A more human society
Wishing for Real Debate on Abortion
So many falsehoods and confusions fill the media lately on abortion that I find myself pining for an actual argument. For an example, I do not want to pick on […]
Columns Archive
Bishop's Column: In Truth and Charity
Moral Truth Must Guide Legal Code
The following is the text of Bishop Rhoades’ homily at the Evening Red Mass on Monday, Oct. 3, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne, and Wednesday, Oct. […]
Perspective
God’s Mercy for All
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 17:11-19 The Second Book of Kings furnishes this weekend’s first Scriptural reading at Mass. The two books of Kings were once a single volume, but […]
Perspective
Catholics Weigh in with their Concerns
Catholics have lots of opinions about their Church these days, from preaching to polarization. So imagine what happens when you ask 700,000 what they think. That’s how many Americans took […]
Perspective
Psychedelic Drugs and New Mental Health Treatments
Researchers are investigating a new generation of drugs for treating mental illness derived from psychedelic substances. A molecule known as psilocybin, for example, found in “magic mushrooms,” appears to be […]
Perspective
We Are All God’s Servants
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 17:5-10 The first reading for this weekend comes from the Book of Habakkuk. Little is known about this prophet. It is known that the author […]
Perspective
Expanding the Circle of Protection
One of the maddening aspects of America’s political landscape for Catholics is the inconsistencies of both political parties. Some folks may oppose the death penalty but are just fine with […]
Perspective
How to Navigate the Use of Humor in the Church
Earlier this summer, I was invited to present at the Catholic Media Conference, speaking to journalists and editors about “using humor and joy in writing and publications.” As I told […]
Perspective
The Rise in Enrollment at Catholic Schools Should Not Be Ignored
Finding silver linings within the destabilizing and tumultuous years of the COVID-19 pandemic is not always easy. But the major shifts that took place in public life as a result […]
Perspective
Be Rich in What Matters
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 16:19-31 The Book of Amos is the source of this weekend’s first reading. The book itself states that it was written during the reign […]
Perspective
Queen Elizabeth II: Faithful Disciple
I was in Rome last week to give a presentation to the Pontifical Academy of the Sciences. I was supposed to go the following week with my Word on Fire team […]
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 […]