Marking World Homeless Day

Tuesday, Oct. 10, marked the 13th annual World Homeless Day. Started in 2010 by social workers, housing providers, family scientists, and allied individuals, World Homeless Day aims to humanize the lived experiences and comorbid factors that unhoused people often endure — experiences and factors that are too often misunderstood as threats by those outside of the system. 

Rikers Island Needs to Be Closed ASAP

Weakness is not a nice feeling. With echoes of other David and Goliath moments and campaigns, I was aware of my growling weakness, empty stomach, and growing frustration as passionate talks were going on and on in Foley Square outside the City Council chambers on Aug. 31. 

Looking Up to Our Working-Class Heroes

I’d like to say a word for the angels. Especially the ones whom I lovingly call the “blue-collar workers” of the heavenly host. 

Catholic Media Use Is on the Upswing

The good news today is that Catholics are still reading, listening, and watching Catholic materials. The better news is that the numbers who are reading, listening, and watching have been going up.

‘Be Grateful for the Gift’ of a Vocation

Every year at the end of August and the beginning of September there is a national gathering of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD). This meeting brings together all of the vocation directors of the United States as we look ahead to a pastoral year of prayer, hope, and excitement. 

Strong Ties Bind Church and Labor

For Americans across the country, the annual Labor Day holiday signals the changing of the seasons, one last chance to take in good weather around a cookout or at the beach. 

Looking Up at a Great Light

As Christians, we all know how central light is to the story of our faith. The creation story opens with “Let there be light.” And Matthew introduces Jesus with a quote from the prophet Isaiah: “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light” (4:16). When we look up at the stars or face the glorious rising sun, it is this sacred story that we are wrapped in.

Conversations on a Park Bench With Albie

On Saturday, July 15, I traveled to St. Fidelis Parish in College Point to attend a Mass of Resurrection for a man named Albie. I never met Albie in person, but I knew about him from my Dominican sister friend, Sister Ruth Lautt, OP. Sister Ruth coordinates the St. Fidelis Street Ministry that offers every first Saturday of the month to bring food and clothing to people in need.

Reading WYD Memories Brings Smile to My Face

This past month, I have read with interest many accounts of World Youth Day and the experiences shared by my younger sisters and brothers in Christ as hundreds of thousands of them experienced their pilgrimage to Portugal.