Yesterday, abruptly and without consultation, we received some troubling news from the Governor’s Office; an Executive Order would close our schools immediately.
Up Front and Personal
The Church’s Guidance For the Catholic Voter
Every four years, not coincidentally, is election time, and it tends, unfortunately, to be an occasion for startlingly rude and histrionic behavior among some of our fellow pew sitters.
Reflecting on 50 Years Of Service at The Tablet
Has it really been 50 years since I first walked into The Tablet offices at One Hanson Pl. in Downtown Brooklyn? The numbers don’t lie. On Sept. 21, 1970, I reported to work for The Tablet. That is why I chose Sept. 21, 2020, to be my date of retirement.
A Reunion to Top All Reunions
Sometimes, you never know where or when your life can change for the better. When it does, you will know it. I should know. It happened to me 48 years ago. They say that if you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans. I am sure that He laughed at my plans, but He made me smile when He planned for me to meet my friend again.
Who Invented Civil Marriage?
This question can be challenging for a trivia quiz. I suppose it would make people think, especially those who are interested in the Catholic doctrine on the sacrament of marriage. I want to see smart guys raise their hands to answer the question.
A Tree Down in Brooklyn
During Tropical Storm Isaias, several brave birds visited the feeder in my Brooklyn garden, so I was hopeful that we would weather this storm unscathed. I was wrong.
A Black Lives Matter Champion Avant la Lettre
Kudos to The Tablet of this past August 1, for the enlightening coverage of African Americans whose causes for canonization are being promoted by the Church. Despite the roadblocks of racism that stood in their paths, they persevered in following the Lord without counting the cost. They are truly an inspiration to us.
Catholics in America
My point is this: Catholics should be in the forefront of the fight against racism in our society for two reasons. First, Catholic teaching declares our equal dignity before a loving God. Second, historically we can appreciate what it feels like to be looked down upon, to be seen as inferior by other Americans. The struggle against bigotry is one struggle and it is ours.
Catholic Schools Need CARE to Survive
When we reflect on the COVID-19 crisis, I pray we can look back on this period as the great turning point for our Catholic schools. Amid the suffering and uncertainty, the light of our Catholic schools shone through, especially in Brooklyn and Queens.
Those Quotidian Irritants
If you look at the backsplash behind our kitchen sink here in Brooklyn, you will see a New Yorker cartoon by Victoria Roberts. A bespectacled couple stands on either side of the opened door of a dishwasher. The man is saying, “I will always be better at loading the dishwasher, Marie. Can we live with that?”
