Columns
Called to be critics, rebels and saints
The following is the commencement address given by Msgr. Michael Heintz at the graduation ceremony of Marian High School, Mishawaka, his alma mater, on June 2. High school commencement addresses […]
Columns Archive
Columns
In Light of Faith: Three questions for vocational discernment
By Katie Daniels 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 […]
Columns
Take care to nourish the seeds of faith
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 13:24-43 The Book of Wisdom provides this weekend’s first reading. Wisdom is the name not only of this book of the Old Testament, but […]
Perspective
An unsung champion for life
It is widely agreed that the greatest pro-life legislative success since the Supreme Court’s 1973 abortion decision is the Hyde Amendment. First enacted in 1976, it remains in law today […]
Perspective
History and humility: An old man’s plea to young adults
The old man with the typewriter would like a word with us texters and tweeters: Don’t be a blockhead. David McCullough’s bestselling new book, “The American Spirit,” takes up a […]
Perspective
Going beyond administration
While preparing for the Convocation of Catholic Leaders, I paused on a statement describing a design principle for the event. In calling for missionary discipleship, the U.S. Conference of Catholic […]
Perspective
In Light of Faith: What would you share with Pope Francis?
By Elise Italiano and Christopher White Perhaps one of the most memorable scenes of last year’s World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, was Pope Francis sharing a meal with a […]
Perspective
The spiritual dimension — living in the presence of a friend
One of my favorite aspects of seminary life is one that took me a long time to get used to: that I live in the same house as Jesus in […]
Columns
If we have died with Christ, we will also live with him
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 10:37-42 This weekend’s first reading is from the first of two books in the Bible that bear a name suggesting that they are about […]
Perspective
Calling God ‘Our Father’
Our last 11 grandchildren in a row have been girls, so I’ve gotten careful about asserting claims of male prerogative. But this Father’s Day got me thinking about how we […]
Perspective
A myth of neutrality
Once upon a time, we were told to allow dissent from time-honored legal and moral norms in the name of “freedom of choice.” Politicians assured us they were “personally opposed” […]
Columns
‘Even all the hairs of your head are counted’
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 10:26-33 The Book of Jeremiah supplies this weekend’s first reading. Jeremiah wrote at a time when life was hard for God’s chosen people. Only […]