Viewpoint
A new model of Catechumenal formation needs promotion
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is one of the most successful features of post-Vatican II liturgical renewal.... Read more
'God's Household' is a rich image of the Church
The Protestant scholar Paul Minear, in his book Images of the Church in the New Testament, identifies 96 ways of... Read more
Evangelization means the renewal of Catholic Institutions
The Catholic Church in the U.S. has been committed since Vatican II to a new and vigorous program of evangelization.... Read more
How priests and deacons should not give homilies
Fr. John. J. Conley, S. J., a professor of theology and philosophy at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, recently penned... Read more
If God is good, why is there so much suffering in the world?
Of all the agonized questions posed to me over the years, none is more difficult to answer than the problem... Read more
Housework can be a source of profound spirituality
One of the projects I have been undertaking in my spare time over the past month or so is going... Read more
Celebrating the Three Comings of Christ in the Advent Season
During Advent we celebrate what are sometimes referred to as the "three comings of Christ": the coming of Christ in... Read more
Is the Catholic Church Ready for the Mega Church Movement?
The Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, originally affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, was probably the best-known megachurch... Read more
Is it ever acceptable to call a nun 'miss'?
This question is the least profound – and most peculiar – that your columnist has had to deal with recently. ... Read more
Christ the King celebrates the ultimate security of the world
The solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, brings the liturgical year to a dramatic conclusion. This... Read more
The key to 'good' liturgy is good pastoral ministry
One of the mistakes made by clergy and pastoral ministers is thinking that all the keys to “good” liturgy are... Read more
Church needs new language in explaining its teaching on sexuality
The recent Extraordinary Synod of Bishops convened at the Vatican to discuss the challenges facing the family today was, if... Read more
Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s Dark Night of the Soul
I have just finished reading a fascinating and engaging book that is both theologically profound and simple in style –... Read more
What does it mean to say that Jesus 'descended into hell'?
When the third edition of the Roman Missal was put into use in the U.S. in Advent 2011, Catholics were... Read more
New Bible translation – The Message – is a notable achievement
Recently, I completed a 30-day Ignatian retreat in Los Angeles (I hope you are all impressed!). The central feature of... Read more
A world-wide persecution of Christians is well underway
Recently, I picked up in Barnes and Noble a book entitled The Global War on Christians. My split-second reaction was... Read more
What is the defenition of a really active Catholic?
When you think of an active Catholic, what comes to mind? Probably, someone who, at least, attends weekly Mass, maybe... Read more
Are Pope Francis’ achievements substantial or mere symbolism?
More than one commentator has suggested recently that Pope Francis is all symbolism and little substance. I disagree. (For one... Read more
Corpus Christi and the ‘Blessed Sacrament of the Mass’
Some time ago, I viewed with a small group a video by Fr. Robert Barron entitled, “The Blessed Sacrament of... Read more
Need a key to the Trinity? Start with Jesus
The Trinity is a mystery. (Popular translation: The Trinity is a complicated, inexplicable – and not particularly exciting or spiritually... Read more
