There’s a problem with the Ten Commandments: You can follow them and still be a pretty terrible person.
Jim McDermott
Jim McDermott writes about pop culture at jimmcdermott.substack.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Covid-19 lockdowns started two years ago. Why aren’t we commemorating the anniversary?
It is understandable not wanting to take the time to draw attention to the second anniversary of the recent surreal horror show of Covid-19. But there are also many moments of grace scattered across the landscape of lockdowns.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Stations of the Cross for Ukraine: God of Peace, rescue your children. Unite our family. End this war.
As a form of solidarity with all living in Ukraine and a prayer for their rescue, here is a form of the Stations of the Cross built from the stories of Ukrainians suffering from the violence of Russia’s invasion.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
The crazy stories about St. Patrick that are actually true
As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it is good to look back on some of the saint’s legendary accomplishments—some more legendary than others.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
6 things you didn’t know about the canonization of St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis Xavier
On March 12, the Society of Jesus celebrates the 400th anniversary of the canonizations of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Xavier. Here are six interesting facts about this important moment in the life of the Jesuits.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Understanding the invalid baptism controversy: A guide for Catholics
While the church teaches that baptism is indeed necessary for salvation, God does not need us to complete a ritual in order to care for our children.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Catholics: Stop eating fancy fish on Fridays during Lent.
Do we actually believe in the idea of having fish on Fridays as a form of self-mortification or solidarity with those who have less? Or do we look at it more like paying our taxes — giving up the least possible amount?
Posted inFaith, Lent Reflections
Lent is about being broken open—not broken down
Lent is about daring to peek outside that castle, trying to be more vulnerable and exposed.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
The Oscars are becoming more like the Catholic Church—and not in a good way
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that eight sets of nominees will be cut from the Oscars telecast this year. Their decision is all too familiar to me as a Catholic.
Posted inArts & Culture, Television
‘The Sister Boniface Mysteries’: the rare show that gets the Catholic Church (and nuns) right
TV shows rarely get it right when depicting priests or men and women religious—but “The Sister Boniface Mysteries” offers a welcome look at a believable and positively portrayed woman in religious life.