Archives for January 2013

The Aquinas Institute for the Study of Sacred Doctrine

Books available on St. Thomas Aquinas, Commentaries on Apostles John, Paul, and Matthew

Some years ago, a group of theologians at Wyoming Catholic College came together to establish The Aquinas Institute for the Study of Sacred Doctrine. By now you may already know about the ambitious project that our Institute has launched … [Read more...]

February 2013 Homilies

For Sunday Liturgies and Feasts Homilies for February 2013 The Transfiguration of Our Lord That Christ may reign. 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:  Jer 1:4-5, 17-19; Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17; 1 Cor 12:31—13:13, or 13:4-13; Lk 4 … [Read more...]

Revisiting Humanae Vitae

What has been summarized as his most profound theological contribution, Theology of the Body, John Paul II labeled the entire work a “rereading of Humanae Vitae.” Two days after the publication of Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI remarked dur … [Read more...]

Why Do We Believe?

The dynamics of Catholic faith-building are thus severely attacked today by many in the sciences who quite glibly point out that the evidence of science trumps the evidence of religion. The Year of Faith is a most appropriate time to … [Read more...]

Doctrinal Homily Outlines for the Year of Faith

...the Scriptures are not a systematic presentation of the faith. Nevertheless, the doctrines of the faith are contained in Sacred Scripture, so the Lectionary readings can be the basis for preaching about doctrine.    Pope Benedict XVI h … [Read more...]

Cantor, Psalmist, and Cleric: The Pastoral Care and Responsibilities of the Soloist Musician

Next to the ministry of priests and deacons, the ministries in parish music—particularly music for Mass—are the most visible in many Catholic communities.  With the advent of the new Missal, ... music ministries have the opportunity to beco … [Read more...]

Are doctrine and morals too controversial?

January 2013 Editorial

What happens to a parish, and to its parishioners, when the pastor refuses to preach Catholic doctrine and morals on the grounds that they are now “too controversial”?   Cardinal Francis George and Cardinal Timothy Dolan are well known fo … [Read more...]

Beauty: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

Just when I am about to succumb to the sadness and living death of nihilism, some piercing ray of beauty breaks open my heart, and the breath of possibility returns. I recently visited the Botanical Garden in St Louis.  Amid the sights … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

Is Baptism by water "Baptism in the Holy Spirit?" Can medical research on incapacitated patients ever be justified? Is Baptism by water "Baptism in the Holy Spirit?" Question:  I have often heard the phrase “Baptism in the Holy Sp … [Read more...]

Husbands and Fathers in the Image of Christ: Facilitating God’s Will for Our Wives and Children

What does it mean for a man to love his wife and children as Christ loved (and loves) his Church?  Obviously, a lot rides on the word “as”—loving as Christ loves. ... It means according to the same standard with which Christ loves.  Pope … [Read more...]

John Paul II’s “Triptych” of the Human Person

This article focuses on the first part of Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body which broadens the vision of humanity from not just this life (historical man), but to what God intended for man before the Fall (original man), as well as w … [Read more...]

Roman Missal 3.0: Updates Installed

As a revision, the Roman Missal 3.0 has, as its obvious intention, to be an improvement upon that which came before ... the highlights that follow will serve as fledgling insights into the treasures we have received. The last time I put … [Read more...]

The Dynamic of the Gift: Authority and Submission in Christian Marriage

Both persons in a marriage are called to love ... called to a life of giving and receiving.  The catch is:  spouses don’t give and receive in exactly the same way ... because man and woman are not replicas of one another, nor are they mir … [Read more...]

The Latest Book Reviews

Winter Reading For January 2013 Reviews for the following books: CHRISTIANITY: THE FIRST THREE THOUSAND YEARS. By Diarmaid MacCulloch. (Reviewed by Fr. Brian Van Hove, S.J.) __________ HOMOSEXUALITY AND FOLLOWING CHRIST. By … [Read more...]