It becomes very clear that when we say “no” to things that threaten our vocations—sometimes even good things—we imitate Christ in saying “yes” to the will of the Father. I entered the seminary right out of high school. And believe it or n … [Read more...]
Articles
The Heart of the Matter
August 17, 2012 by Bishop Edward M. Rice
In Pastores Dabo Vobis, Blessed John Paul II offered to those charged with seminary formation the framework by which to form men for the priesthood, namely, the four pillars of priestly formation: spiritual, intellectual, apostolic and … [Read more...]
On Music and the Priestly Life
August 15, 2012 by Fr. Gary Selin
Since music imitates the inner life of the soul, it follows that good music imitates and evokes sentiments that are consistent with a virtuous life, while music that evokes vicious sentiments is detrimental, and even destructive, to the … [Read more...]
Contraception and Public Policy
August 8, 2012 by Rob Agnelli
One can readily see why there is an insistence against “artificial” methods of birth control, while something like Natural Family Planning is in accord with the natural law. It is not because they are artificial, per se, but because they ar … [Read more...]
Preaching About Pornography and Addiction
August 6, 2012 by Dr. John Splinter, PhD
Because the slavery and pain of our flocks is obvious, we are called upon to offer the grace and healing of Christ. The pulpit can be an excellent platform for entreating even the most stained and hopeless heart. As they leave the house … [Read more...]
The Church’s Year of Grace: History, Traditions, Beauty
August 1, 2012 by Sister Joan L Roccasalvo, CSJ
Christian discipleship is fundamentally a dynamic movement from self to the beauty of Christ. In the absence of this dynamic movement, faith remains woefully incomplete. ...The essential characteristic of beauty then is to be transported … [Read more...]
“Never let me be parted from you”
Some Thoughts on the Integrity of the Priestly State of Life
July 30, 2012 by Fr. Andreas Hoeck, SSD
The Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, is the same Spirit that fills the heart and mind of a good priest, vivifying his mortal body. Priests acting in that Spirit are seeking the advancement of the Kingdom, and will accomplish it. … [Read more...]
Discerning Marriage as Natural Vocation
July 30, 2012 by Fr. Bryce Sibley
Marriage, as a vocation, is written into our human nature, into our very being. According to the Church, everyone is called to marriage because they are humans who have been created as either male or female. It is necessary to clear … [Read more...]
Liturgy: The Foundation and Strength of Marriages
July 25, 2012 by Sarah Elizabeth Maple
The Eucharistic celebration is a testament to the need for man’s self-gift as response to God’s gift to us through his Son .... to find himself through his own, sincere gift of himself ... reflected in his total consecration to God through a … [Read more...]
Spiritual Direction in the Life of a Priest
July 19, 2012 by Fr. Joseph J. Kelly
Good and regular spiritual direction can help us work through some of the natural and dangerous currents in the spiritual life. By trusting God to redirect us and keep us afloat, he will help us navigate back to the solid ground of God’s p … [Read more...]
Betrayal or Integrity
July 14, 2012 by Arland K. Nichols
When it comes to protecting the right to life of the most vulnerable human being in our midst, the infant in the womb, there is no “middle ground” or “common ground” to be found. Human dignity must be protected and upheld. Imagine for a … [Read more...]
Enter the Digital Continent of Preaching
July 12, 2012 by Fr. Fred Gaglia, PhD
Our preachers must lead people to align themselves with the Church, filling the chasm of the past two or more generations of those not in touch with this treasury of truth. The goal is eternal salvation, the growth of the Church is in the … [Read more...]
St. Benedict: A Sixth Century Saint for the Twenty-First Century
July 11, 2012 by Paul Catalanotto
St. Benedict's rule was written for everyone. His goal was to “establish a school for the Lord’s service.” He hoped in creating these rules “to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome.” Chesterton wrote that “it is the paradox of hist … [Read more...]
A Plea for Really Committing to Adult Faith Formation
July 6, 2012 by R. Thomas Richard, PhD
We need to awaken. We need to be stirred to action to do what Jesus sent the Church to do: “Make disciples,” and it needs to begin in the parishes. "For although they knew God, they did not accord him glory as God, or give him than … [Read more...]
A Decisive Hour for American Catholics
July 4, 2012 by Deacon Paul O. Iacono
We want the right to follow our consciences, to worship our God, and to live out our faith by making a contribution within the public square, which is our patrimony and our heritage: our blessed liberties. We have concluded the … [Read more...]
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