Why are young Catholics so intrigued by monasticism?
The students see the monks as “hardcore,” not just believing the Gospel but living it.
The passionate possibilities of Christian single life
Ultimately, single life is circumstantial and personal.
Who is responsible for refugees?
Christian ethics forbids actions and policies that in effect treat those of other countries who are in grave need as nonpersons.
Of Many Things
Of Many Things
Talents and generosity of thousands of people have made this a banner year for America.
Letters
Reply All
Unrestricted MercyIn “Proclaim the Jubilee” (12/7), Marc Tumeinski says the Jubilee Year of Mercy should be a time to experience the sacramental expressions of mercy in the Mass and reconciliation. The coming year may be a graced opportunity to experience all three forms of the sacrament
Editorials
Editors: Catholics should be concerned about the shrinking middle class
Middle-class families are justified in feeling abandoned by both political parties.
Faith in Focus
Faith in Focus: A priest overcomes his stammer
Answering a question in the class horrified me; private conversations filled me with dread.
Books
Healing the Soul of America
‘Beyond Civil Rights,’ by Daniel Geary
Rome’s Resistance
‘Church of Spies,’ by Mark Riebling
For Better Or Worse
‘Keeping the Vow,’ by D. Paul Sullins
Theater
A View from the Edge: You can’t turn away from Ivo van Hove’s vision.
Arthur Miller’s ‘A View From the Bridge’ stripped to its essence is a painful family tragedy.
The Word
The Wedding Reception
“But you have kept the good wine until now” (Jn 2:10). Reflect on Sunday’s readings with John W. Martens.
Life for the World: The Baptism of Jesus
Sunday’s readings: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34)
(Un)Conventional Wisdom
Are some of our politicians too authentic?
Bigotry is now being passed off as a kind of straight talk.
Columns
Note to Bishops: Look to Francis as an example.
Pope Francis is setting standards for the contemporary bishop.
Current Comment
Saudi Suffragettes?
In the country of 20 million, there are 1.5 million registered voters; now 130,000 of them are women.
Why are American health care prices so crazy?
More research is needed to understand what drives extreme variations in price of health care
The Vatican calls on Christians to walk with our Jewish brothers and sisters
The new Vatican document contains notes for celebration.
Faith
The Wedding Reception
“But you have kept the good wine until now” (Jn 2:10). Reflect on Sunday’s readings with John W. Martens.
Generation Faith
Finding my faith in Tupperware and Taylor Swift
A year ago I hardly identified as Catholic; I joked that my religious school had converted me away.
Of Other Things
Fear is the fuel of demagoguery, but the enemy of Christian discipleship
As the Gospels remind us and experience confirms, fear is the enemy of Christian discipleship.
Signs Of the Times
Mother Teresa Miracle
Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, thus paving the way for her canonization on Dec. 17. The postulator for her sainthood cause, the Rev. Brian Kolodiejchuk of the Missionaries of Charity, said the second miracle that was approved involved
South Africans are no longer amused
President Zuma may still giggle in public; South Africans are not amused.
News Briefs
Richard J. Curry, S.J., professor of Catholic studies and theater at Georgetown University and founder of Dog Tag Bakery and the National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped, passed away on Dec. 19 at the age of 72. • The Christmas spirit this year in Bethlehem—and the 2015 Christmas tour
Healing Takes Time
Catholics involved in the reconciliation process over the Indian residential school system in Canada say continued understanding requires action. “It isn’t by making laws you are going to overcome racism,” said Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, president of 50 Catholic Entities, the lega
Francis: End the Death Penalty And Act for Global Justice
Pope Francis called for abolishing the death penalty worldwide, lifting the burden of debt on poor nations, global aid policies that respect life and revamped laws that welcome and integrate migrants.He urged individuals, communities and nations to not let indifference, information overload or pessi
Outbreak of Fraternity
Catholic leaders in the Central African Republic said Christian-Muslim ties were positively affected by Pope Francis during his visit on Nov. 29-30, 2015. “No guns or grenades sounded during the visit—and while some unfortunate incidents occurred afterward, there was no resort to open vi
Settlement Brings Court Oversight
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office in Minnesota announced a landmark civil settlement with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul-Minneapolis related to a civil case that alleged grave breakdowns in the archdiocese’s child protection policies. According to County Attorney John Choi, the primary
Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis’ 2016 Agenda
The apostolic exhortation on the family will be his most important magisterial text of 2016.
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