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The patristic scholar, Father Boniface Ramsey, remarked: “The (Church) Fathers were the first to face certain problems that Christianity was bound to encounter and continues to encounter, and they provided responses that are classic, if not canonized. The nature of God, God’s relation to the world, the humanity and divinity of Christ, the nature and structure of the church, the authority of Scripture, the moral obligations of the human person: these are among the issues that the Fathers first addressed … ” (“Beginning to Read the Fathers,” p. 15). This subject of the authority of Scripture is inseparable from its interpretation, which is simply the correct understanding and practical application of God’s Word for faith (what we believe) and for morals (how we are to act). On this topic of biblical interpretation, the Church Fathers made a lasting contribution to the Catholic faith by two main patristic “schools”: Antioch in Syria and Alexandria in Egypt. Here is a brief glance at these patristic centers of learning.
This year, religious education in the parishes will be different. Throughout the diocese, directors of religious education and their faith formation teams are ensuring that religious education classes and instruction are offered to all families in a safe and accommodating manner. Each parish has had to evaluate its resources, needs and parishioners’ concerns. Faith formation will look different from parish to parish.
In 2008, a new organ was commissioned by a New Jersey Presbyterian church for an 18th-century sanctuary that, just months after the organ was dedicated, would have to be vacated due to structural problems. Twelve years later, the once-silent organ is now installed at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton, ending the parish’s yearslong search to replace its own failing instrument.
The annual diocesan Mass for Disability Awareness will be at Holy Spirit Church, 5121 Woodland Way, Annandale, Sept. 27, at 10:30 a.m.
Evan Heitman entered college a nominal Christian. Five years later, he’s a Catholic missionary.
The Swiss town of Les Diablerets gets its name from its devilish thunders and dangerous landslides. With a name that means the abode of little devils in French, the Alpine village is renowned for both its natural beauty and dangerous winters. In the summer of 2019, it served as the destination of a weeklong scientific conference I had helped organize.
Nicole Cremente, a senior marketing major, and Daniel Formella, a sophomore history major, both students at The Catholic University of America in Washington, have formed new friendships — in unexpected places —during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has instilled fear in many. We feel an urge to withdraw, hide, be safe. That does not work if you feel called to spread the joyful message of Christ’s Gospel, and it is even less effective if you are a seminarian tapped by God to step way out of your comfort zone to do so.
Christendom College in Front Royal welcomed a record-setting student body to campus last month with an opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge for the 2020-21 academic year.
Returning late in the day
I don’t know if you feel the same way, but for the past few weeks, the Lord, in the Gospels, has been really challenging my way of thinking. It is almost like he is grabbing me by the britches, turning me upside down and shaking loose certain preconceived, false views on life. Today’s Gospel passage is no different.