From 1989: A debate about the effectiveness and appropriateness of the R.C.I.A. in the life of the Catholic Church.

From Father Andrew Greeley in 1989: The R.C.I.A. has converted the sacramental experience into an obstacle course, a series of barriers to be surmounted, a list of tests to be passed.

A Reflection for Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time, by James T. Keane

A judge set a five-day trial for Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun and four other defendants who face charges of failing to properly register a now-defunct fund to help anti-government protesters.

The Senate cafeteria workers are not asking for much—just an improved hourly rate that has a chance of catching up to inflation and something close to the health insurance abundance enjoyed by the senators they serve each day.

Father Kabat, an avid anti-nuclear protestor and member of the Plowshares Eight, is dead at 88 years old.

America's editors shy away from endorsing political candidates—but J.F.K. proved a hard case, both during his life and in the decades since.

A coalition of 20 religious orders has sent an open letter to the U.N. requesting direct intervention against violent gangs in Haiti.

The oldest member of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Jozef Tomko, died in Rome at the age of 98.

There is no formula to charity, companionship or Matthew 25.