In considering the issue of immigration, we need to keep two basic rights in perspective By Bishop Richard F. Stika “They took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus” …
A study of the cynical Book of Qoheleth
Also known as Ecclesiastes, the book is among the wisdom books of the Old Testament By Bob Hunt I’ve been reading the Book of Qoheleth, also known as Ecclesiastes, attributed to Solomon because of the opening line, “The words of David’s son, Qoheleth, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1). It is …
Trip to Honduras ‘leaves a lot of emotional bridges’
A daughter’s mission trip to a foreign country brings home the same lessons as her father once brought home By George Valadie I’ve lost track, but I know it’s been well over 20 summers since I had the opportunity to visit Saltillo, Mexico. Though “visit” might not be the best …
Transfiguring icons
Christian iconography expresses in images the same Gospel message that Scripture communicates by words By Bishop Richard F. Stika Come up the mountain to me! — Deuteronomy 10:1 The call of Moses by God to ascend Mount Sinai to enter into closer communion with Him reminds us that prayer, like climbing …
Praying for perspective: A journey of a hundred years begins with a few missteps
By George Valadie By the time you read this, another Father’s Day celebration will have come and gone. Believe it or not, I’m actually hoping for some socks. I could hardly believe it after doing the math. This will make 42 Sundays I’ve gotten to celebrate as a dad. Didn’t …
He dwells among us: Build them up with prayer
Our priests need our prayers and to know that we support them By Bishop Richard F. Stika “You made them a kingdom and priests for our God.” –Revelation 5:10 St. John Vianney, patron saint of priests, knew well that, “When people want to destroy religion they begin by attacking the …
Praying for perspective: Senior-class motto could be ‘Oh, the places you’ll go’
Graduates can never appreciate what that means until later, ‘a later that is still to come’ By George Valadie For a school principal such as myself, it’s impossible to ignore the opportunity to write about this season of graduations. It’s why we teachers do what we do. Be it the …
Marriage Enrichment: On long marriages—and a columnist’s retirement
Many people are thanked for their efforts over the years to benefit marriage-support events By Marian Christiana This article is going to have two parts to it. At first glance, they may not seem to fit together, but stick with me and I think that you will see the connection. …
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful : Is it important to me that my children be Catholic?
Parents should ‘make it known’ to children ‘in word and deed that our faith is the most important part of our life’ By Bob Hunt June is the month for graduations and weddings, so it’s a natural time for parents to reflect with pride on their children’s accomplishments. It’s a …
He dwells among us: Intoxicating joy
What a different world it would be if Catholics lived with the joy of the new wine By Bishop Richard F. Stika They have had too much new wine. — Acts 2:13 The mocking reaction of some toward the Apostles following the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost speaks …
He dwells among us: A life-changing consecration
Jesus knocks on the door of our heart and longs to enter our house, where Mary needs to be By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” –Matthew 1:20 The words spoken by the angel of the …
Praying for perspective: Thanking God that we’re not Him
He welcomes us all at Easter, which is why you get there early and squeeze toward the middle By George Valadie Sure enough, it happened again. Seems to be the same every year. And I’ve been wanting to get it off my chest. But first, let me just say I …