If God is all good, why doesn’t He stop people from doing bad things? The answer lies in freedom By Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM The existence of evil is a common objection to the existence of God, or at least to a personal God who is all-knowing and all-good. …
The economics of a worldwide pandemic
Everything from beer to ink is running low, but so is the most significant item: kindness By George Valadie I loved teaching high school economics. It was without question my favorite above all the others. And I’ve taught a few others along the way. World history, sociology, biology, English, basic …
Why do people do good?
The answer is that it makes us happy and fulfilled; open up to God and begin to act for the good By Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM Humans always act for a purpose. Voluntary acts are by definition purposeful. Involuntary acts, which we don’t choose—such as breathing—are not something to …
In the spirit of Job
A homily in response to Pope Francis’ new directives on the Latin Mass Challenges that face the faithful should serve to strengthen their faith, not incite divisiveness By Father David Carter Job, Judas, and Peter — three figures speak to me this Sunday. The Book of Job is probably the …
Lunch, dinner, and the morning Diet Coke
A new retiree and his wife may most often be found enjoying those things on their back porch By George Valadie Hey, what’s retirement like?” It’s a question we’ve been asked quite a bit since we started this new phase of our lives a little over a month ago. To …
Four central dogmas related to the Blessed Mother
As the solemnity of the Assumption approaches, it is good to reflect on her role in our salvation By Bob Hunt Every August, the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. It is a good time to reflect on the four central dogmas of the Church related to …
He’s retiring and may be hungry, but he won’t be bored
A longtime principal ‘is grateful for the chance I was given to teach those many years ago’ By George Valadie It was eight years ago to the day. I walked into the principal’s office I had heretofore only visited to sit in the chair that had become my turn to …
Changes in life that are symbolized by a new name
From those received at baptism or upon becoming a dad and grandfather, names are intimate things By Bob Hunt There are only a few choices in life so significant that it changes who we are, and that change is symbolized by a new name. There is our baptism, a choice …
Called to community
The choices one makes about identity, meaning, and purpose have an enormous impact on others By Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM Men and women are by nature social animals. We usually grow up in a familial setting and attend school with other boys and girls. We learn, through these relationships, …
The gate of heaven
St. John Paul II: ‘Do not be afraid to give your time to Christ — it is never time lost but rather time gained’ By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the …
A faithful servant of Divine Mercy
In his 60 years of priestly ministry, Cardinal Rigali has proclaimed the mercy of God and has been the instrument of His forgiveness By Bishop Richard F. Stika “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for …
The answer to so many questions is: experience
Life is the only teacher for lessons high school seniors have yet to learn By George Valadie Like many Catholics throughout the country, Nancy and I, until recently, have been attending Sunday Mass virtually. We’ve celebrated liturgies from Chattanooga to Boston and points in between. Some churches were empty, some …
