Archbishop (later Cardinal) John Francis Dearden of Detroit (1907-88) played an exceptionally significant role in paving the way for what Pope Francis is trying to do in reviving the ancient practice of including all the baptized in the work and mission of the church.
Francis J. Butler
Francis J. Butler is a former senior staff member of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the author of 'Belonging: One Catholic’s Journey' (Orbis Books, 2020).
Posted inSigns Of the Times
Empty Seats And Rising Costs Take a Toll
Catholic dioceses continue to report mounting problems keeping their schools afloat amid a lackluster economy.
Posted inBooks
The Man’s Full Measure
Scott Stossel rsquo s uplifting biography of R Sargent Shriver deserves a prominent place on the reading lists of Catholic studies programs It is an inspiring and skillfully told story of a bright American hero whose public-minded outlook and optimism finds its source in his Catholic faith Stossel
Posted inFrom Our Archives
Will Charity Laws Close Catholic Hospitals?
This past June, the U.S. bishops tightened up the ethical guidelines that govern the operation of Catholic health facilities around the country. The revised guidelines require Catholic hospitals to place greater distance between themselves and the affiliate organizations offering sterilization servi
Posted inFrom Our Archives
Enough Oversight?: Raising Money for Catholic Causes
Charitable appeals reach their full force across the nation about now, as the asking season roars in like a winter gale. Yuletide and year-end tax considerations collide to make a climate perfect not only for marketing U.S. charities but also for the cottage industry of donor guidance that seems to