In a recent conversation with a liberal acquaintance of mine, he asked if the Knights of Columbus were an “extremist hate” group. I asked why
The Corovirus pandemic has seen numerous opinions emerge regarding causes and cures and where it all will end. Both individuals and societies worry and concern
Every branch of the American military has a motto. “This we’ll defend” is the U.S. Army’s motto going back to the Revolution. In many respects,
The protests and rioting surrounding the George Floyd death has brought back some tough memories. I had personal experience in the integration riots of the
I was never churched as a child but ended up attending a Lutheran high school because I was a borderline delinquent. The sheriff and my
The semi-annual 40 Days for Life had to be suspended several weeks ago as a result of the COVID 19 quarantine. At my last shift
Saint Paul, Minnesota’s city council recently announced they will celebrate an “Abortion Providers Appreciation Day”. This decision clearly sets the tone; Christians must draw the
When I reflect on current conditions and issues in our Church, our culture/country or the world at large, I always try to focus on what
Are you aware of the horrors surrounding the ongoing persecution of Christians worldwide? In a 2017 essay, I highlighted how that persecution has reached a
As I read and hear about all the issues facing the Church it is a quandary to focus on what appears to be most important.
Surveys over the past several years have noted a gradual decline in individuals belonging to organized religion and conversely an increase in the numbers of
“To serve and protect” is the motto of most law enforcement agencies. In many respects it should serve as a byword for the hierarchy of
October 22 is the feast day for St. John Paul II who is a very special saint for me. There is a personal connection to
St. John Paul II challenged us all to “evangelize” and in trying to meet his charge I have found many obstructions in attempting to introduce
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:32) In reading or hearing the media discuss a particular issue a
The clergy abuse scandal seems to never go away. The local police recently conducted a raid on our diocesan pastoral center to recover what they
Over the years I have found sports can offer meaningful metaphors to help illustrate aspects or issues of our faith. A recent discussion with a
The annual March for Life and 40 days for Life campaigns always leads me to reflect on the state of affairs of or culture’s moral
You are dust and to dust you shall return. (Genesis 3:19) As an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist at my Church, I always sign up
DEFENDING THE CHURCH FROM CLERGY ABUSE In a previous essay I addressed the challenges of defending the Church in light of the clergy abuse scandal
Christmas Eve Nostalgia At this year’s Christmas Eve children’s Mass eight traditional Christian carols were sung. I found myself singing even though I can’t carry
Advent and Christmas offer a needed break from the noise of the current clerical abuse crisis, Church divisions, and secular obsessions with politics. It’s a
