by Father William J. Byron, SJ Charles Murray’s book “Coming Apart” has provoked a lot of commentary from the left, right, and center of the ideological spectrum. The book’s subtitle, “The State of White America, 1960-2010,” explains to some extent why readers would be curious. But something else is driving the well-deserved attention that Murray’s […]
by Paul Morisi As I began my work in youth and young adult ministry, I sought counsel from others who worked with young people in the Church. I spoke with many wonderful people who gave me many insights. The one piece that sticks out in my mind is “the youth are not the Church of […]
by Mark Pattison Remember TV-Turnoff Week? It’s now called Screen-Free Week. Organizers of the annual week long voluntary blackout of TV recognize that TV isn’t the only screen where children – and adults – go for mindless entertainment. In fact, when Billy Crystal can joke during the Oscars about people watching movies on their cellphones, […]
by Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS) – Exaggerations and outright misrepresentations about the Department of Health and Human Services’ contraceptive mandate have been appearing in White House “fact sheets” and mainstream media. Here are some of the more frequently cited claims and the facts to counter them: Myth: Self-insurance is a seldom-used method of providing […]
by Stephen Kent Spending a week with our two-year-old granddaughter reintroduced me to the experience of the insincere “whoops” or the impenitent “sorry.” Neither represents penance nor a firm purpose of amendment. There was a similar feeling to hear President Barack Obama offer his “revision,” “compromise” or “walking some parts back” to the mandate […]
by Father Eugene Hemrick In an age of endless restructuring, will we ever be able to settle down and just enjoy the status quo? To answer this, we need to interpret what is meant by “turmoil.” Does it connote chaos and pandemonium, or is it simply the commotion that comes with restructuring? I believe it […]
by Congressman Bob Turner Last August, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule that requires private employers to provide free insurance coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives. This mandate includes devices and drugs that have abortion-causing properties, including IUDs and the “morning-after pills” Ella and Plan B. The department offered a narrow exemption […]
by Sister Constance Carolyn Veit, lsp, Each February, the Church celebrates two events of special significance to Little Sisters of the Poor. On Feb. 2, the Church celebrates the World Day of Consecrated Life, a day important to all men and women religious. On Feb. 11, the World Day of the Sick is observed. Each […]
by Nelsa I. Elías My uncle Ismael died Jan. 3 after a painful battle against cancer. He was my deceased father’s youngest brother. After Daddy passed away in 1995, I found myself reaching out to my uncle. I guess he helped fill a void created by my father’s untimely passing. Daddy and I were very […]
by Veronica Szczygiel The highlight of my Wednesday afternoons is teaching CCD to six second-grade students at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Greenpoint. These six children – two girls, four boys – are incredibly energetic, curious, witty, and brilliantly insightful. I decided to ask them how they think Jesus acted as a baby. One boy […]
