By Russell Shaw
When the church speaks definitively on morality — says that without exception something is wrong — is it declaring a truth or laying down a law? Confusion about that is rampant today. Recently, I came across this statement by a writer in a Catholic periodical: “The pope has not changed the church’s teaching that sexual […]
5/20/22
Reading Time
3
min
By Lucia A. Silecchia
Welcome to the season of celebrations. In the afterglow of Easter joy, parish bulletins now burst with joyful announcements that baptisms, first Communions and confirmations are being celebrated on grace-filled days in churches near and far. June weddings, and the June anniversaries they beget, lie just around the corner. Dioceses will be blessed with the […]
5/20/22
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3
min
By Ian Masson
Over the past two years, there have been many opportunities to experience fear and anxiety: a pandemic that brought about changes in structure and routine, loss of life, and uncertainty with jobs and finances, and now a war with worldwide repercussions. Our children have not been immune to the effects of these events. Even before […]
5/20/22
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4
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By Robin Hamilton
Parents strive to ensure that their children have a healthy start in life physically, emotionally and mentally. But teen mental health issues can catch them by surprise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor mental health is a growing problem for adolescents. The psychological stability of parents, caregivers and adolescents is bridged […]
5/20/22
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3
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By Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer
Among Ukraine’s millions of war refugees and internally displaced people, its people receive messages of hope and pastoral support through LOGOS TV, a media ministry of the Byzantine Catholic Church. With programming that includes livestream videos of liturgies and prayer services, news of the Church’s response to the pastoral needs of the victims and refugees […]
5/16/22
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3
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By Fr. Joseph M. Rampino
Gospel Commentary May 15, Jn 13:31-33, 34-35 This fifth Sunday of Easter, after the accounts of Christ’s comings and goings following his resurrection, the church turns — in what might seem an odd direction — back to the scene of the Last Supper. We may wonder why, after Jesus rises, we find ourselves back on […]
5/13/22
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3
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By Msgr. Charles M. Mangan
The church’s annual liturgical commemoration of Our Lady of Fatima May 13 brings to mind Mary’s six apparitions to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta during 1917. Our response to Our Lady’s message has several components. — Knowledge. We would do well to become students of Fatima. Although many Catholics have given a cursory glance to these […]
5/12/22
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3
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By Elise Italiano Ureneck
When I was a young, single professional living in Washington, I harbored a secret judgment against churches that had “cry rooms.” In my naivete, I considered parishes that built these spaces to be intolerant of young children. While I appreciate a reverent Mass, a silent church is a dying church, I thought. It seemed to […]
5/6/22
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3
min
By Elizabeth Foss
My house smells like chocolate chip cookies. We have a new oven, we’ve had a rough few weeks, so filling the house with the sweet smell of cookies seemed like a good decision. Before the cookies, I made a large pot of zucchini and macaroni — the most comforting comfort food I can remember from […]
5/6/22
Reading Time
3
min
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Holy Spirit leads to truth