in the stories contained in a fine book that I recommend all of the
Because of Our Fathers Read More »
There has been quite the kerfuffle recently over the question of what to do about baptized Catholic politicians who promote grave evils that are contrary to the faith at its core (such as promoting abortion) and still present themselves for Holy Communion. The question is of such importance that the U.S. Bishops are currently squabbling
The Anointing of the Sick and How the Holy Sacraments Fit Together Read More »
This is an exciting time for the Archdiocese. We are fast approaching the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of the founding of the Archdiocese on June 19, 1821. It’s a time to step back from our busy lives and the immediate troubles we might face and reflect on the goodness of God for remaining with us here
Corpus Christi – Jesus with Us in the Flesh Read More »
One of the central mysteries of the Christian faith is that of the Holy Trinity. Because it deals with the very nature of Who God Is (Divine Love, three Persons Who are distinct yet one), it is certainly difficult to wrap our minds around and even to write about. The great teachers and theologians have
Praise to the Holy Trinity and Praying for our Beloved Dead Read More »