The liberty we celebrate also is a summons to protect and defend ‘self-evident truths’ Freedom isn’t free. We are particularly reminded of this during our solemn observance of Memorial Day as well as with Independence and Veterans days. For it is all too easy to take for granted our freedoms …
Living the readings: A month of virtue
Great things are happening to us as power of God goes to work Some may be led to think that holiness is boring. They may claim that it is monotonous in that holy people do nothing but good. They define being good as avoiding evil. To reduce goodness to doing …
Marriage enrichment: Advice on natural family planning
NFP Awareness Week occurs in July to raise awareness, help couples be pro-woman, pro-man, pro-child Each year I dedicate my July column to Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. NFP Awareness Week is sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and this year the educational campaign that goes along with …
Understanding the sacraments: Christ is always present
The Second Vatican Council and the liturgy The Year of Faith, which began on Oct. 11, 2011, and concludes on Nov. 24, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council as well as the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. …
Once upon a time: Following the Catholic Church in real time
Faithful now have almost instant access to developments as information dirt trail turns into a superhighway My, how times have changed!” Grandmothers say this to granddaughters as a preface to negative remarks about ladies’ fashion that follow. Fathers may preface some remarks about wonderful improvements in the whole arena of …
He dwells among us: A gift for all of us
Cloistered nuns bear in their hearts the anxieties and sufferings of all who seek their prayerful help Who does not like receiving a gift? Some gifts continue to bring us joy long after they are received. But as nice as some of the gifts are that I have received in …
Marriage enrichment: Dads: giving credit where credit is due
Fathers devoted to their families often are unsung heroes, and their impact on children can be immense In today’s culture, fathers often are the unsung heroes of our families. We hear a lot about single mothers and their children but very little about the fathers who stay. We don’t read …
Living the readings: The power of the Eucharist
Body, Blood of Christ strengthen faith, overcome death and sin June is beginning with a flourish as the feast of Corpus Christi is highlighting the sacrament of the Eucharist. After this feast to the end of the liturgical year Sundays are nameless yet numbered with the exception of the last …
Understanding the sacraments: Mystical rites
A catechesis of the sacrament of holy orders in which Christ authorizes, empowers ministers of grace Baptism, Eucharist and confirmation are the sacraments of initiation through which we receive new life in Christ. Penance and anointing of the sick are sacraments of healing through which we are restored to spiritual …
Once upon a time: Understanding the Eucharistic Congress
Signature event will highlight the Diocese of Knoxville’s Silver Jubilee celebration that begins in September I know that many of us are busy promoting the Diocesan Eucharist Congress and Family Weekend at the Sevierville Convention Center Sept. 13-14, 2013. It will certainly be a highlight celebration of the Silver Jubilee …
He dwells among us: A visit with Pope Francis
Giving to others an audience with Christ through works of mercy is a blessing we are all called to be In my younger days I always found the concept of the pope to be something distant. After all, the pope did not live in St. Louis or even in the …
Living the readings: Are we almost there yet?
Bible never disappoints as it deals with a multitude of endings Most every piece of literature ever written begins with an implied promise. By its very nature, it assures you it will come to an ending. There are some notable exceptions, but those are spoken of with disappointment or downright …
