She would have to leave her intellect behind, my friend assumed, if she followed up on a profound experience of God that had led her to Mass. Eventually she decided to enroll in the catechumenate in order to become a member of the Catholic Church. Taking this step, she explained to me, would require
From Our Archives
Francis in Korea: Gerard O’Connell reports from pope’s first trip to Asia
Following Francis (9/1)Full Text Of Pope Francis' Press Conference On Plane Returning From Korea (8/18) Pope Opens New Horizons for Church's Dialogue in Asia (8/17) Pope Calls On Koreans To 'Follow the Lead of The Martyrs' (8/16)Pope Presents Gospel as Antido
Deporting the Heart: Unaccompanied child migrants and the globalization of indifference
There is a story, often quoted in church circles, about a man who lived near a river. One morning he went to get some water and saw a body floating downstream. He dove in, rescued the body, pulled it to shore and gave it a proper burial. Two days later, he went for water again and saw three more bod
The Message of Mercy: What does mercy mean for the life and mission of the church?
The precept of mercy applies not only to individual Christians but to the church as a whole. Many ask: If God is always merciful, why is the church not the same? Or, why does the church not seem to be as merciful as God? The question expresses the uneasiness of many Christians.They are right: The ch
Web Features: September 2016
PODCASTSThe theologian and writer Jonathan Malesic discusses why we need a theology of work and the importance of setting boundaries around our work lives. Elizabeth Dias, winner of America’s George W. Hunt, S.J., Prize, discusses the canonization of Mother Teresa 
A More Authentic Way: Can the RCIA meet the needs of modern-day spiritual seekers?
In his new book, Becoming Catholic, the sociologist David Yamane tells the story of Deacon Zeke, the coordinator of adult religious education for a parish in the Midwest. Professor Yamane sat in on several of Deacon Zeke’s classes for people participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of
Faithful Aspirations: How can we make room for everybody in the church?
I was stunned. I had asked a prominent leader in evangelization, a priest, if he thought his parents were evangelized. He shook his head “No” and explained that he did not think his parents were disciples in the sense in which the church calls Catholics to be disciples today. I wondered:
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We are pleased to offer a selecton of America's exclusive web only content. Take a deeper look at "Amoris Laetitia," the pope's exhortation on family life. "Never Lose Heart," Fr. Robert P. Maloney, C.M., August 13, 2015"Bombing Japan: Was It The Only
An Itinerant Preacher: Following the poor Jesus
Concern for the poor is a major focus for Pope Francis, and it should be for each of us. The psalmist reminds us, “The Lord takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory” (Ps 149:4). How many times have we heard Pope Francis say that he wants a church “that is poor and
A Country in Question: Can Scotland survive as an independent state?
On Sept. 18, an electorate of 4.1 million people living in Scotland will participate in a referendum on the question: Should Scotland be an independent country?Behind that concise and apparently simple question lies a complex array of political, economic, social and emotive issues, many of which are
