Ken Hallenius

Columnist

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Perspective

A Treat for Holy Souls

The so-called “spooky season” is well underway. The grocery stores are filled with huge bags of candy, houses along my commute are decorated with blow-up pumpkins and enormous spider webs, […]

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Perspective

Better than a Thousand Words

My parish is getting ready to publish an updated photo directory, and my wife and I recently got dolled up to have our portrait taken for the book. We’re no […]

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Perspective

Going Forward by Making a Retreat

My wife and I are preparing for our summer vacation, a weeklong road trip to Colorado to attend her uncle’s 90th birthday party. We’re taking our two golden retrievers along […]

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Diocese

Panel Highlights the Eucharistic Mission of the Church

“Transform All Things Through the Eucharist” “We are called this year to restore all things in Christ through the Eucharistic Lord,” said Timothy O’Malley, Director of the Center for Liturgy […]

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A Man of Good Humor, Bar None

In a 2014 address to Vatican employees, Pope Francis suggested that “a bit of good humor is very good for us! It will do us much good to pray St. […]

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Perspective

The Joy of Being ‘Ordinary’

Across America, Memorial Day is traditionally seen as the beginning of summer, the time of year when many people begin their season of outdoor picnics, road trips, and vacations. Inside […]

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Perspective

The Gift of Priests and Parents

Recently, I attended the joyful first Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by a newly ordained priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Father Nik Guiney. A priest’s first Mass is an […]

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Perspective

He Is Truly Risen!

Alleluia! Happy Easter to you! There is a traditional greeting used by many Christians during the Easter season in which the first person says, “He is risen!” and the other […]

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Perspective

Lenten Advice from Padre Pio: ‘Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry’

During this Lenten season, many parishes offer the traditional devotion of the Stations of the Cross, which recalls the last hours of the passion of Jesus as he was condemned […]

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Perspective

A Culture of Life and Civilization of Love

Earlier this month, I traveled to Washington, D.C., with a large group of students, faculty, and staff from the University of Notre Dame to participate in the annual March for […]

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Perspective

Like the Angels on High, Give Glory to God

You may notice a curious phrase repeated multiple times in the readings at Christmas: “Do not be afraid!” We hear it proclaimed on Christmas Eve, as the angel comforts Joseph […]

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Perspective

If There Is No Patron Saint for Your Cause, Become One

Recently, my friend David retired after a long career in radio. I had many great conversations with him through the years during the morning show on Portland’s Catholic radio station, […]