The link between St. Joseph and Father’s Day (Ordinary Times)
A while back, I was sorting through some of my dad’s old papers, and I came across a candy wrapper and a Father’s Day card tucked into an envelope that … Learn More
Category: Columns
Reaching out in faith: Can an ecumenical Catholic service satisfy our Sunday obligation?
Q: If a Catholic attends a Catholic Ecumenical Church on Sunday, can that be considered a fulfillment of one’s Mass obligation for Sunday? (Location withheld) A: I’m not familiar with … Learn More
Cardinal Tobin: Explore genuine connections in the age of social media
My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, Synodality begins with attentive listening and respectful dialogue, but its ultimate goal is encounter, the kind of personal engagement that leads to mutual … Learn More
Reaching out in faith: Is incorrupt Sister Wilhelmina possibly a saint?
Q: Does the incorrupt body of the Benedictine nun, Sister Wilhelmina, mean that she is a saint? What does the church think of it? (Farmingville, New York) A: We say … Learn More
Gift of love for each other at your child’s graduation (Ordinary Times)
My college graduation was a rainy, soggy mess — and it was wonderful. It was a beautiful evening in June, and my graduation was the next morning. June weather in … Learn More
In June, let your garden honor the hearts of Jesus and Mary
We enter into June, and Ordinary Time, with the sense of sharing the faith and expanding the church. The green of this liturgical season is symbolic of hope and new … Learn More
Reaching out in faith: Must I make my confession at the altar, as my pastor asks?
Q: Our parish priest has decided to forego the confessional and now stands at the foot of the altar and makes us go to confession to him right out in … Learn More
Pray for an end to all instances of violence
My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, Today’s news is dominated by senseless mass shootings that take the lives of innocent people, often the most vulnerable and unprotected. Gun violence … Learn More
How to forgive and reconcile after being hurt or hurtful
Forgiveness is a thread that runs throughout the story of our faith. In the Garden of Eden, we see the frailty of human relationships, both with God and one another. … Learn More
4 Tools to help keep your kids safe in confession (or anywhere else)
I made my first confession in a parking lot. It was the early ’80s, and that was how they arranged things — lined up in a parking lot across from … Learn More