Columns Archive

The ‘expendable children’

Couples who struggle to get pregnant are turning with greater frequency to the in vitro fertilization industry for assistance. In some cases, they can end up feeling they are “too […]

Jesus speaks about confronting someone who is doing wrong

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 18:15-20 For the first reading this weekend, the church gives us a passage from the ancient Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel’s name in Hebrew was, […]

Following the Lord requires sacrifice, but he is our help

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 16: 21-27 The Book of Jeremiah provides this weekend’s first reading. Since Jeremiah was the son of a priest, Hilkiah, he was reared amid […]

The company of good people

St. Bonaventure says in his little treatise Bringing Forth Christ, “Seek the company of good people. If you share their company, you will also share their virtue.” With this thought […]

History lessons: Embracing our ancient faith

Nicholas Owen was canonized 364 years after his death. Such is often the case with the Catholic Church, charged with curating a 3,000-year treasure trove of saints and stories, rovers […]

Christ must be first: prioritizing in the seminary

Greetings and salutations from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary! This is Daniel Niezer here, co-authoring this fantastic column on our “strange and joyful life.” I want to thank my diocesan brother, […]

Bishop's Column: In Truth and Charity

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for Us!

The following is the text of the homily delivered by Bishop Rhoades on Aug. 27 at Queen of Peace Parish, Mishawaka, at the parish’s annual celebration, Peacefest: It was 100 […]

Freedom and the mission of Catholic universities

Guest Commentary: Adrian Reimers Fifty years ago, Father Hesburgh of the University of Notre Dame invited two dozen leaders in Catholic higher education to Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin, to plot […]

Three questions for vocational discernment

It was a hot, sunny day in early September and the lawn around me was a sea of colorful banners and signs advertising debate clubs and Ultimate Frisbee teams. Like […]

I think I’m having a heart attack

A 42-year-old man presents to the emergency room with acute onset of shortness of breath and chest tightness. He is in the middle of a contentious divorce and has not […]

God gives his authority to his church

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Mt. 16:13-20 The first section of the Book of Isaiah provides this weekend with its first reading. In this reading, Isaiah speaks for God. With […]

Support our immigrant youth: Dream Act of 2017

Throughout our diocese, at Confirmations, parish and school visits, high school and college graduations, youth retreats, and other events and occasions, I meet and speak with our young people whose […]