Perspective
Joseph’s Perfect Wife and Her Perfect Son
A while ago, writing about St. Joseph, I was intent on lifting up His human experience while calling out quick attempts to idealize this important person in Jesus’s life. Joseph […]
Perspective
Will Catholics Listen to One Another?
Listen to your Catholic sister and brother. Really take the time. Listening requires little; it also requires a lot. Listen. It is hard to make a case for communion if […]
Perspective
What Catholic Parishes Can Do to Observe Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year, between September 15 and October 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month. The observance began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and, in 1988, was extended by […]
Perspective
‘Totus, Totus, Totus!’: A Reminder and a Correction
Allow me to start this column repeating three times a word many Catholics know or have heard: “totus, totus, totus.” It means “everyone” – no exceptions. It evokes wholeness and […]
Perspective
How to Successfully Accompany Young Hispanic Catholics
After many years of doing research on Hispanic Catholics, one question emerges almost invariably in conversations and speaking engagements: What can our Church do to accompany young Hispanic Catholics better? […]
Perspective
Love and Support Catechists
Catechetical programs have resumed activities or will soon start in most Catholic parishes in the United States. Children, youths, young adults, and adults prepare to return to sessions where they […]
Perspective
To rest is to be human
“Workaholic,” “productive,” “unstoppable,” “24/7,” “busy bee,” “overachiever,” etc. These words and expressions, and others similar, have come to be omnipresent in our everyday vocabulary. We often feel proud when identified […]
Perspective
Disappearance of balanced Catholic media is loss for immigrants
The announcement early in May 2022 that Catholic News Service would cease operations in the United States at the end of the year took many by surprise. I was flabbergasted […]
Perspective
The Virgin Mary is never alone
I once heard Mexican-American theologian Father Gary Riebe-Estrella, a priest of the Society of the Divine Word, tell a story that has stayed with me for many years. Let me paraphrase. […]
Perspective
Thank you, Sister Norma Pimentel
Sister Norma Pimentel, a Mexican-American Catholic sister born in Brownsville, Texas, daughter of immigrants, serves as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. She has become […]
Perspective
An Advent plea for immigration reform
How long? Until when? These questions are common during Advent as Christians reflect on the meaning of the final coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. From the depths of our […]
Perspective
SOS for catechists in this pandemic
Nearly 11 million job opportunities remain unfilled in the United States of America. Take a stroll through downtown in your city or town; maybe walk by a small business or […]