Francis: Priests should never refuse baptism to one who asks, Joshua J. McElwee | Apr. 27, 2015 The Francis Chronicles, Rome, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter

Who am I to Judge?, Ron Rolheiser

With Scars and All, by Eric Immel, SJ, From the Jesuit Post

Principles for Interfaith Dialogue and Interfaith Attitudes, Ron Rolheiser

Where to Find Resurrection, Ron Rolheiser

Pope Francis -- 10 Inspirational Sayings For The Lenten Season

Fear Masking Itself as Piety, Ron Rolheiser

Christ and Nature, February 16, 2015, Ron Rolheiser

What Should I Do For Lent? Pope Francis' 10 Tips by Kevin Cotter

Our Daydreams, Ron Rolheiser

How Long? Not Long: Our Need of Rest and Renewal, by Brendan Busse, SJ

Why Priests? Here is why, by Jay Hooks, SJ, April 30, 2013

Public Humility, or Talking with One Another Again, by Nathaniel Romano, SJ, on November 15, 2014

Mistakes Were Made, Taken from TheJesuitpost.org, Eric Immel

At-home retreat brings Scripture, spirituality to seniors, Christine Schenk | Feb. 5, 2015 Simply Spirit

The Right to Beautiful Things: Education as Transformation, Dan Dixon, S.J.

Our Eyes as Windows to our Souls, Ron Rolheiser

Interview with Archbishop Blase Cupich 2/2/15, Paul Caine | Kristen Thometz | February 2, 2015

The Positive Side of Melancholy, Ron Rolheiser

The 'new' culture war, Vinnie Rotondaro, NCR Today

Fr. Richard McBrien, theologian, has died, NCR Staff | Jan. 25, 2015

Vincentian's work teaches him, 'There but for the grace of God go I', Sr. Camille D'Arienzo Conversations with Sr. Camille Taken from The National Catholic Reporter

What if Pope Francis gave the State of the Union address?, John Gehring, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter

On "Strangers No Longer": Perspectives on the Historic U.S.-Mexican Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Migration, Edited by Todd Scribner and J. Kevin Appleby, Paulist Press. New York. 2015. Pp. 358

Looking for the One God Inside Our Denominational and Faith Divisions, Ron Rolheiser

Francis strongly defends criticisms of capitalism, Joshua J. McElwee

The Last Priests in Ireland, Donald Cozzens, The Furrow / September 2014

My Top Ten Books for 2014, Ron Rolheiser

Catholic leaders respond to news of US-Cuban rapproachment, Reaction to Engagement with Cuba, Vinnie Rotondaro, NCR Today

The Visitation -- Revisited

The Heart of Henri Nouwen: His Words of Blessing

Schonborn: The next synod must concentrate on the realities of family life, Christa Pongratz-Lippitt | Dec. 9, 2014

How do we understand the crisis of marriage and the family?, Kelly Stewart, Grace on the Margins, National Catholic Reporter

Changing times may call for changes in religious orders, pope says, Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service, National Catholic Reporter

Archbishop faces fast-changing church, NCR Editorial Staff, Cupich to Chicago

Self-Sacrifice and the Eucharist, Ron Rolheiser

Two Churches, Two Sacred Places, Two Struggles, Ron Rolheiser

Being in the World: A quotable Maritain Reader, Edited by Mario O. D'Souza, with Jonathan R. Seiling, The University of Notre Dame Press. Notre Dame, IN. 2014. Pp. 314

Cupich offers meditation on leadership, Dennis Coday, National Catholic Reporter

Challenges identified in feeding, thinking about the world's hungry, Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

Cardinal Kasper: Pope Francis 'does not represent a liberal position, but a radical position', Vinnie Rotondaro, National Catholic Reporter

Spiritual Warfare, Ron Rolheiser

UN report: As climate warms, poverty will grow, Brian Roewe | Nov. 4, 2014 Eco Catholic

The number of U.S. Catholics has grown, so why are there fewer parishes?, By Michael Lipka

Rockhurst, NCR examine Francis' sense of mercy, Thomas C. Fox | Nov. 2, 2014 NCR Today

Why doesn't poverty play a bigger role in US politics?, Vinnie Rotondaro | Nov. 3, 2014

Carrying Our Cross, Ron Rolheiser

Newly beatified Pope Paul VI championed justice and peace, Tony Magliano

Three Kinds of Spiritualities, Ron Rolheiser

Schonborn: Get rid of 'tunnel view' when it comes to discussion of families, Christa Pongratz-Lippitt, Oct. 23, 2014

All wars begin in a jealous heart; let go of pride, envy, pope says, Carol Glatz Catholic News Service | Oct. 22, 2014 The Francis Chronicles

Pope Paul VI is almost a saint. Here are four of his biggest legacies, David Gibson Religion News Service | Oct. 18, 2014, National Catholic Reporter

The Goddess of Chastity, Ron Rolheiser

MSW Visits Notre Dame, Michael Sean Winters | Oct. 9, 2014 Distinctly Catholic, National Catholic Reporter

Reaching Out to the Lonely, Alan Smith

Four easy steps to take to become a bishop, Fr. Peter Daly | Oct. 14, 2014 Parish Diary, National Catholic Reporter

Sacred Permission to Be Human and the Tools to Handle Frustration, Ron Rolheiser

Thomas Aquinas's Proof of God, By Robert Barron

Lack of priests continues to close parishes, yet there is still no discussion, Dennis Coday | Sep. 29, 2014

Pew study: Catholics are independent thinkers ready to participate in the political process, Dawn Cherie Araujo, The National Catholic Reporter

Pope: Use gifts to benefit church, not create division, envy, annoyance, Carol Glatz Catholic News Service | Oct. 1, 2014 The Francis Chronicles

Five People Who Helped Give Me Some Self-Understanding, Ron Rolheiser

Helping others, especially the poor and the four-legged, a joy for pastor, Sr. Camille D'Arienzo | Sep. 30, 2014 Conversations with Sr. Camille, National Catholic Reporter

How to Stop Time, By Anna Della Subinsept

What I wish people knew about depression, Therese Borchard | Sep. 23, 2014 Soul Seeing, National Catholic Reporter

There's too much hype about Cupich's appointment to the Chicago archdiocese, Tom Gallagher | Sep. 25, 2014 NCR Today, Cupich to Chicago

Fatherless at the Depth of our Being, Ron Rolheiser

The truth about climate change, Tony Magliano | Sep. 15, 2014 Making a Difference, National Catholic Reporter

Fearing Our Own Maturity, Ron Rolheiser

Diaper banks meet an overlooked need, Mick Forgey, Sep. 8, 2014, National Catholic Reporter

Our Timidity in the Face of God's Abundance

Walking on Water and Sinking Like a Stone, Ron Rolheiser

First black priests in US 'opened door for rest of us,' pastor says, Catholic News Service

The 'Francis effect': three voices, Fr. Eddie Siebert, S.J. The IN Network

Do new ordinations signal rising popularity of Latin Mass?, Lilly Fowler St. Louis Post-Dispatch Religion News Service

Across US, groups focus on legal needs of unaccompanied minor migrants, Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service

The Law of Karma, Ron Rolheiser

Survey: Most Americans say U.S. should shelter, not rush to deport, child migrants, Cathy Lynn Grossman Religion News Service

Pope Francis reveals top 10 secrets to happiness, Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

Marriage: listening with the ear of the heart, Melissa Musick Nussbaum

Searching for the Right Fuel, Ron Rolheiser

A Visit from the Goddess of Night, Ron Rolheiser

Disciples with many Faces, Ron Rolheiser

'How can I help the children coming across the border?', by Tracy Abeln

Catholic and libertarian? Pope's top adviser says they're incompatible, By David Gibson

Lifting up leaders, by Nuri Vallbona

Robert Moore on Human Energy, Ron Rolheiser

A fresh look at 'Caritas in Veritate,' a valuable gift, Tony Magliano, Making a Difference, National Catholic Reporter

The ministry of burying the dead, Heidi Schlumpf, National Catholic Reporter

Pope's quotes: Sad realities

Pope: Corruption is easiest 'sin at fingertips' of anyone with power, Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

The Regrets We Can Live With, Ron Rolheiser

Life Lessons From Navy SEAL Training, By William H. McRaven

Cardinal 'shocked' by survey responses on family life, Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service, Printed in the National Catholic Reporter

Dag Hammarskjold on Sexuality and Desire, Ron Rolheiser

New Orleans priest shone light on others, never himself, James Hodge and Linda Cooper, National Catholic Reporter

It's time to rediscover Dorothy Day's voice for the land, Eric Anglada

Hispanics: Not so Catholic anymore, Thomas Reese National Catholic Reporter

Accepting Truth, Whatever its Cloak, Ron Rolheiser

A Pilgrimage through Nature, Desire, and Soul, Ron Rolheiser

Pope Francis' Sermon on the Legacy of Saints John and John Paul: "A Church of Mercy, Which Always Hopes, Forgives and Loves"

Students learn about poverty, health impact of mountaintop removal in Appalachia, Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service, Apr. 29, 2014 Eco Catholic

Reflections on the Service of Pope John Paul II by Father Robert Barron

Reflections on Pope John XXIII, Father Robert Barron

Editorial: New papal saints have flaws as well as greatness, National Catholic Reporter Editorial Staff

For Priests, "A Joy Which Anoints Us . . . Not One Which 'Greases' Us"

God's Quiet Presence in our Lives, Ron Rolheiser

The Transcript of our Trial, Ron Rolheiser

Homily of Pope Francis, Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, St Peter's Square, April 13, 2014

Pope Francis on making Holy Week a holy experience

Summary of the President's Meeting with the Pope

The Garden of Gethsemane, Ron Rolhieser

At border Mass, bishops call for compassion, immigration reform, Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

A Homily by Cardinal Sean O'Malley

Our Need to Share Our Riches with the Poor, Ron Rolheiser

Groaning beyond Words -- Our Deeper Way of Praying, Ron Rolheiser

What Pope Francis can teach President Obama this week, Mary Ann Walsh, Religion News Service

At the Vatican, It's Obama's Turn . . . But The Pope's Trip Takes Center Stage

Jesuit head: Religion isn't doctrine, but sensitivity to human experience, Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter

Pope's Reflection on Mercy as He Meets With Priests of Rome

Finding a parish I can love aligned with a pope I can follow, Bill Mitchell | Mar. 11, 2014 NCR Today National Catholic Reporter

Facing Our Maker, Ron Rolhieser

To understand Pope Francis, look to the Jesuits, David Gibson Religion News Service

Gentle documentary delves into life of Keating, Sr. Rose Pacatte | Mar. 4, 2014

The Human Struggle with Sexual Energy, Ron Rolheiser

A success Story in the diocese of Spokane Washington, Taken from the diocesan newspaper Inlander

Some Catholic leaders need to follow Pope Francis' lead, John Gehring, NCR Today The National Catholic Reporter

The Real Challenge in Creativity - To Enter the Song, Ron Rolheiser

Pope's interviewer tells Vatican congress to reevaluate spiritual quest, Joshua J. McElwee, The National Catholic Reporter

Religious Coinage, Ron Rolheiser

Thoughts on Marriage by Pope Francis

Our Struggle for Empathy and Generativity, Ron Rolheiser

Pope Francis to us: 'I am Vatican II', Eugene Cullen Kennedy, National Catholic Reporter

Holiness, Wholeness, and Depression, Ron Rolheiser

Francis puts usury into mix of social justice concerns, John L. Allen Jr

The Imperative for Wholeness inside Christ, Ron Rolheiser

On the Dangers of Defining Ourselves, Ron Rolheiser

Four new echoes in 'Francis revolution', John L. Allen Jr., The National Catholic Reporter

Francis and a church that breathes with both lungs, John L. Allen Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Fr. Robert Barron on Pope Francis, The Church a Field Hospital after the Battle

Misguided Loyalties, Ron Rolheiser

Every Tear Brings the Messiah Close, Ron Rolheiser

The Art of Caring for the Sick: Guidelines for Creative Ministry, Author: Arnaldo Pangrazzi, St. Pauls. Staten Island. NY. 2013. Pp. 131

Searching for a Word Filled with Reality, Ron Rolhesier

Handling Resentment in our Lives, Ron Rolheiser

Francis' letter-writing revolution requires our involvement, Bob Shine | Nov. 11, 2013, Viewpoint, National Catholic Reporter [NCR]

Playin' church with Francis; the 'Bergoglio of Saskatchewan'; and Iraq, John L. Allen Jr.

Dying into Safe Hands, Ron Rolheiser

Grace and renewal, Taken from the conference sponsored by Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University

The Single Life, Ron Rolheiser

David Gibson Religion News Service, National Catholic Reporter, Francis Breaths New Life Into Bernardin's Contested Legacy

The Gifts International Priest Bring, Taken from an interview by David Gibson with Fr. Alan Deck, S.J. on International Priests

Historic Visit with Jesuit Superior General Invigorates US Jesuit Presidents and Board Chairs

Saint or Sinner?, Ron Rolheiser

What do those who are ordained for the priesthood look like?, A report from the Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

The life and faith of retired Bishop Lyne, a 'true churchman', Heidi Schlumpf, The National Catholic Reporter

On Not Faking Humility, Ron Rolheiser

Disappearing Roots, Ron Rolheiser

Number of permanent deacons grows, but many reaching retirement age, Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

Pope Francis is unsettling -- and dividing -- the Catholic right, David Gibson

Struggling to Understand Suicide, Ron Rolheiser

Pope Francis' saintly politics, By E.J. Dionne Jr.

On Whining and Weeping, Ron Rolheiser

The Substance of Pope Francis, Michael Sean Winters | Jul. 29, 2013 Distinctly Catholic, National Catholic Reporter

In Brazilian favela, Pope Francis becomes apostle of the slums, John L. Allen Jr.

Pastor, parish open legal aid clinic for the poor, Tom Gallagher | Jul. 19, 2013 Mission Management, National Catholic Reporter

Encyclical Letter Lumen Fidei of the Supreme Pontiff Francis To the Bishops, Priests and Deacons, Consecrated Persons and the Lay Faithful

A season of hype swirls in Rome, John L. Allen Jr., National Catholic Reporter Today

Why Faith Feels Like Doubt and Darkness, Ron Rolheiser

Raissa and Jacques Maritain and the New Evangelization, Ron Rolheiser

Pope's 1st encyclical: "Light of Faith" due Friday, Nicole Winfield

Marriage, the church and the Supreme Court, Michael Sean Winters | Jun. 27, 2013 Distinctly Catholic, National Catholic Reporter

The New Breed, by Andrew Greeley 1964

Newly ordained priests across country hail from variety of backgrounds, Catholic News Service | Jun. 19, 2013

Contemplative Sound Bytes, Ron Rolheiser

Francis at 100 days: 'the world's parish priest', John L. Allen Jr. -- Jun. 17, 2013

Struggling for our Father's Blessing, Ron Rolheiser

Politics and Christians in the Holy Land, John L. Allen Jr., All Things Catholic, The National Catholic Reporter

Always in a Hurry, Ron Rolheiser

Fr. Andrew Greeley, sociologist and priest-novelist, dies at 85, John L. Allen Jr.

Ordinary Time, Ron Rolheiser

The Mind of Francis: International Diplomacy, Thomas Reese, The National Catholic Reporter

Demographics don't spell an end to the culture wars, John L. Allen Jr., All Things Catholic, The National Catholic Reporter

The paradox of Pope Francis, Hans Kung, The Catholic Reporter

Our Fundamental Option, Ron Rolheiser

Beneath the hype, Rio a major test for Francis, John L. Allen Jr., All Things Catholic, The National Catholic Reporter

Priests dislike new Mass translations, survey says, Joshua J. McElwee, May. 21, 2013, The National Catholic Reporter

5 Delightful Mysteries of the Rosary, By Father William Byrne

The Wages of Celibacy, Ron Rolheiser

Boldness with God, Ron Rolheiser

Five Thoughts on Pope Francis, by John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

Who Francis may be based on who Bergoglio was, John L. Allen Jr.

Understanding the Hispanic Presence, Posted by Eugene F. Hemrick

Lucky Sevens, Ron Rolheiser

The Call for a Creative Priesthood, Eugene Hemrick

Overcoming Anxiety, Ron Rolheiser

One Tongue, Many Languages, Eugene Hemrick

Will War Lock Us Into a Combative Mood?, Eugene Hemrick

Caring for the World's Ecology, Eugene Hemrick

What Does It Mean To Focus Our Attention On God?, Ron Rolheiser

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2013 C, Fr. Joseph McCloskey, S.J.

Prayer as Sanity and Balance, Ron Rolheiser

What's Your Environmental Mindset?, Eugene Hemrick

Gun Ownership Is Not An Absolute Right, By Bishop Thomas Tobin

Can You Create a More Inspiring Lifestyle?, Eugene Hemrick

What Catholic School Teaches, John McCarthy, National Catholic Reporter

The Intelligence Inside of the Aging Process, Ron Rolheiser

Is It Virtuous to Feel Good About Ourselves?, Eugene Hemrick

The Ineffability of God, Ron Rolheiser

Prayer As Keeping Us Outside The Great March, Ron Rolheiser

My Top Books for 2012, Ron Rolheiser

Swiss abbot makes fiery appeal for church reform, Christa Pongratz-Lippitt

Honoring Life's Complexity, Ronald Rolheiser

Defending Christians at risk is a transcendent post-election cause, John L. Allen Jr. National Catholic Reporter

Lifelong Study of the Faith is Needed More Than Ever Today!, Eugene Hemrick

Preaching the Mystery of Faith: The Sunday Homily, Origins: Nov. 29, 2012, Vol. 42. No. 26

Working Too Hard -- It Begins as Virtue and Ends as Escape, Ron Rolheiser

Some Light-hearted Thoughts on a Very Heavy Subject, Ron Rolheiser

The Complete Thinker: The Marvelous Mind of G.K. Chesterton, Author: Dale Ahlquist, Ignatius Press. San Francisco, CA. 2012. pp. 261

Taken from The Charism of Priestly Celibacy (already cited on our website), A Reflection on where intimacy ultimately can be found

Sexuality -- Its Power and Purpose, Ron Rolheiser

Bringing out the best in ourselves, By Father Eugene Hemrick

Insert a little monasticism into your life, By Father Eugene Hemrick

A Christian Attitude Regarding the Salvation of Non-Christians, Ron Rolheiser

Are we losing the meaning of simplicity?, By Father Eugene Hemrick

Emphasizing hospitality and welcome, By Father Eugene Hemrick

Needed: An age of new citizenship, By Father Eugene Hemrick

Quoting d'Tocqueville

The Conscience Question, Taken From National Catholic Reporter, By Joshua J. McElwee

In Gratitude, Ron Rolheiser

Countering Disillusionment, By Father Eugene Hemrick

The Debate Over Mandating Coverage for Contraceptive Heats Up!!, Taken from National Catholic Reporter

The anatomy of racism, By Father Eugene Hemrick

Marriage support at your fingertips, By Father Eugene Hemrick

On Mourning and Dancing, by Ron Rolheiser

Aging Gracefully, Eugene Hemrick

Roman notebook: Strokes for Sant'Egidio, by John L Allen Jr, NCR Today

Expediency vs. prudence, by Father Eugene Hemrick

The Perils of Prophesying, by Patricia Datchuck Sánchez on Jan. 28, 2012, National Catholic Reporter

Other Sheep Not Of Our Flock, Ron Rolheiser

Mosquito Bites, By Ron Rolheiser

Guiding principles for finding a job and keeping composure after losing a job, Taken from Finding Work without Losing Heart by Fr. William Byron, S.J.

Catholic Leaders React to Obama Administration Decision, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter

Finding the 'new' in Vatican news, by John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Maintaining Balance Amidst Disillusionment, Eugene Hemrick

Finding Work without Losing Heart: Bouncing Back from Mid-Career Job Loss

Seismic shifts reshape US Catholicism, Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter

A Search for More Abundant Life, Taken from Say Yes To Life: A Book of Thoughts for Better Living, Author: Sidney Greenberg, Crown Publishers, Inc. New York. 1982. pp. 150

Chastity As Purity Of Heart And Intention, Ron Rolheiser

A Spiritual Reflection for Lent, Taken from: The Saints in Daily Christian Life, Romano Guardini, Chilton Books, Philadelphia, 1966. pp. 111

Grandparents: Models, Mentors and Memory-Makers

Maintaining a Good Disposition, Eugene Hemrick

A Haunting Equation, Ron Rolheiser

Benedict XVI's new friends: Greenpeace and the Socialists, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Top 10 under-covered Vatican stories (plus a bonus feature), By John L Allen Jr, All Things Catholic

Books That Have Found Me In 2011, Ron Rolheiser

Bishop ponders reasons Americans leave Catholic church, By Richard McBrien, National Catholic Reporter

Some Thoughts About Christmas, A Commentary by Ben Stein

Praying So As Not To Lose Heart, By Ron Rolheiser

The Repercussions of Pope Benedict's visit to England, John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

Global priest shortages, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

A New Year's resolution, By Father Eugene Hemrick

A new perspective this Advent season, by April Gutierrez, National Catholic Reporter

What is happening to the kiss?, By Father Eugene Hemrick

An Excellent Way to get into the Christmas Spirit, By Father Eugene Hemrick

A new symbol of false sex abuse allegations, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Positive news is always welcomed, Three strengths of contemporary Catholicism, By Richard McBrien, Essays in Theology, National Catholic Reporter

Prayer as Seeking Depth, By Ron Rolheiser

Black Catholics' survey finds strong ties, strong engagement in church, By Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

A Good Advent Meditation for Achieving Christmas Peace of Mind, By Father Eugene Hemrick

In praise of gazing, by Joyce Rupp

Freedom of speech: Watch your language!, By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Bishop says religious freedom under attack in America, National Catholic Reporter

Marriage support at your fingertips, By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Truly 'Love' is the reason for it all, By Dorothy Day

Love Beyond Naiveté and Romance, By Ron Rolheiser

A rabbi and archbishop connect, and thoughts for new theologians, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Love, Faith, and Ritual, By Ron Rolheiser

Survey highlights struggles of young Hispanic Catholics, National Catholic Reporter

The Catholic Press Loses a Friend, By Ron Rolheiser

Ron Rolheiser, OMI Speaker, Columnist and Author, A Picture of Dorian Gray, and of Our Culture

Our divine uniqueness: On Erich Fromm's 'The Art of Loving', By Chase Nordengren

Catholic leaders focus on growing US poverty, The National Catholic Reporter

Bishops aim to protect religious liberty, The National Catholic Reporter

Unconscious Images that Deeply Influence Us, By Ron Rolheiser

Schneiders: Prophetic future ahead for women religious, 'Women's ministerial religious life has a future in this time and beyond', Heidi Schlumpf

The exhibit on 'Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America', By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

US Priests Form New National Association, David Cooper

A Sufficient Creed, by Ron Rolheiser

The state of US parishes today, By Richard McBrien

Christ as Cosmic, By Ron Rohleiser

Vatican II Themes, The Church is Ecumenical, By Richard McBrien, National Catholic Reporter

On Not Bracketing the Essentials during our Moral Battles, Ron Rolheiser

Opportunities in difficult times, By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

A Prophetic Mantra about the Poor, By Ron Rolheiser

John Allen Interviews Fr. Mark Woodruff, National Catholic Reporter, John Allen Reporting

God's ways are not our ways, By Dorothy Day, From the National Catholic Reporter

Of Nietzsche, Feuerbach, and Dark Nights of the Soul, Ron Rolheiser

Good event, bad event, By Joan Chittister

Marriage Tips worth pondering

A Great Nuncio to our Country Returns Home to God: Thank you Archbishop Pietro Sambi for the joy you were to us!, Taken from Whispers in the Loggia

The virtue of sociability, By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Preventing a 'spiritual Disneyland' in the Holy Land, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Struggling to Understand Suicide, Ron Rolheiser

The truth with charity

The coming American schism, By Phyllis Zagano, National Catholic Reporter

Report finds fewer priests celebrating more Masses at fewer parishes, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien Catholic News Service

Jubilee and thoughts of Uncles Jim and Bill, By Father Peter J. Daly Catholic News Service

Green Mountain: First monastery devoted to care of the Earth, By Sharon Abercrombie, National Catholic Reporter

A New Challenge, by Ron Rolheiser

Things Hidden from the Learned and the Clever, by Ron Rolheiser

The Beauty and the Truth of Christ, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Cardinal Ratzinger to CL Meeting in Rimini: 24-30 August

Christian leaders issue recommendations for evangelizing, By John Thavis Catholic News Service

Resisting the climate of fear

Professor suggests ways families, parishes can reconnect to the land, by Julie Carroll Catholic News Service

Principles collapse when victory is the goal, Reviewed by Elizabeth McAlister, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter

Remembering our past and who we truly want to be, By Joan Chittister, National Catholic Reporter

The Size of our Hearts, Good reflection for Feast of Sacred Heart (July 1), Ron Rolheiser

Hoarding: A psychological or spiritual problem?, National Catholic Reporter

Same-sex marriage approval undermines families, New York bishops say, By Catholic News Service

Ferment in religious life, a new American leader, and 'Vatican Insider', By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Struggling with our Complexity, by Ron Rolheiser

Faith should guide in all aspects of life, including politics, By Bill Tammeus, National Catholic Reporter

Don't forget fathers: They play such an important role in our lives, Catholic News Service

The Meanings of Happiness and Joy, Two articles to make you more joyful, Meaning and Happiness by Ron Rolheiser, Experiencing the joy of living By Father Eugene Hemrick Catholic News Service

Abraham Heschel's prophetic Judaism, By John Dear SJ, The National Catholic Reporter

Theologians leave San Jose lifted after pondering saints, By Thomas C. Fox, National Catholic Reporter

College religion professors meet, discuss violence, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter

Listening to Christ's Heartbeat, by Ron Rolheiser

Famed Kentucky abbey part of Trappists' effort to promote vocations, By Marnie McAllister Catholic News Service

Prayer: the heartbeat of Benedictine spirituality, By Joan Chittister, Spiritual Reflections, National Catholic Reporter

An Archbishop Burns While Rome Fiddles, By Maureen Dowd, New York Times

Maintaining Our Zest in Challenging Times, Eugene Hemrick

With a thousand Anglican converts, ordinariate gets going, By John Wilkins

Simplifying our Spiritual Vocabulary, By Ron Rolheiser

Benedict's 'Quiet Revolution', By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

God and Violence, by Ron Rolheiser

Jesuit's approach to Chinese still offers lessons five centuries later, "A Jesuit in the Forbidden City" by R. Po-Chia Hsia. Oxford University Press (New York, 2010). 359 pp., $57.50.

Four titles from a bumper crop of Italian books, by John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

The Epistle of St. Paul to the Catholic Community serving in the U.S. Congress, Rev. Eugene Hemrick, St. Joseph on Capitol Hill

Growing Older Day by Day, An Interesting Reflection on the Process of "Creeping Maturity"

Helping Catholics Stay Catholic After College, by Samuel G. Freedman, New York Times

Key quotes from National Review Board's 'causes and context' report, By Catholic News Service

"To Enter", Taken from Reflections of a Papal Master of Ceremonies

The Other Side of Orthodoxy, by Ron Rolheiser

The Latest Statistics on Vocations to the Religious Life

Periods of Silence within the Eucharistic Celebration, Taken from Liturgical of a Papal Master of Ceremonies

New form of religious life offers laity a Benedictine pathway, National Catholic Reporter

The Power of Silence, Taken from the book: The Promise of Virtue by Eugene Hemrick

Strengthening Bonds with Other Priests, Taken from the Study: International Priests in America

A Reflection on the Virtue of Respect, Taken from The Promise of Virtue, Ave Maria Press. Notre Dame, IN Author: Eugene Hemrick

Taken from the study: International Priests in America, Reflections on "acculturation" by Dr. Seung Ai Yang

Pope: Christians Believe in Someone, Not Something, Concert Honors Benedict XVI for 6th Anniversary

An Excellent Model for a Wedding Sermon, From The Royal Wedding: The full text of the Bishop of London's sermon

Liturgy Needs Tradition and Progress, Says Pope, Notes Fruits as Well as Errors in 50 Years of Reform

Remembering Cletus Wessels, O.P.

John Paul II: A Pope for Workers, an essay by John Carr, Executive Director of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Gift that was Henri Nouwen, Ron Rolheiser

Benedict proclaims John Paul II a blessed, By Vatican News Service

Taken from the Study: International Priests in America, Recommendations: Long-Range and Short-Range

The USCCB Guidelines and COPIM

Beatification Q&A #1: What's the Rush?, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

The Resurrection as Vindicating Human Fidelity and God's Silence, by Ron Rolheiser

"Brother Bill" • The 12-Steps and Ignatian Spirituality

The Passion of Jesus According to John, by Ron Rolheiser

The Priesthood Today and Tomorrow, By Msgr. Steven Rossetti, Origins. April 14, 2011. Vol. 40. No. 44

The Unquiet Frontiers of our Lives, By Ron Rolheiser

Behind peace witness, a prophetic, transforming priest, Fr. Jack McCaslin, friends, reflect on priest's ministry, impact

Being Part of the Church Means Accepting Others, By Pope Benedict XVI, Origens, March 24, 2011, Vol. 40 No. 41

Receive the Sacrament of God's Mercy, By Bishop Sirba, Origins, March 31, 2011. Vol. 40. No. 42

On Dissent, By John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

On Libya, by John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

The Roots of Forgiveness, By Ron Rolheiser

Crucifix case a victory for 'open door' Catholicism, By John L Allen Jr

Loving our Enemies, by Ron Rolheiser

Golden Years or Anxious Years?, By Bishop Quinn

A Closer Look at a Changing Population -- A report on a decade in which rapid minority growth, aging whites and increased suburbanization were the predominant story lines

'Courtyard of the Gentiles' promises boost to Catholic pride, By John L Allen Jr

A Contemporary Apologetics, by Ron Rolheiser

Three qualities of courage and their opposites, Taken from The Promise of Virtue by Eugene Hemrick. Ave Maria Press. Notre Dame, IN

Memo to a divided church: Meet the Focolare, By John L Allen Jr

Saved by One Man's Sacrifice, By Ron Rolheiser

The Starting point of courage, According to theologian, Romano Guardini

On Blessed and Cursed Consciousness, By Ron Rolheiser

The Vatican beyond its worst days, and Rome beyond the Vatican, By John L Allen Jr, The National Catholic Reporter

Vatican to craft Catholic 'Sullivan Principles', By John L Allen Jr, NCR Today The National Catholic Reporter

Every day the church should give birth to the church, By Richard Gaillardetz, National Catholic Reporter

Following Jesus - According to the Letter or the Spirit, By Ron Rolheiser

The Roots of The National Institute for the Renewal of the Priesthood, By Eugene Hemrick

Way Living Simply: A Lasting and Fulfilling of Life, By Tim Lanigan

Hearts Made Whole: Pastoral on Behavior Health, By Bishop Michael Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, W.VA, Origins. Feb. 17, 2011. Vol. 40. No. 36

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, By Ron Rolheiser

In Mexico's drug war, church caught in the storm, The National Catholic Reporter

A Catholic contribution in Egypt, By John L Allen Jr

Patient and persistent in prayer, By Joyce Rupp, Spiritual Reflections

Straining for Sabbath amidst the Demands of Phones and Computers, By Ron Rolheiser

In America's religious marketplace, the real Catholic problem is new sales, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

144 theologians confront hierarchy, By Paul Hockenos, National Catholic Reporter

LA bishops: US immigration system 'immoral', Immigration and the Church, Mahony, Gomez: Treatment of immigrants 'not worthy of the Gospel', By Catholic News Service

Tormenting the Cat, by Ron Rolheiser

Catholic Republicans' political beliefs, challenged by their faith

Women Entering Religious Orders Today Highly Educated, Experienced in Church Activities, Survey Finds

Why Christianity lacks a Holocaust literature, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporte

Some Hymns for Justice, by Ron Rolheiser

Inductions on money, religious freedom, and polarization, By John L Allen Jr, The National Catholic Reporter

The Asceticism of Pressure and Duty, By Ron Rolheiser

Catholics had major role in passing nuclear treaty, By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service, Printed in The National Catholic Reporter

Rolling the Dice on the Gospel, by Ron Rolheiser

Times Calling for a Radically Improved Friendship in the Priesthood, Eugene Hemrick

Children within our Care, by Ron Rolheiser

Picking the brain of the U.S. bishops' thinker-in-chief, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Children within our Care, by Ron Rolheiser

Picking the brain of the U.S. bishops' thinker-in-chief, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Challenging Thoughts For Priests and Seminarians Well Worth Pondering, The ticking bomb of lay involvement, By Joan Chittister, National Catholic Reporter

Moderator of faith blog says religion affects every part of daily life, By Ann M. Augherton, Catholic News Service

Most under-reported Vatican stories of 2010, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Books That Have Crossed my Path in 2010, Ron Rolheiser

Facing financial scandals, pope creates new Vatican watchdog, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter, New law also criminalizes environmental pollution

On the crisis, does the pope have it right?, By John L Allen Jr, NCR Today

No Room in the Inn, By Ron Rolheiser

Romano Guardini and others on the virtue of humor

Outline of new life, Faith & Parish, by Tom Robert, National Catholic Reporter

Vatican must hear 'anger and hurt' of American nuns, official says, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Website provides assessment survey to help people discern vocation, By Catholic News Service

Longing, Desire, and the Face of God, By Ron Rolheiser

Ratzinger and Guardini, a decisive encounter, by Silvano Zucal

Virgin Birth, By Ron Rolheiser

Dealing with Loss, Grief, and Obsessions, by Ron Rolheiser

Gratitude and Compassion, taken from Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen

Pope's remarks in book open new chapter in condom debate, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Three keys to reading the Dolan win at the USCCB, By John L Allen Jr

Survey says dioceses getting the hang of new media, but slowly, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

Another Year of the Priest Needed!, Eugene Hemrick

Remarks of Gerald Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson, given at the 2009 annual meeting of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Stressed Out, Pat Brennan

Atheism and Belief, by Ron Rolheiser

Pondering Islam and its discontents, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Priestly conversion needed for credible church reform, pope says, By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

Seeking a Confessor, By Ron Rolheiser

Internal matters expected to dominate bishops' public agenda this fall, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Study: 74 percent of Irish Catholic women don't feel valued by church, By Michael Kelly, Catholic News Service

Subtle Forms of Idolatry, by Ron Rolheiser

Urban monk works to see 'the church we dream of', Faith & Parish, The National Catholic Reporter, By Tom Roberts

A Commentary by Gene Hemrick on church fallout

On Not Running with the Crowd, by Ron Rolheiser

Memories of my brother, Andrew Greeley, By Eugene Cullen Kennedy, The National Catholic Reporter

On Caritas in Veritate, By John Allen, The National Catholic Reporter

On cardinals, consistories and 'Caritas in Veritate', By John L Allen Jr, The National Catholic Reporter, All Things Catholic

These Divinities Must Fall, An Impromptu Address by the Holy Father

Countering Disillusionment, Eugene Hemrick

The 'had it' Catholics, Faith & Parish, The National Catholic Reporter

Maturity in Relationships and Prayer, by Ron Rolheiser

In impromptu synod meditation, pope cites threat of 'false gods', By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Beyond a 'Darth Vader' view of secular, By John L Allen, The National Catholic Reporter

Like Jesus, church must use today's media to tell stories, priest says, By Ed Wilkinson, Catholic News Service

True happiness is found in close friendship with Christ, pope says, By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

Being Stretched by Great Writers, by Ron Rolheiser

Vocation directors report increased interest for fourth year in a row, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Priest seeks to clarify complex identity, faith lives of young adults, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Next steps proposed to attract new generations to religious life, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Ministers from various denominations speak of the stress and physical, mental and spiritual pitfalls of ministering, Taken from Religion and Ethics News Weekly

The reality of celibate life: Reflections from Henri Nouwen, by A.W. Richard Sipe on Oct. 01, 2010, published by the National Catholic Reporter

Struggling to be inside the Present Moment, by Ron Rolheiser

Emerging Church: 'Laypeople, future of missions', Doctor among those who have led the way for lay missioners world, By Tom Roberts Of The National Catholic Reporter

African and Caribbean Catholics in the United States, A Study Conducted for the Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers (PCMRT) 2008, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Does God love some people more than others? Does God have favorites?, By Ron Rolheiser

Some bishops questioning clerical culture, by Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter

Congregations Gone Wild, By G. Jeffrey MacDonald

Ego, God, and Ministry, by Ron Rolheiser

Taking a Break From the Lord's Work, By Paul Vitello

Unformed future, Gathering pairs 'necessary unknowing' with grounded witness, By Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter

The Fragility of a Reputation, Eugene Hemrick

You want to be a leader? Learn How To Listen!, Eugene Hemrick

Emerging Church: 'Laypeople, future of missions', by Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter

Study: Half of children poor at birth spend formative years in poverty, By Jessica Pall, Catholic News Service

The Relationship of Priests and Bishops Today, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, Origins, July 22, 2010, Vol. 40. No. 10

Bishop as Father to His Priests, Archbishop Vlazny, Origins. July 22, 2010. Vol. 40. No. 10

Pope's reluctance to impose American way not a shocker, By John L Allen Jr

Discovering God's Purpose

Why the War on Terrorism Is Likely to Be a Long One, by Fr. William Byron, S.J.

God is Hidden, taken from the book: Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith by Henri Nouwen

The Sustaining Power of Ritual, by Ron Rolheiser

Obama and Benedict: A partnership delayed, but not yet denied, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Seven days that shook the Vatican, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Where Do I Begin?, Henri Nouwen

Capitol Hill briefing assesses far-reaching consequences of pornography, By Katie Bahr, Catholic News Service

Taken from Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen -- the book is already posted on our website, Who Is The One To Whom I Pray?

A global case for good government in the church, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Getting it down to the Essentials, by Ron Rolheiser

Elephants in the room of the Catholic health care debate, by John L. Allen Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Health Care: Transcript of Cardinal George June 16 NCR interview, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Priesthood is about service, not status, pope says at ordination, By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

Off the cuff: tracking the pope's words on celibacy, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service
Touching our Loved Ones inside the Body of Christ, By Ron Rolheiser

Mandatory celibacy at the heart of what's wrong, by James Carroll

Combating Pressure with Joy: A Priest's Perspective, Author: Eugene Hemrick, Human Development. Old Saybrook, CT. Vol. 31: Number One: Spring 2010.

Touching our Loved Ones inside the Body of Christ, by Ron Rolheiser

The Richness of the Mystery of God by Ron Rolheiser

To be fully human: Rolheiser gets to the essentials, by John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

The autonomy of bishops, and suing the Vatican, By John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

A Good Catholic Story?, Cristo Rey students work hard inside and outside the classroom, By Daniel Henninger

Deeper Language, by Ron Rolheiser

Passion and Purity by Ron Rolheiser

O'Malley on the crisis, the visitation of women's orders, and Fatima, by John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Budding priests in a time of crisis: Seminarians enter scandal-scarred vocation, by William Wan

Pope Benedict XVI in Portugal, Discourse No. 2 Homily in Lisbon, Saints are the Backbone of the Church

Out of Catastrophe -- Snippets from a landmark address on "the future of the church" on the Isle given by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin

Living with our own Anger by Ron Rolheiser

Benedict in Portugal: A different crisis, secularism, and 'Marian Cool' by John L Allen Jr

The Ethics of the Obama Administration's Nuclear Weapons Policy: Catholic Perspectives, Eugene Hemrick

Understanding the Hispanic Presence, Eugene Hemrick

Forgiving our Differences, By Ron Rolheiser

Pope to launch 'Pontifical Council for New Evangelization', By John L Allen Jr

Can a teaching pope get his house in order?, Pope Benedict, five years into his pontificate, John Allen Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Science and Religion, by Ron Rolheiser

Benedict's strategy on crisis: 'Pastoral not Political', by John L Allen Jr, Nation Catholic Reporter [NCR]

New York Archbishop Praised, Though Tests Await, By Paul Vitello

Living with Frustration and Tension, By Ron Rolheiser

Four points to make about Gomez and L.A., By John L Allen Jr

The Better Pope, by Ross Douthat

Catholic Students Who Attend Catholic and Public Universities and Colleges, Eugene Hemrick

Clericalism and the Liturgy, Whatever became of the 'new Pentecost'?

The Resurrection of Jesus and Physical Creation, By Ron Rolheiser

Memo to Munich: Get it Out Now!, by John L Allen Jr

Tortured Complexity, by Ron Rolheiser

Study finds Latinos who leave their churches are choosing no faith, By Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

Understanding the Meaning of Theology, Pope Benedict XVI Address, Vatican City, March 17, 2010

Geno Baroni: The Wisdom of Ordinary People, By Bill Byron, S.J.

The Imperative for Ecumenism, by Ron Rolheiser

Summit looks at how parishes can use technology to engage Catholics, By Jim Gauger, Catholic News Service

A Principled Approach to Health Care Finance Reform, by Fr. William Byron, S.J.

Is Your Marriage Good Enough?, by Ginger Tobias from "O, The Oprah Magazine"

On Being One with the Saints in Praising God, by Ron Rolheiser

Liturgist: Pope aims to 'propose' practices, Published on National Catholic Reporter (http://ncronline.org), John Allen

Affective Priestly Fraternity, Cardinal Roger Mahoney, Origins. Feb. 25, 2010. Vol. 39. Number 37

Battle lines in the liturgy wars, By Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter

Taking Pain to the Heart, By Ron Rolheiser

Foreign priests and the risk of plunder, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Don't Pull up the Weeds -- An Address Given by Fr. Don Senior Upon Receiving the Sophia Award from Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C.

Mother Millea speaks about the visitation, On site visits to begin after Easter; notices mailed this week

Fifth Grade Assignment -- A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.

Church statistics show increase in Catholics, priests, seminarians, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Turning Inner Chaos into a Peaceful Garden, By Ron Rolheiser

Where are the 'talking heads' on global affairs in religious life?, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

A 'Dallas experiment' in orthodoxy and openness, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Seasons of marriage, Taken from Catholic News Service

On Fasting and Praying in Secret, By Ron Rolheiser

Catholics of all ages see U.S. moral values on decline, survey says, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Notre Dame, Tucson Diocese form partnership to help Catholic schools, By Bern Zovistoski, Catholic News Service

CARA [The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate] Now Features a Blog Called 1964

Pondering Roman collars, the Latin Mass and 'holy ignorance', By John L Allen Jr, The National Catholic Reporter

Today's Catholics Different From Earlier Generations, But No Less Religious

A Special Poem For Older Folks

What is Happening to Christianity in the Middle East?, By John Allen, The National Catholic Reporter

A theologian-pope sidelines theology, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Haiti and the Theodicy Question, Ron Rolheiser

The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the Word

The biggest Vatican stories of the decade, By John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Of Elders, Character, Christ's Passion, and Blessing, by Ron Rolheiser

A place for renegades, Camden community confronts 'dark side of the American dream', by Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter [NCR]

Living in the Face of Mortality, by Ron Rolheiser

Ecological reforms, new practices save energy, cash at Oregon school, By Ed Langlois, Catholic News Service

Catholics look at how to welcome their own back to the fold, By Katie Bahr, Catholic News Service

Good Books That Found Me This Year, By Ron Rolheiser

Study of Latino youths sees optimism, hope amid struggles, By Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

Chastity and Christmas, by Ron Rolheiser

Joseph and Christmas, by Ron Rolheiser

Benedict's headache with populist Catholicism, by John L Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter

Recession helping couples to value marriage more, expert says, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Play about St. John Vianney touring nation during Year for Priests, By Ed Langlois, Catholic News Service

Bringing passion to what the world most needs, by Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter

Pope says contemplation, pursuit of understanding are keys to theology, By Sarah Delaney, Catholic News Service
Prayer with an Infallible Guarantee, by Ron Rolheiser

Pope Recommends Keeping Diary of God's Love, Says Every Event of Every Day Is Sign of His Care

Joy an essential element for good spiritual health, Jesuit says, By Beth Griffin, Catholic News Service

Presidential Address from the USCCB Meeting, November, 2009

Respect for Each Other in a Polarized Community, by Ron Rolheiser

Pope names Notre Dame professor to theological commission, By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

Abortion and Health Care Bill, By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press Writer

Hopeworks 'N Camden, In diminished circumstances, Jesuit connects to a God of hope, By Tom Roberts, From the National Catholic Reporter

Priestly Celibacy -- Still A Topic for Discussion

So Much for the 'irrelevance' of the bishops, By John L Allen Jr

What Attracts Vocations to the Religious Life Most?, Taken from the CARA Report

A Mystical Image for Service, by Ron Rolheiser

On Litmus Tests for Christian Discipleship, by Ron Rolheiser

The next generation of Catholic leaders, By John L Allen Jr

Benedict's Gambit, By Ross Douthat

Is Pope Benedict a closet liberal?, By David Gibson

The Joy of the Groove, By Ron Rolheiser

Vatican Makes it Easier for Anglicans to Join the Catholic Church, By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Writer

Cardinal George's plan to evangelize America, Calls liberal Catholics 'chaplains of status quo'; conservatives in sectarian dead-end, By John L. Allen Jr.

Chaput rejects cardinal's upbeat appraisal of Obama, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Father Jenkins elected to second term as president of Notre Dame, By Catholic News Service

Pope establishes structure for Anglicans uniting with Rome, By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

Report finds weakened state of US marriage, some encouraging signs, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Cardinal says US church ready to collaborate on receiving Anglicans, By Catholic News Service

In Pursuit of Innocence, by Ron Rolheiser

The Perils of Safety, By Ron Rolheiser

Hidden Prospects, The New Mexico Church May Hold Answers for the Future

Theme for 2010 communications day invites priests to use digital media, By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

Fostering the Baptismal Priesthood in the Year of the Priests, Author: Cardinal Roger Mahony, Origins. Oct. 1, 2009. Vol 39. No. 17

A Professor Pope Wields Some Rhetorical jiu-jitsu, by John L Allen Jr

The Eucharist as a Celebration of Everyday Life, by Ron Rolheiser

Happiness and Hell, by Pat Brennan

Bees keep community abuzz at Catholic retirement home, By Clarice Keating, Catholic News Service

Sociologists, educators see challenges for children of single parents, By Jessie Abrams, Catholic News Service

Year of Priests, Year to Recall St. Paul, Author: Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, NY, Origins. Sept. 17, 2009. Vol. 39. No. 15

Survey compares 'conservative' and 'progressive' religious activists, By Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

Tennessee parish farmers' market shares bounty, supports ministries, By Theresa Laurence, Catholic News Service

Catholics Among Least Likely to Divorce, Taken from The Barna Group

Importance of Religion Increases with Age, Taken from the Pew Report

Daily Marriage Tips, Tips courtesy of Susan Vogt, MA, CFLE

Religious Language as Icon, by Ron Rolheiser

Media watchdog: Pope takes wary approach to communications explosion, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Spiritual lesson of caring for creation seen in eco-friendly designs, By Carmen Blanco, Catholic News Service

Extraordinary Women, Extraordinary Stories, by Ron Rolheiser

Catholic school's multiage format could be national model, By Mary Chalupsky, Catholic News Service

One Catholic high school's special education program inspires another, By Andy Telli, Catholic News Service

Walking program gets students, parents involved in physical activity, By Joseph Kenny, Catholic News Service

New study shows current state of vocations to US religious communities, By Chaz Muth, Catholic News Service

Pope Benedict Revisits Vatican II's People of God and the role of the laity and pastoral co-responsibility, An Excellent Reflection on collaboration between the laity and clergy, Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Tuesday, 26 May 2009

Benedict XVI's very own shade of green, by John L Allen Jr, The National Catholic Reporter

The Eucharist as a call to Justice, by Ron Rolheiser

Programs help international priests minister in US, gain acceptance, By Angela Cave, Catholic News Service

What is the Essence of True Religion?, by Ron Rolheiser

A key to reading Benedict's social encyclical, by John L. Allen Jr of the National Catholic Reporter

Obama cites influence of Cardinal Bernardin, prepares to meet pope, by Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

Americans believe in lifelong marriage, but don't live it, speaker says, By Maria Wiering, Catholic News Service

A Particularly Joyous Wedding, By Ron Rolheiser

New poll finds growing 'religion gap' between old, young Americans, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

What Makes a Great Priest?, Taken from Catholic News Service [CNS] blog

Sociologist, panelists discuss how to unite varied church generations, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Church social teaching confronts world problems with Gospel power, by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

When what is precious is taken from you, by Ron Rolheiser

The Paratrooper's Prayer

Pace of parish closings in US has quickened over past 20 years, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

Cardinal urges Boston priests to be united in sacramental brotherhood, by Sarah M. Barrett, Catholic News Service

Church Management Roundtable Focuses on Effective Church Communication, National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Our One Great Fidelity, By Ron Rolheiser

Where Have All the Parishes Gone?

When parishes close, there's more to deal with than just logistics, By Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News Service

Parish Life, Tom Roberts, NCR Editor at Large

Parish Renewal Key to Catholic Future

Poor Teens Less Likely to Participate in Religion

Year for Priests: Pies, prayers not enough; clergy need love, support, By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

Remarkable congruence' between pope and president on Islam, by John L Allen Jr, The National Catholic Reporter

The Year of the Priesthood, By John Allen, The National Catholic Reporter

Few surprises, but some glimmers of hope in new US church statistics, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Priestly and Affective Prayer, by Ron Rolheiser

Grass, Sky, Song - A Moral Voice, by Ron Rolheiser

Laypeople must share responsibility for church, pope tells delegates, By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

Boston Archdiocese Restricts Funds for Retired Infirm Priests

Mystical Images for Our Religious Quest, by Ron Rolheiser

Pope says simplicity, sobriety, sacrifice aren't just for monks, By Sarah Delaney, Catholic News Service

Cardinal George Praises President Obama's Promise to Support Conscience Clauses, Seeks to Work with Administration on Goal

Vatican newspaper says Obama sought 'common ground' at Notre Dame, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

L'Osservatore "Simply Observes"

In Internet age, church cannot avoid debate, Vatican spokesman says, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Polls find more Americans call themselves 'pro-life' than 'pro-choice', by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Remarks of President Barack Obama at the 2009 University of Notre Dame Graduation

Statistics on Retirement for Priests, Taken from A Special Report by The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President, Remarks and Introduction to the 2009 Graduation at the University of Notre Dame

The Anatomy of Sacrifice, by Ron Rolheiser

Judge Noonan, Laetare Remarks at the 2009 graduation at the University of Notre Dame

Creativity as One Answer to Violence, by Ron Rolheiser

Reflections on Catholic Universities and Ecclesial Communion, The Teaching of Christ, by Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl

Tending the Grief, Submitted by John Chuchman National Catholic Reporter on Apr. 27, 2009

Clericalism, ideologies hinder parish evangelization, priest says, by Catholic News Service

Critical Issues for an Evangelizing Parish, Allan Deck, S.J., An Excerpt from talk given at 2009 NFPC Convention in San Antonio

What If, By Eugene Hemrick, Presented at The National Federation of Priests Councils Convention: San Antonio, 2009

Pope ordains priests, warns of worldly spirit in the church, by John Thavis, The Catholic News Service

A Year of Preaching, Eugene Hemrick

Catholics generally optimistic about church, Zogby poll finds, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

Entering Lent, By Ron Rolheiser

Who are the poor? Advocates use many means to put a face on poverty, By Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News Service

Transparency: The watchword in the Catholic world this week

Rollins Lambert, March 3, 1922 -- January 25, 2009, A Beloved Mentor, Friend, Example

Marchers urged to support proposed legislation to help pregnant women, By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News Service

Vatican approach to Obama in contrast to conservative U.S. Catholics, by John Allen -- National Catholic Reporter

Philip Sheldrake Lecture

Apostle of Life, By Michael Gerson, Wednesday, January 14, 2009

My New Year's Wish For You, Gene Hemrick

Vatican Israel Lock Horns Over Gaza Violence (again), By John Allen, The National Catholic Reporter

Comparing pro-life struggle to slavery may be 'high risk, high reward' move for Catholic Church, By John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Survey finds most people support some restrictions on abortion, By Catholic News Service

Touched By A Brick!!, a modern day parable about making time for those who need us

Conversation Caferview with the pope's new 'eco-bishop', By John L Allen Jr

Church agencies try to help as unemployed Americans search for work, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

The Epistle of St. Paul to the Catholic Community serving in the U.S. Congress, Eugene Hemrick

A Letter from a Dad to his Son on Staying Catholic, by John Hazzard

Africa may be the future of 'seamless garment' Catholicism, By John L Allen Jr

"The 2008 Presidential Election", Essays in Theology By Rev. Richard P. McBrien

The 'Green' Heart of the Holy See, By John L Allen Jr Daily

A Post Mortem on the Bishops Meeting, By John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

The Great Inertia By Eugene Cullen Kennedy

The Song Taps

Cardinal George Voices Hope For Obama Administration, Points to Possible Obstacles To Our Desired Unity

Why so many pro-life Catholics backed Obama, in the Chicago SunTimes' Daily Southtown, By Andrew Greeley

Plenary Session Address by Cardinal George

Liberation theologian Gutirrez says hope takes work, By John L. Allen, Jr., Published: October 30, 2008

One of Many Precious Gifts Dean Hoge was to us!

Nourishment for Ministry -- 2008 - 2009

The multi-faceted challenges of poverty, By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Is it possible to go on a fast from violent media?, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

Daily Marriage Tips, Tips courtesy of Susan Vogt, MA, CFLE

Economic crisis shows why life shouldn't be built on money, pope says, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

The Loss of a Cherished Friend and Colleague, Eugene Hemrick

Tips for a Happy Marriage, Courtesy of Susan Vogt, MA, CFLE

Four Sfumature from the Popes trip to Sydney, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Priest's meditations on CDs aim to help people listen for God's voice, By Mary Ann Wyand, Catholic News Service

Benedict paints his own shade of green, By John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Our Misconceptions about Suicide, Ron Rolheiser

Resilence, Fr. Paul, Frances Omodio, CSJ, LCSW-C, is a Continuing Care Therapist at SLI

Bread and Wine, Ron Rolheiser

More on Burke's move to Vatican court, Posted on Jul 3, 2008, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Catholic University hosts seminar on causes, impacts of hoarding, By Brandy Wilson, Catholic News Service

Speakers say parishes thrive with strong leadership, management, By Catholic News Service

Church Chicago-Style, Author: William L. Droel, Acta Publications. Chicago, IL. 2008. Pp. 126

Oblates to focus their missionary zeal on secular culture of U.S., By J. Michael Parker, Catholic News Service

The Service of Authority and Obedience, Author: Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Origins. Vol. 38. Number 5. June 12, 2008

Pope turns spotlight on St. Paul as model for modern Christians, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Church leaders lack credibility, seem rigid, arrogant, June 25, 2008, By Andrew Greeley, Taken from the Chicago Times

Review of Studies on Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life , Sister Margaret John Kelly DC

New CARA report assesses likely Catholic influence on 2008 elections , By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Priests urged to care for their bodies the way they care for souls, By Chaz Muth, Catholic News Service

Some Guidelines for Service, by Ron Rolheiser

Aphorism: A Short, Pointed Sentence Expressing A Wise Or Clever Observation Or A General Truth

Forgiveness

Time Is Not Your Friend, Richard Bakker, MA, CCDC, CPC, Vol. I No. 5 October/November 1997

Different Wavelengths: The Young Clergy and the Young Laity

Pastoral Aspects on Youth Ministry: A Response to Dean Hoge

Chastity And the Enchantment of Life, by Ron Rolheiser

Moms evangelize with vacation Bible school kits for Catholic children, By Paula Doyle, Catholic News Service

Former Dominican general tells Canadians vocations still vital, By Benedictine Abbot Peter Novecosky, Catholic News Service

Hispanics Will Soon Comprise More Than Half of U.S. Catholic Teens, Taken from the CARA Report, Georgetown University

More Marriage Tips

What do our newly ordained look like?, Taken from the CARA Report

Permanent Deacon Candidates Down 8 Percent, Taken from the CARA Report

A priest's perspective on pastoral assignments, Catholic News Service

'I Was Not Going to Let This Destroy Me', Face to Face With Her Daughter's Murderer, Will a Mother Ask for Mercy or Revenge?, By Bob Brown

Study says poor students do better at Catholic than at public schools, By Catholic News Service

The Many Faces of the Eucharist, By Ron Rolheiser

Fr. Paul, Frances Omodio, CSJ, LCSW-C, is a Continuing Care Therapist at SLI., Case Study: Fr. Paul

Centuries-old debate still rages over religion's role in public life, By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

John Allen, National Catholic Reporter, The Health of Pope Benedict VI and Successors

Remembering Writer and Friend Tim Unsworth, Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Survey finds pope's visit got a big chunk of U.S. media's attention, By Patricia Zapor. Catholic News Service

Priest calls for new strategies to keep young adults in church, By Catholic News Service

Diverse leadership seen at summit as key to future of healthy church, By Karen Osborne, Catholic News Service

The story behind the pope's meeting with sex abuse victims; Cardinal O'Malley interview, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Baltimore pastor details evolution of multicultural ministry, By Chaz Muth, Catholic News Service

Michael Novak on Pope's U.S. Visit (Part 2), Interview With Theologian and Author, By Carrie Gress

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Donna Kelley, IHM, Psy.D., is a psychologist in the Talitha Life women's program at SLI., From St. Luke's Institute

Happy priests equal more priests, By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Benedict on America: In his own words, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Mystic or Unbeliever, by Ron Rolheiser

Pope Says Dialogue Has a Purpose: Finding Truth, Greets Jews for Feast of Passover

Spokesman: US Church Can Move to Reconciliation, Father Lombardi Comments on Pope's Visit With Abuse Victims

Crises of Truth and Faith Linked, Says Pope, Addresses Representatives of Catholic Education

Study explores support for vocations, response to decline in priests, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Vatican ambassador to U.S. talks of coming papal trip, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Eight questions American Catholics are asking, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Young adult Catholics are interested in church ministry, study finds

A Spirituality of Martyrdom, by Ron Rolheiser

Make Some Resolutions To Your Resolution, Dana Dowd , M.S.P.T., Vol. XII, January/February, 2008

Seeing the Resurrection, By Ron Rolheiser

Find It Online -- Best Practices For Parishes

Major Findings On Catholic Attitudes Toward Sacramental Marriage, Taken from the CARA Report, Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate

Words Mean Ever So Much, Especially in Our Parish Bulletins --- Be Careful of What You Write!

Lord, When Did We See You?, Five lessons to make you think about the way we treat people. Possible stories for a homily

The biggest challenge facing the priesthood in 2008, By Father Eugene Hemrick

The Nature of Faith, by Ron Rolheiser

Jesus and Justice, by Ron Rolheiser

Synod of Bishops on the Bible already causing ferment; Good Friday prayer revised, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Catholic Preaching in the Multicultural Context of the United States of America, By Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta, Ga.

Experts on International Priests, Deacons, Lay and Hispanic Ministry, by Father John Kemper, S.S.

Happy priests equal more priests, By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Sociologist's new book shows Catholics changing with times, by Sherry Fisher - February 4, 2008

The Unexpected Monks, Taken from the Boston Globe

Catholic Identity is Still Very Much in!!, Beefing up the Catholic in Catholic charities, By John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

Images for Lent, by Ron Rolheiser

Father Schall on "Spe Salvi" (Part II), Says Pope a Universal Voice for the World, By Carrie Gress

Father James Schall on "Spe Salvi" (Part I), Jesuit Scholar Points to Pope's Insights Into True Hope, By Carrie Gress

Mary Catherine Hilkert, Bearing Wisdom -- The Vocation of the Preacher

On the Changing Model of Parishes, Interview With Father Yves le Saux of the Emmanuel Community, By Gisèle Plantec

Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage

Communications Ministry, given by John Allen, National Catholic Reporter NCR, At a meeting of rectors of cathedrals in Florida

Archbishop Niederauer on cathedral ministries, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

The Domestic and the Monastic, by Ron Rolheisser

Deciphering the Catholic Vote

Daily Marriage Tips, Tips courtesy of Susan Vogt, MA, CFLE

Study: Young Adult Catholics and Their Future in Ministry, Interim Report on the 2007 Survey of The Next Generation of Pastoral Leaders, Dean R. Hoge and Marti R. Jewell, Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership

Fr. General's Homily, Gesu Church, Sunday, January 20, 2008, Mass of Thanksgiving

The Paradox of Our Age

Vatican official says pope does not want to abandon liturgical reform, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

What If?, Ron Rolheiser

Fr. Joe, Relapse Prevention, by Reverend James Gordon

Fr. Eric, Sr. Jane & Br. Bob, Joseph P. Collins Jr., D.O., a psychiatrist, is Director of Medical Services at SLI

Clapton, Blues and Conversion, Ron Rolheiser

Marini's book on liturgy: The future of the liturgy is the future of Christianity, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Vatican's clergy congregation unveils Web site with important texts, By Catholic News Service

No Longer Church Goers, Eugene Hemrick

My Christmas and New Year's Wish for You, Gene Hemrick

Advent Longing, by Ron Rolheisser

Sex abuse settlement, the pope's visit and ecumenism: Cardinal Mahony speaks with NCR, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

The Prominence of Truth in the Priesthood

Once a Priest - Always a Priest, A Story I Heard and Will Never Forget, by Ron Hindle

The John Jay study of clergy sex abuse challenges evangelical Catholics, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

The Other Health Crisis, Why Priests Are Coping Poorly, Paul Stanosz

Pontiff Extols Jerome's Biblical Insights, Comments on the Scholar's Many Lessons

The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

Catholics Becoming Mainstream America, From the CARA Report

Finding the Strength to Reach Across Differences, by Ron Rolheiser

Seeking the Outlines of the Church of Tomorrow, From the CARA Report

Compared to Others, Clergy are Most Satisfied with Work and Happiest in Life, Taken from the CARA Report

Facing Resentments and Careerism Truthfully in our Priesthood, By Gene Hemrick

Putting Truth to Work in the Priesthood, by Eugene Hemrick

Signs of life in Latin America, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Father, What are You Really About?

Global South under represented in college of cardinals, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter, Another well thought out analysis by NCR

Testimony by Tony Snow -- An outstanding testimony from Tony Snow, President Bush's Press Secretary, and his fight with cancer.

Ongoing Education is a Sine Qua Non for the Priesthood, Study is Ministry!, By Eugene Hemrick

The Struggle to Bless by Ron Rolheiser

The Making of a Priest by Carol Farthing, Ph.D.

Father, Please Keep Your Contemplative Edge Razor Sharp!, Eugene Hemrick

How Honest Are We Priests With Our Health?, Eugene Hemrick, A Chapter from Gene Hemrick's soon to be published New Book

John Allen Reporting, National Catholic Reporter, An Interview with Cardinal George of the Archdiocese of Chicago

Lost is a Place Too, By Ron Rolheiser

CARA reports uptick in Catholic college seminarian enrollment figures, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

Restlessness on a Friday Night, by Ron Rolheisser

A Meditation on Looking Back to Learn How Far We Have Come And How Grateful We Should Be, And Whether Our Present Age Has Made Real Progress Or Regressed In Some Ways

Self-Disclosure: References in the sermon to the preacher's life

Carl J. Peter Lecture - A Vocation to Preach

Why is Fr. Peter Phan under investigation?, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Multicultural preaching

U.S. mission priests want church updates -- but on the short side, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

A Crisis of Faith or of the Imagination?, By Ron Rolheisser

A Survey of Health Services given by Churches, conducted by the National Council of Churches USA (NCC) with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Priests of Integrity, By Carol M. Lackie

A Conspiracy Against Interiority, by Ron Rolheisser

Gallup Catholic student brings smiles to kids with birth defects, By Melissa Nicholson, Catholic News Service

The Silence of Life, by Ron Rolheiser

The deathbed friendship between a bishop and an atheist, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr., The National Catholic Reporter

Church Attendance an International Concern

The Latest on the Permanent Diaconate

Making God Known, Loved, and Served: The Future of Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in the United States, Notre Dame Task Force on Catholic Education, Final Report, Dec. 2006, University of Notre Dame Press

John Allen Reporting On Tridentine Mass, National Catholic Reporter -- An excellent way to keep Catholic Updated!!

Fewer Parishes Being Entrusted to Someone Other than a Priest, From the CARA Report, Summer 2007

Our Unfinished Symphony, by Ron Rolheiser

The Church's Changing Face, By Andrew M. Greeley, America, August 13, 2007

Understanding Suicide

Survey says excess TV bad for Americans individually and collectively, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

Religion in the Public Arena, The Vital Role of Spiritual Values, By Father John Flynn, L.C.

Wrestling with God

Here Come the Evangelical Catholics, By William Portier

Cardinal: Pope's Book Goes Against the Grain, Says Ideas Are Original and Pointed

The Vatican's changing relationship with Europe, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Books offer insights into where our food comes from, Reviewed by William Droel, Catholic News Service

Pedophilia and the Priesthood, "A Crime Against the Most Weak"

Study confirms disconnect seen between marriage, parenthood, By Kaitlynn Riely, Catholic News Service

Catholic Identity and Apologetics in a Post-Modern Age, The 2005 Hecker Lecture, Richard R. Gaillardetz, Ph.D., Murray/Bacik Professor of Catholic Studies, University of Toledo

Ex-college president 'transformed' by experiences teaching in Africa, By George P. Matysek Jr., Catholic News Service

Year of St. Paul: Focus on the Bible

Struggle to reassert traditional Catholic identity scores two wins, All Things Catholic, by John L. Allen, Jr.

Preparing to Preach: The Art and Skill of Paying Attention, The spirituality of the homilist begins and ends with paying attention to the scriptures and to life, by Father Robert Schoenstene

Lay ecclesial ministry and the feminization of the church, By John Allen, The National Catholic Reporter

Our Three Temptations, By Ron Rollheiser

Author reports 'good girls' are speaking out against promiscuity, By Andrea Slivka, Catholic News Service

Pope relaxes restrictions on use of Tridentine Mass, By John Thavis

Eloquence is Timeless, Augustine and the modern-day media have something in common: They tap into the power of good communication, By C. Colt Anderson, Associate Professor, St. Mary of the Lake University, Mundelein, IL

Current Words Worth Pondering, By David Gibson

Wider Use of Latin Mass Likely, Vatican Officials Say, By Laurie Goodstein and Ian Fisher

Father Cantalamessa on Pope's Book, Pontifical Household Preacher Comments on Sunday's Readings

Pope meets bishops, discusses decision on pre-Vatican II liturgy, By John Thavis and Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

New books offer assistance to those facing illness, loss, By Catholic News Service

Mindfulness: Living With The Lights On, Hetty Irmer, LGSW, St. Luke's Institute, Vol. 9, No. 4

New glossary seeks to improve Catholics' literacy about their faith, By Kaitlynn Riely, Catholic News Service

The Conscience of Our Age, Interview With Father Vincent Twomey

The Search for Perfection, Babies Eliminated as New Eugenics Gains Force, By Father John Flynn, L.C.

Loneliness and God's Pleasure, Ron Rolheiser

Suffering Writ Large

Athanasius Defended God's Closeness, Says Pope, Address Focused on Foe of Arianism

Moral Loneliness, by Ron Rolheisser

Overcoming Hypersensitivity, by Ron Rolheisser

Climate Change Strikes the Poor

Roadway Commandments

Theologians challenged to set the pace for inclusive conversations, John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

Spokesman: Pope Sees Heart of Culture's Problems, Defends Pontiff's Estimation of "Educational Emergency"

Bush Hears of Sant'Egidio's Philosophy

National hot line to offer listening ear to priests in crisis, By Ann Piasecki, Catholic News Service

Chicago shutters one of nation's last Catholic seminaries, By Don Babwin, Associated Press Writer

A Forgotten Saint: Unearthing San Clemente's, Remembering St. Petronilla's Legacy, By Elizabeth Lev

Is now the time to beatify and canonize Pope Pius XII?, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

On Wars Thought Holy, Interview With Marco Meschini

Conference focuses on best management practices for parishes, By Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Will I Get Better in Treatment?, Rev. Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, Ph.D., D. Min, Vol. XI, No.1, January/February, 2007

More than 20,000 in Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation, Taken from the CARA Report

Pastoring Multiple Parishes: Top Ten Best Practices, Taken from "Pastoring Multiple Parishes," by Mark Mogilka, a planning booklet for the Diocese of Green Bay

On Tertullian, "Accomplished a Great Step in the Development of the Trinitarian Dogma"

Sorting out the results of the Latin American bishops' meeting, Things Catholic, by John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Understanding the Mind and Heart of Pope Benedict XVI, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Dear CUA, don't kill the messenger

Beauty, Faith -- and Weddings, Interview With Designer Justina McCaffrey

Father Cantalamessa on Witness, The Pontifical Household Preacher Comments on Sunday's Readings

Immigrants and their families: God's People Caught in the Middle of Politics, Advocates say immigration bill a good start but in need of amending, By Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

A Call for Accuracy, not only in the media, but in everything we communicate, Vatican official: Media nonsense on religion often reflects ignorance, By Catholic News Service

Advisory - Best Sellers, By Catholic News Service

Benedict's priorities: Feeding humanity's spiritual and material hunger, All Things Catholic, by John L. Allen, Jr.

Origen's Teachings on Prayer and Church, "The Privileged Path to Knowing God Is Love"

Lectio Divina: A moment of reading and listening, The Clerestory • Spring 2007, Produced by St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, IL

The meaning of vocation for baptized Christians, Archbishop Philip Wilson, Archbishop in Australia

Speech by Very Rev. Louis V. Iasiello, OFM, PhD to The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, New York City -- April 29, 2007

Papal Address to Theology Professors, "Listen to the Answers That the Christian Faith Gives Us"

Pope's new book addresses key concerns for this pontificate: Christ is key, Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Survey shows average age of priests to be ordained in '07 is 35, By Catholic News Service

Changing Faiths: Latinos and the Transformation of American Religion -- Taken from the Pew Report [Other parts of report have been posted prior to this report --- see Home Page]

The Latest on Hispanics and Religion, Taken from the Pew Hispanic Center and the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life

Hold your breath for the next media frenzy: The Latin Mass document is coming, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

On Clement of Alexandria, "One of the Great Promoters of Dialogue Between Faith and Reason"

Spontaneity and Health, Stephen F. Kopp, MS, TEP, Vol. IX, No.1, January/February, 2005

The Reason for Music and Its Role in Worship, by Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI

Catholic Best-Sellers List for May 2007, Catholic Book Publishers Association

Synopsis of Pope's Book, "Jesus of Nazareth"

Statistics released on enrollment, staffing in U.S. Catholic schools, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Why hasn't Catholicism had a more positive effect?, All Things Catholic, by John L. Allen, Jr.

Latest sex abuse report finds drop in reported victims, By Agostino Bono, Catholic News Service

Survey checks Catholic attitudes on immigration, terrorism, bishops, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

To Be Or Not To Be An Ugly American Will Depend Greatly On How We Treat Our Immigrants And Champion Human Dignity, Why so many walls?, By Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Origin and Use of the Paschal Candle

Strengthening Catholic Identity

Trust, in government as elsewhere, fast to lose and slow to regain, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

On St. Irenaeus of Lyons, "The First Great Theologian of the Church"

Cardinal Hummes on Priestly Celibacy, "Christ's Precious Gift to His Church"

Monasticism and Benedict are the Rage of the Day! But Why?

Christianity for Beginners, by Carmen Acevedo Butcher

Bishop, victims have spirited talk about child sex abuse cover-ups, By Agostino Bono, Catholic News Service

On St. Justin Martyr, He Considered Christianity the "True Philosophy"

Sobrino's notification: a sign of things to come, Posted on Mar 16, 2007 10:12am CST., All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr., Friday, Mar. 16, 2007 - Vol. 6, No. 28

Benedict XVI Highlights 1st Century Papal Primacy, Begins Audience Series on Apostolic Fathers

In Harm's Way, Catholic News Service

"The Church Has a Sacramental, Not Political Structure"

Questions raised by Victor Klimoski in the book Priestly Ministry in Multiple Parishes

Address Of His Holiness Benedict XVI To The Confessors, Who Serve In The Four Papal Basilicas Of Rome, Clementine Hall, Monday, 19 February 2007

Ecology makes the Catholic mega-trend list, by John L. Allen, Jr., Friday, Mar. 2, 2007 - Vol. 6, No. 26

Pope Answers Seminarians, "A Day Without the Eucharist Is Incomplete"

Pope encourages priests to face challenges with trust in God's love, By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

Papal Address for Symposium of Secular Institutes, "God Is All and Will Be All In Your Lives"

Relating to the Opposite Sex, Interview With Author of "Men and Women Are From Eden"

Papal Message for Lent 2007, "They Shall Look on Him Whom They Have Pierced"

Right and left join forces to oppose brave new world of biotechnology, Posted on Feb 9, 2007 09:25am CST., All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr., Friday, Feb. 9, 2006, Vol. 6, No. 23

Study finds alumni value Catholic college experience, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Diocesan Presbyterate Examines Its Role: Priests of Wilmington, Del., Origins: February 15, 2007. Vol. 36. No. 35

Sociologists see strong identity, less commitment in young Catholics, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

On Christian Unity, "It Is Not We Who Organize the Unity of the Church"

A Success Story on "Where there is a will, there is a way.", Airmen race against time for Manta kids, by Maj. Chris Hemrick, 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron Public Affairs

Religious called to imagine new future, By Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Caution Over Interreligious Marriages Is Reiterated, Church in Italy Takes Special Note of Catholic-Muslim Unions

Principles to remember for those in responsible church positions

Wilmington bishop approves priests' plan to address clergy shortage

Religious opposition to homosexuality increasingly a question of law, Posted on Feb 1, 2007 15:51pm CST., All Things Catholic, National Catholic Reporter, by John L. Allen, Jr., Friday, Feb. 2, 2006 - Vol. 6, No. 22

Benedict XVI: Educate Children in Beauty, Media Day Message Focuses on Youth

Notre Dame task force issues report on future of Catholic schools, By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News Service

The Role of Feelings in Looking Back, Sheila M. Harron, Ph.D., Vol. VIII, No.3, May/June, 2004, St. Luke's Institute. Silver Springs, MD

Law, Lawyers, the Court, and Catholicism

Family Trends, Pressures on Married Life Continue to Grow, By Father John Flynn

Congress more religiously diverse; Catholics still well represented, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

"Horizontalism -- Does Damage to Catholic Faith and Worship", Cardinal Arinze Address to Institut Supérieur de Liturgie

Attending Sunday Mass at Other Parishes -- And a Last Word on Christmastide

The Bishop, a Prophetic Voice for Reconciliation, Author: Bishop Gregory Aymond, Origins. Jan. 4. 2007. Vol. 36. No. 29

Musicians, people in pews differ on what encourages singing in church

Pope Benedict XVI's Address of January 14, 2007 on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Explaining the Mass During Mass, And More on Christmas

Markets and Morality, Debating the Role of Self-Interest, by Father John Flynn

Recent Catholic Trends, taken from the Contemporary Catholic Trends poll conducted by LeMoyne College in Syracuse and Zogby International

Mindfulness: Living With The Lights On, Hetty Irmer, LGSW, St. Luke's Institute. Vol. 9, No. 4, September/October, 2005

Ten Mega Trends According to John Allen, The National Catholic Reporter

A Letter From A Parish Priest to His Bishop on the Cleansing of the Cups

Discussion on the possibility of taking a closer look at celibacy in the priesthood, Triggered by recent statement from Rome on celibacy's place in the priesthood, For more reactions see NCR John Allen Reporting, From John Allen National Catholic Report

John L. Allen Jr., National Catholic Reporter, Curial cardinal says celibacy 'not a dogma,' can be discussed

Families Under Pressure, Marriage, Funding and Faith Intertwine, By Father John Flynn

Great symbols from pope and patriarch, but no breakthroughs, By John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

Speech given at St Anselmo in Rome - 'Benedict and the future of Europe', 21st November 2006

From the Introduction of Benedict XVI's New Book, "A First Glance at the Secret of Jesus"

Address By the Holy Father during his Meeting with the Clergy, Warsaw Cathedral, 25 May 2006

My Thanksgiving Wish for You, Gene Hemrick

Benedict XVI, top aides to discuss Milingo and celibacy, Posted on Nov 14, 2006 04:51am CST, By John L. Allen, Jr., New York

Pro-life Outlook After the U.S. Elections, Interview With Russell Shaw

Why the pope criticized careerism in the church, by Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

Do you have to be smart to be a priest?, Father Louis Cameli, Origins. Oct. 26, 2006. Vol. 36. Number 20

Considerations for Seminary Educators, Bishop Kicanas, Origins Oct. 26, 2006. Vol. 36. Num. 20

Pope Recalls Padre Pio and His Works, "Faith in God and Scientific Research Cooperate"

John Allen Reporting from Rome, A National Catholic Reporter Article, Papal appointments have been moderates and pastors

Who will say no to Benedict XVI?, Posted on Oct 27, 2006 09:39am CST, All Things Catholic by John L. Allen, Jr.

Secularism Won't Satisfy, Pope Tells Irish Bishops, He Also Urges Them to Bring Healing to Sex-Abuse Victims

Money, abuse and communion bans: U.S. bishops meet with Benedict, By John L. Allen, Jr., National Catholic Reporter

On Judas Iscariot and Matthias, "Never Despair of God's Mercy", Pope Benedict XVI

Iraqi death numbers rise should spur troop withdrawal, U.S. Catholic peace leaders say, by Agostino Bono, Catholic News Service

Pope set to liberalize use of Pre-Vatican II Mass, by John L. Allen, Rome Reporter

The Softer Side Of Fitness, Dana Dowd, M.S.P.T., Vol. X, No.3

Fitness Gains, Vol. VIII, No. 5, November 2004

Prayer and Science Help in Pain Relief, Says Pope, Benedict XVI Helps Mark Anniversary of a Key Project of Padre Pio's

Vatican Document on Corruption, "Makes Societies Less Just and Less Open", "The Fight Against Corruption"

John Allen Reporting from Rome, A National Catholic Reporter Report, Avery Dulles and the Muslims

John Allen Reporting, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter, The BBC Documentary on Sex Crimes in the Vatican

Faith-based political guidance: What's out there, by Catholic News Service

Timeshifting, Carol Farthing, Ph.D., Vol. X, No.4, September/October, 2006

Inside or outside church structures, Catholics engage change, By Joe Feuerherd, Washington

Ministering to the Gay Community, from John Allen Reporting from Rome, National Catholic Reporter

Speakers say church needs to see ministry, roles in new light, by Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

Scriptural Basis of the Mass as Sacrifice -- And More on Withholding Holy Communion

John Allen Reporting from Rome, On Benedict and the Muslims

Pope Says Dialogue With Islam Vital for Future, Meets With Muslim Leaders and Diplomats, Castel Gandolfo, Italy, September 25, 2006

Pope Benedict's Address to Leaders of Muslim Communities in Italy, Castel Gandolfo, Italy, September 25, 2006

Vatican Statement on Pope's Words About Islam, "A Clear and Radical Rejection of the Religious Motivation for Violence"

Pope Benedict XVI Takes on Muslims and also our culture of reason -- Faith, Reason and the University -- Memories and Reflections

Pope Benedict XVI on Islam and the West

In a scholarly lecture, the pope reflects on crisis of faith, reason, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz on Marriage

Facts and Figures That Are Changing Parish Structures

Sant'Egidio at work, Religions as "Precious Resources of Peace", Address by Andrea Riccardi in Assisi

Experiences of Priests Ordained Five to Nine Years

The Morale of Today's Priests, Taken from Experiences of Priests Ordained Five to Nine Years

Does Peace Have a Chance?, Interview With Professor of University of Valencia

Vatican Criticizes New Stem Cell Procedure, It's Still Manipulation, Says Bishop Sgreccia

Recommendations for Raising Morale Among Priests

John Allen Reporting From Rome -- A Follow Up On Pope Benedict XVI's Remarks on Working Too Much

Study on Priests Nearing Completion, Infuential Writers, Periodicals, and Websites

Interview with Samuel Escobar, Conducted August 14, 2006, By John L. Allen, Jr.

U.S. churches key in integrating Mexicans into U.S., says study, By Agostino Bono, Catholic News Service

Creation and Evolution, John L. Allen, Jr., Reporting From Rome

The Challenges of Support Groups and Their Benefits, Fr. Rob, Frances Omodio, CSJ, LCSW-C is a Continuing Care Therapist at SLI

What is Happening with Marriages These Days and How are Priests Perceived in Supporting Married Life?, Executive Summary, United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Family, Laity, Women and Youth Secretariat

The Decline of Common Meaning in the Church, Bishop Edward Braxton, Origins, August 3, 2006. Vol.36. Number 10

Fr. Jeff and Loneliness

Pope says being silent about Christianity will not increase peace

How do older, younger priests differ?, By James D. Davison, Ph.D.

Father Cantalamessa on How to Live Vacation, Pontifical Household Preacher on This Sunday's Gospel

They're Back! Church Bulletins: Thank God for church ladies who look cuter on a computer!

Thoughts About the Priesthood

Yet another church movement working to make Christ alive in the hearts of people, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Founded by a Group of Students

Case Study: Father Joe, Taken From St. Luke's Institute, Ellen M. Griffiths, RD, MPH, Clinical Dietician at Saint Luke Institute

Pope Benedict XVI's Visit to Spain and Message for Family Life, John Allen Reporting from Rome, A National Catholic Reporter Article

Padre Pio on Anxiety

A Possible Sainthood in the Making That Shows Truth Always Wins Out, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter, The Word from John Allen

The Shalom Catholic Community, Yet another lay community doing apostolic work

Profound Thoughts on Christ by Profound Thinkers

A Scripture Lesson on James the Less by Pope Benedict XVI

The Sant'Egidio Community -- Established in Rome in '60s

How Bad/Good Is Mass Attendance in the Church?, John Allen Reporting from Rome, National Catholic Reporter - a paper well worth supporting

The Militia Christi

Catholic Bishops to Debate Mass Changes, By Gillian Flaccus, The Associated Press, Thursday, June 15, 2006; 7:58 AM

Young adults give little, but most goes to church

Youth Arise -- An Interdenominational Youth Prayer Movement

I've Found God, Say Man Who Cracked Genome, By Steven Swinford, Taken from the Sunday Times

On Pope Benedict XVI and his quiet way of pontificating, John L. Allen, Jr., Taken from National Catholic Reporter

Memores Domini Lay Association -- Who are they and what do they stand for?

Some Statistics and Facts about Evangelization and Ecumenism Among Hispanics

Address of Andrea Riccardi on Psalm 112, "A Charisma Is a Gift, Not a Utopia"

Ecumenism for America's Hispanic Christians, Father Rausch, SJ, Origins. June 1. Vol. 36. No.3

Benedict XVI's Long Vision of the Movements, Archbishop Rylko Tells of Pope's Views

Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs Established by Students Group

Movements as Response to Need

Policy Implications for Parish Management

Place and Role of Movements in the Church (Part 1), Interview with Father Arturo Cattaneo, Professor of Canon Law

Place and Role of Movements in the Church (Part 2), Interview With Father Arturo Cattaneo

Overall Priests' Compensation Increased since 2002

'On Eagle's Wings' On Top in Catholic Music Survey, Taken from the CARA Report

Deacon Candidates Decrease, Aspirants Increase

Numbers of Religious Decreasing, Reveals Church's Statistical Yearbook

A Cry To Youth Ministry and Especially Its Need Today!!, Solidarity With the Next Generation, Rome Meeting Highlights Responsibilities and Challenges

The Priest as Shepherd, Not Careerist, Pope Benedict XVI, Origins, May 25, 2006. Vol. 36. Number 2

Catholics not swayed by 'Da Vinci Code,' according to poll

Inspiring Thoughts of Pope John Paul II That Apply To Everyday Life Today, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter, John Allen Jr. Reporting

Sociologist offers solutions to growing divide among U.S. priests

A New Debate Over the Old Question About Participation in the Mass, Reported in The National Catholic Reporter

An Excellent Article for Fighting Depression, Art Therapy & Healing, Anne Corson, M.A., ATR-BC, Vol. X, No.2, January/February, 2006, St. Luke's Institute

Br. Bob -- A Case Study by Lynn M. Levo, CSJ, Ph.D.

Priests' morale reported high despite hurt, anger at abuse crisis, By Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Poll: Americans more pro-life but still don't grasp how far Roe goes

A Lay Movement Well Worth Emulating, For More On The Sant'Egidio Community Go To Links On Our Web Site

An Excellent Article on Joseph Ratzinger by one of his students, The Old Church, Taken from Commonweal April 21, 2006, For the entire article, please see Commonweal

Learning More About Pope Benedict XVI, John Allen Reporting from Rome -- National Catholic Reporter

John Allen Reporting from Rome on The Gospel of Judas and Benedict on Scripture, Our gratitude to The National Catholic Reporter for making this possible!

Cardinal asks people not to support immigration-related boycott May 1, By Catholic News Service

Transcript for April 16, Meet The Press, Joan Chittister, Michael Lerner, Jon Meacham, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Richard Neuhaus, Joel Osteen

Men let cameras in on their vocation discernment for cable TV series, By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

What Do We Mean When We Say International Priests Need To Be Inculturated?, Taken From the Study International Priests in America, [Already cited on our website], by Dr. Seung Ai Yang

It's All How Long You Hold It -- Reflections on Dealing with the Burdens of Life

Reflections on the first year of Pope Benedict XVI, By John L. Allen, Jr.

Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Illinois on Immigration Reform, March 2006

A New DVD About Pope John Paul II: A Pope Toward Holiness: Chronicle of a Pontificate

"Promoting and Sustaining Marriage as a Community of Life and Love", A Colloquium of Social Scientists and Theologians, October 24-25, 2005, Marriage as a Unitive and Procreative Partnership, John S. Grabowski, Ph.D., The Catholic University of America

Pope, cardinals discuss several issues, including dialogue with Islam, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

A year after Pope Benedict's election, world sees new style of papacy, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

An Interview with Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, former superior general of the Jesuits, by John Allen, The National Catholic Reporter

Some Thoughts on Celibacy from the book The Risk of Discipleship

Drafting the New Program of Priestly Formation: A Labor of Love, Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt

Responding with a True "Amen", Taken from the book Active Participation at Mass: What it is and How to Attain it

Practical Suggestion in regard to International Priests, by Dr. Seung Ai Yang

John Allen of the National Catholic Reporter on his take of Pope Benedict's understanding of women

A Good Suggestion by Rev. Michael Heher for Better Working Together with International Priests

How Pope Benedict XVI might respond to South America

Doctrinal head: Openly gay priests make it tough to represent Christ, By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

Capitalism in the Dock, An Interesting analysis of the market and free-market policies, New York February 18, 2006, A zenit.org report

Author says McGivney bio could help restore respect for priests, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

The Touch of the Master's Hand

A unique way of dealing with the priest shortage other than importing priests, recommended by Rev. Virgilio Elizondo in International Priests in America [Study already cited on our website]

Recent Background History on International Priests Coming to the United States, taken from the study: International Priests in American [Already cited on our website]

The Armed Forces Trying To Define Their Ethical and Moral Responsibilities in an Unconventional War

John Allen of The National Catholic Reporter and The Catholic News Service on the possibility of new Cardinals being appointed

Beware of the new Devils within our Midst -- Cyber-sex and Cyber-relating, Taken from St. Luke's Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland, "Fr. Kevin and Sister Karen"

Vatican official: Spiritual reform must begin with religious orders, By John Thavis

The Theologian's View, by Father John Perry, SJ and The Navy Chaplain's View, by Father Louis V. Iasiello, OFM

An Excerpt from the article: Finding Needed Wisdom and Courage During Difficult Days, by Bishop Tod Brown

Progress, new challenges seen for black Catholic community, By Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Commentary on Pope Benedict XVI's First Encyclical, by Mark Stricherz

Survey Shows Catholics Who Give Most Want More Church Accountability, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

John Allen Jr. Reporting from Rome for the National Catholic Reporter, on The Next Consistory

Fr. Joe, A Case Study

All I Want For Christmas is a Few More Priests, by Fr. Jonathan Foster, O.F.M., Mayslake Ministries Second Journey: A Quarterly Newsletter of Mayslake, Ministries, Inc.

Taken From John Allen Reporting From Rome in the National Catholic Reporter, Pope Benedict XVI on truth as our best means for achieving peace and justice

Fraternal correction in this day and age, and especially in our priesthood?, Father Eugene Hemrick

Solitude vs. Isolation, Andrew Martin, Psy.D., Vol. VIII, No.2., March-April, 2004, Taken From St. Luke's Institute, Silver Springs, Maryland

The greatest terror in terrorism for our country, by Father Eugene Hemrick

Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, For the Celebration of the World Day of Peace

Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, Authors: U.S. Bishops, Origins Dec. 1, 2005, Vol. 35, Number 25

Despite disagreements, Catholic women said to be committed to church, By Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Vatican letter says norms on priesthood must be 'faithfully observed', By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Parish event for high school students combines Mass, supper, 'Narnia', by Pat Norby, Catholic News Service

Homosexuality: The Essentialist Argument Continues to Erode, By A. Dean Byrd, Ph.D., MBA, MPH

More Insights and Discussion on the Vatican Document on Gays, John Allen, National Catholic Reporter

Doubt Is Their Co-Pilot, More Americans are shunning traditional religions and turning to upstart faiths such as Universism, whose sole dogma is uncertainty, by Stephanie Simon, Times Staff Writer

Bishops, seminary officials react to document on gays and priesthood, By Agostino Bono, Catholic News Service

Vatican document on homosexuals raises series of delicate questions, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Bishop Says Edict Allows Some Gay Priests, U.S. Catholics at Odds Over Interpretation of Vatican's New Directive, By Alan Cooperman, Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, November 30, 2005; Page A01

Vatican says no ordaining homosexuals, men who support 'gay culture', By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Papal premiere: Yet another pope movie gets Vatican screening, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Commenting on a Conversation with John Allen in the National Catholic Reporter

Congregation for Catholic Education Instruction Concerning the Criteria of Vocational Discernment Regarding Persons With Homosexual Tendencies In View Of Their Admission to Seminaries and Holy Orders

Roundtable Discussion on Confession

The Demographics on Lay Ministers, Taken from Lay Parish Minsters: A Study of Emerging Leadership by David DeLambo, associate director of pastoral planning for the Diocese of Cleveland

The Statistics on the Financial Compensation and Benefits of Lay Ministers

Taken from Origins Nov. 17, 2005 Vol 35, #23, Indicators of a good parish

John Allen Reporting from Rome on the Issue of Gays in the Seminary, Taken from the National Catholic Reporter

What Does a First Assignment Look Like?, A Study Conducted by The Life Cycle Institute and the Seminary Division of the National Catholic Educational Association in Washington DC

Study finds U.S. Catholic teens less religious than Protestant teens, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

What One or Two Persons' Writings Have the Most Influence on Your Priesthood?, Taken from the recent study of priests ordained five to nine years

President of Bishops' Conference gives heavy emphasis to state of today's priesthood, Presidential Address At The Bishops' Conference in Washington DC, Bishop William Skystad, DD

An Interview with Archbishop Leveda on his new role of following Pope Benedict

Youth Ministry and the Socioreligious Lives of White and Hispanic Catholic Teens in the U.S. [NSYR]

The Ministry and Experience of Parish Life Coordinators

Theology On Tap As Reported in the New York Times by Katie Zezima, Published: November 12, 2005

Home visits seen as way to reach unchurched Hispanics, By Agostino Bono, Catholic News Service

New study finds lay ecclesial ministry still growing in United States

Washington Theological Union, Distinguished Service Award Celebration,
Rev. Daniel P. Coughlin

Saving Fr. Ryan: understanding the good priest, by Eugene Kennedy

The Word From Rome, By John L. Allen, Jr.

Where Are Our Manners/Civility/Gentleness?

Key Question: How Is Jesus Present in the Eucharist?, Father F.J. Moloney, Expert at Synod, Responds

Rossetti: Most Priests Well-Adjusted and Happy

Benedict XVI's Interview on Polish Television, John Paul II "Is Always Close to Me"

John Allen Reporting from Rome -- A National Catholic Reporter Report -- A good newspaper to support

Busyness, by Lynn M. Levo, CSJ, Ph.D.

No ban on gays expected in Vatican document; will advise 'prudential judgement' by John L. Allen Jr.

Archbishop says he's not speaking for Vatican on gays in seminaries

A New Movement Afoot -- The Catholic Alliance for the Common Good

Vatican Document on Gay Priests

The Latest Study on Radio Indecency

Lectio Divina -- A source of spiritual strength for us all

Final days, last words of Pope John Paul II

Taken from the National Catholic Reporter, Reactions to Hurrican Katrina; The Romans, the Orthodox and primacy; The pope and Turkey; Testimony of a cab driver; 40th anniversary of Dei Verbum; Oscar Romero's cause, by John L. Allen, Jr.

World Youth Day, taken From the National Catholic Reporter

Catholic church has no national voice in America anymore, Tom Roberts NCR editor

The Need for the Rosary in our Times, Taken from The Rosary of Our Lady, by Romano Guardini

Pope, in spotlight, outlines priorities, style of emerging papacy, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Case Study: Father Juan -- The Story of a Priest from Central America

Some New Facts and Figures on the Priesthood, Taken from "Report on Survey of 2005 Priestly Ordinations, by Dr. Dean R. Hoge

Closing Thoughts on Celibacy, Taken from articles in Commonweal

Reporting From Rome, by John L. Allen, Jr., Cologne, Germany

When the virtue of love is studied, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, it consists, among other virtues, in: Mercy, Beneficence, Joy, Peace, and FRATERNAL CORRECTION

Trying to Figure Out Who You Really Are? Here is what St. Ignatius would say on this

John L. Allen, Jr., Reporting from Rome, National Catholic Reporter

The Ten Guiding Principles of Discernment

Pope John Paul II was world's conscience, modern-day apostle, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Evolution and Christianity, By John Allen of the National Catholic Reporter

The Latest from Rome, by John L. Allen, Jr.

Different Ecclesiology That Comes with International Priests

Father, How Do You See The Priesthood? by Eugene Hemrick

Joseph Ratzinger on Uncertainty and Doubt, from An Introduction to Christianity

Arguments Against Bringing in International Priests

The Church's Kerygmatic Functions: Broadcasting the Seizure of Power

International Priests in American History, taken from the Study: International Priests: New Ministers in the Catholic Church in the United States, by Dean R. Hoge and Aniedi Okure, O.P.

Motivations of Priests to Come to America, taken from International Priests: New Ministers in the Catholic Church in the United States, by Dean R. Hoge and Aniedi Okure, O.P.

International Priests: New Ministers in the Catholic Church in the United States, Dean R. Hoge and Aniedi Okure, O.P.

NFPC Hosts Consultation on Priests from Other Countries Serving in the United States

The Priesthood Ordination Class of 2005 -- Some of our Ordinands Respond to the Question: "People would be surprised to know that I . . ."

Archbishop urges better use of consultation structures in church, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Where Are The Young Adult Catholic Men? Some thoughts on the ongoing shortage of priests, from The Priest, Our Sunday Visitor, by Francis Kelly Scheets, O.S.C.

Lay ecclesial ministry discussed at bishops' meeting, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Brother Paul -- Case Study: Brother Paul, by Joseph Bachand, MS, Th.D

Fr. Jeff and Loneliness, by Lynn M. Levo, CSJ, Ph.D.

Reporting from Rome, by John L. Allen, Jr.

Newly ordained priests come from varied backgrounds, by Christina Capecchi, Catholic News Service

Not many sound bites: New pope's discourses defy simplistic headlines, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

In spiritual matters, kids take their cues from Dad by David Murrow

The Church in Crisis: Pope Benedict's Theological Vision, by Joseph A. Komonchak in Commonweal June 2005

Painting honoring Pope John Paul II is unveiled at U.S. Capitol

Young adults of all faiths have similar needs, wants, study finds, by Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the Clergy of Rome

Priests Must Take Kindness Seriously, by Father Eugene Hemrick

For pope, dialogue does not mean toning down doctrinal teachings, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

New Vatican doctrine chief a theologian who knows pastoral issues, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

A Papal Foreword by John M. Haas

Diversity and Inclusion by Any Means: Making Room for the Disabled, taken from The Pastors Bible Study

To Tell the Truth, Thoughts on the Virtue of Truth by Romano Guardini

Jesuit officials say America editor resigned after Vatican complaints, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Priests' Spirituality Key to Pastoral Excellence

Cries of Lament -- from the book: Faith That Dares To Speak

A New Twist To Raising The Weekly Collection

Cardinal Ratzinger's Haven in Tuscany, Testimony of Religious of Cloistered Benedictine Monastery

Jews Praise Pope's Commitment

The Pope Without A Country, by Martin Mosebach

Un inicio de pontificado lleno de simbólicas novedades, El palio, el «Anillo del Pescador» y la visita al sepulcro de san Pedro

Understanding the Depths of Meditation, taken from The Dark Night of the Soul [Posted on our website]

The Spirit of Selma by Marc DelMonico

Unique Reflections on Pope John Paul II, Rev. Joseph F. Wimmer, OSA, Associate Professor, Sacred Scripture, Washington Theological Union

Heady days -- but not as clear as we pretend, by Owen Phelps, Rockford Diocese

The Church as God's Avant-garde by Harvey Cox in The Secular City [already posted]

When Priests Listen, taken from the book: Faith That Dare To Speak with a commentary by Fr. Gene Hemrick

Daring to Question, Taken from the book: Faith That Dare To Speak with a commentary by Fr. Gene Hemrick

The Social Edge Interview: Author and Theologian Gregory Baum, by Gerry McCarthy

A Discussion of the Legacy of Pope John Paul II featuring Zbigniew Brzezinski

Unleashing the Catholic Imagination -- A Review of Our Discussion Board Posts

Experiences and Attitudes of International Priests -- Research Regarding International Priests and Seminarians

Some Reflections on the Future of the Priesthood in the United States taken from an article by Sr. Katarina Schuth, OSF in the NCEA Seminary Journal, Washington, DC with comments by Fr. Gene Hemrick

A conversation about John Paul's life and legacy with Kim Lawton of Religion and Ethics Newsweekly and David Gibson, journalist and author

The Legacy of Pope John Paul II by Eugene Hemrick

An Excellent Meditation for Anyone Who has ever Faced Depression, Finding One's Center, From the book Romano Guardini: Spiritual Writings

Toward Immigration Reform, U.S. Bishops Are Calling for Justice for Foreign-Born People Who Emigrate to This Country, by Mark Franken

What Advice Would You Give to Seminary Personnel Today, taken from Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to Priests

Letter of the Holy Father John Paul II to Priests For Holy Thursday 2005

A Reflection on the Nobility of Respect, taken from The Promise of Virtue, by Gene Hemrick

Thomas Morris: Gifted for the Journey: The Art of Spiritual Direction

Some Specific Causes of Priests' Anger, taken from the NCEA Seminary Journal, Winter 2004, by Louis Cameli

Thomas a Kempis on the Virtue of Knowledge

St. John of the Cross, Suffering and Prayer - Their Vital Roles, A Guide for Good Lenten Practices

The Place of Religion in America -- A Reflection on Religion on the Eve of the Supreme Court Undertaking the "Ten Commandments in Public Places."

Fitness Gains, Dana Dowd

A Radically New Style of Church Leadership, by Father Eugene Hemrick

The Ethical Rights of Priests, Rev. James F. Keenan, SJ

Keeping Alive in Ministry, By Father Eugene Hemrick

Priest, 95, says scientific work has deepened his faith in God, by Maria Wiering, Catholic News Service

The Mission of the Contemporary Parish, by Bishop Howard Hubbard, Origins, Jan. 2005

The Amazing Ministries of Retired Priests, by Father Eugene Hemrick

"See, I Am Doing Something New!", Prophetic Ministry for a Church in Transition, 20th Annual Spring Assembly of Priests, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Rev. Bryan N. Massingale

Head of NFPC sees need to change clergy image in wake of abuse crisis, by Michelle Martin, Catholic News Service

Six Roles of the Ordained, The National Federation of Priests' Councils

Bishop Gregory reflects on three turbulent years and changes to come, by Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

Catholics in the 109th Congress

Convocation Address for Saint Vincent Founders' Day at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Thursday, November 18, 2004, Education a la St. Benedict, Eugene Hemrick

Reviving the Catholic Imagination by Eugene Hemrick

The Charter and Norms Two Years Later: Toward a Resolution of Recent Canonical Dilemmas, Origins Nov. 11, 2004: Vol. 34, No.22

The Shape of the Church to Come, by Bishop Edward Braxton, Origins: Oct. 21, 2004: Vol. 34: NO. 19

Secularism' in Europe vexes Vatican, by Liz Sly, Tribune foreign correspondent, published November 5, 2004

Catholics in Political Life

Theologian says one-issue voting is foreign to Catholic tradition, By Catholic News Service

Cardinal calls Lewis probably 'most successful' apologist of century, by Tracy Early, Catholic News Service

The Table of the Eucharist in an Election Year, Archbishop Harry Flynn, Origins, Oct. 14, 2004, Vol. 34: No.18

Faith and Patriotism, by Charles J. Chaput

Remarks of Bishop Wilton Gregory at the Forum, "Great Voices of Faith in a Time of Crisis"

Reasons Why Some Individuals Changed Religious Affiliation -- Thoughts about interfaith/mixed/ecumenical marriages

Supreme Court takes cases on Ten Commandments, religious rights, by Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

Group of Bishops Using Influence to Oppose Kerry, by David D. Kirkpatrick and Laurie Goodstein, Taken from the New York Times

The Latest from CARA on Parish Life and Women's Role in it

An excerpt from the Keynote Address of Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe, Given at the NFPC Annual Convention

Summary Points, The Pastoral Letter of Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke, On Our Civic Responsibility for the Common Good -- Contains link to complete text

Women religious issue booklet urging everyone to be earth-friendly, By Sister Beth Kress, Catholic News Service

The Awesomeness of Silence: Another Look At This Powerful Virtue, taken from The Promise of Virtue by Gene Hemrick

What Good Things Are You Doing Now?, taken from Riding the Dragon

The Greatest Treason from Say Yes To Life by Sidney Greenberg

Catholic Books Most Read in October 2004, According to the Catholic Book Publishers Association

The Awesome power of the voice in suffering, taken from: Moral Wisdom: Lessons and Texts from the Catholic Tradition

Silence: Its Meaning, Beauty and Power, taken from The Promise of Virtue by Eugene Hemrick

Adjusting to Times of Change, by Archbishop Rembert Weakland, from his Website

Comparing the workings of dialogue according to Pope Paul VI and John L. Allen, Jr. Rome Correspond: National Catholic Reporter, The Essential Principles of Dialogue According to Pope Paul VI in Ecclesium Suam

The Greatest Treason, from Say Yes To Life by Sidney Greenberg

What Is the Vatican Saying About Women?, Conservative Catholics Might Be Surprised, as it appeared in The Washington Post, by M. Cathleen Kaveny, Sunday, August 15, 2004; Page B03

The Danger of Staying the Same Size, taken from Say Yes To Life -- already cited on web site

A Priest's Relationship with Jesus and the Paschal Mystery, taken from Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to American Priests

Thoughts to ponder by lay leaders and priests engaged in teaching/preaching religion, Visions and Realities: Part Four, Eugene F. Hemrick, Taken from Modern Masters of Religious Education, Edited by Marlene Mayr, Religious Education Press, Birmingham, Alabama

Thoughts to ponder by lay leaders and priests engaged in teaching/preaching religion, Visions and Realities: Part Three, Eugene F. Hemrick, Taken from Modern Masters of Religious Education, Edited by Marlene Mayr, Religious Education Press, Birmingham, Alabama

Thoughts to ponder by lay leaders and priests engaged in teaching/preaching religion, Visions and Realities: Part Two, Eugene F. Hemrick, Taken from Modern Masters of Religious Education, Edited by Marlene Mayr, Religious Education Press, Birmingham, Alabama

Thoughts to ponder by lay leaders and priests engaged in teaching/preaching religion, Visions and Realities: Part One, Eugene F. Hemrick, Taken from Modern Masters of Religious Education, Edited by Marlene Mayr, Religious Education Press, Birmingham, Alabama

Retirement Programs and Retired Priests, Taken from As One Who Serves

Future Issues for the Permanent Diaconate, Taken from A National Study on the Permanent Diaconate of the Catholic Church in the United States -- 1994-1995, United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Washington, DC

Vatican says battle of sexes not part of God's design, By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

Support Groups, Taken from Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to American Priests

Survey finds Catholics skeptical of bishops' handling of sex abuse, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

A Double Take on Early Christianity, An Interview with Rodney Stark

Continuing Education, taken from: As One Who Serves: Reflections on the Pastoral Ministry of Priests in the United States. United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Washington, DC

Entering a New Age of Monasticism, by Father Eugene Hemrick, Catholic News Service

What Would Jesus Weigh?, In the Church, the Body's Back in Vogue, by Henry G. Brinton, Sunday, July 18, 2004; Page B01, Washington Post

Homilies: What makes for a good one?, by Jane Harriman, Catholic News Service

The Necessity of Humor in our Lives, Reminders of the Value of the "Virtue" of Humor

Reflections on the Humanity of the Priesthood, taken from On One Who Serves, United States Catholic Bishops Conference, Washington, D.C.

Study says training, consultation are keys to reorganizing parishes, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Thoughts of Priests on Pedophilia, From the book: Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to American Priests, NCEA, Washington, D.C.

A Poetical Reflection on the Procession in Mass, taken from Liturgical Gestures, Words, Objects, Selections from Assembly in honor of Mark Searle, edited by Eleanor Bernstein, CSJ

Social Phobia, Case Study: John, taken from the St. Luke's Institute website

Cardinal Ratzinger lays out principles on denying Communion, voting, by John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Catholic Common Ground Lecture, June 25, 2004, Catholic University of America, Washington, John L. Allen, Jr.

Formation for a Holy, Healthy, Effective Priesthood, Msgr. Dennis Sheehan, Origins June 17, 2004 Vol. 34:NO.5

Bishop Gregory Urges Support for Marriage Amendment In Letter to Fellow Prelates

Cardinal Keeler: Many think sanctions on politicians a bad idea, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Three Challenges for Seminary and Ongoing Formation, by Father Paul Ritt, Origins June 17, 2004, Vol. 34: No.5

A father's passing, Outspoken priest gave voice to liberal views, by Michael Paulson, Globe Staff, 6/21/2004

The Ever Present Question of the Church and Politics, Time Magazine Survey Results on Catholics and the Presidential Candidates

Bishops Approve Audit

International Priests Flooding Our U.S. Parishes, By Father Eugene Hemrick

In Defense of Celibacy and Taking Offense At It Being Improperly Portrayed, A Review of HBO's "America Undercover" program: "Celibacy", a television production that calls for a rebuttal

America, Catholic Magazine, Focuses on Communion Debate, Should Support for Abortion Be Used to Determine Worthiness For Communion?

U.S. Debate on Catholic Politicians Echoes in Vatican

Why are our Catholic Churches half empty?, Children of the Council, by Andrew Greeley in America June 7-14, 2004

Love of Christ Seen as Secret of Priests' Happiness, Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos' Letter for a World Day of Prayer

John Paul II Convokes "Year of the Eucharist", From October 2004 to October 2005

For God and Country, the military chaplain corps suffers its first casualty

Workaholism, A Case Study from the St. Luke's Institute in Silver Springs, MD

Pope John Paul II's May 28 remarks to the bishops of Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin during their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican

Altar Is Not a Battlefield, by Victoria Reggie Kennedy, Sunday, May 23, 2004; Page B07, Washington Post

Excerpts from an NCR interview with Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk on denying the sacraments, by John L. Allen, Jr.

65 parishes to be closed, News brings despair, relief, by Michael Paulson, Globe Staff, May 26, 2004

John Renard: A Contemporary Christian Response to Islam

Bed-and-breakfast in former convent a place for quiet reflection, by Katie Eder, Catholic News Service

Breaking & Running In the First Five Years, Carol Stanton, Vol. II No. 4 August/September 1998

Undertreatment of Depression, Luisa M. Saffiotti, Ph.D., Vol. I No. 3 June 1997

A Contemporary Case for Moral Law: What and What not to Enforce?, The text of a letter dated May 10 from 48 Catholic members of the House of Representatives, all Democrats, that was sent to Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington

A Portrait of African American Bishops in the United States

Favorite Authors of Catholic Priests

Priests - Celibacy, Priests urging optional celibacy described as men who love the church, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Babel in Our Front Yard, by Father Raymond B. Kemp

Understanding Defense Mechanisms, by Lynn M. Levo, CSJ, Ph.D., Vol.VII, No. 4 September/October, 2003

Goodbye, Friend: A Homily for Father Joyce, delivered by Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., May 5, 2004, Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Pope urges U.S. bishops to be close to their priests, encourage them, by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

Mary as Mother Is Close to Us, Says John Paul II, Sees Her Spiritual Maternity as a Help to Foster Fraternity

On the Spiritual Maternity of Mary, "This Heart Has Always Followed the Work of Her Son"

Pope John Paul II, on Liturgical Reform

Study finds divorce drops where clergy band to strengthen marriage, By Catholic News Service

Compulsive Spending by Stephen Montana, Ph.D., Vol. VIII, No. 1

An Article to be meditated by priests and deacons performing weddings, Christopher Kiesling: The Liturgy of Christian Marriage: Introduction to Marital Spirituality

Papal Preacher's Homily for Good Friday, Christ "Brought About a New Kind of Victory", by Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa

Addressing Priestly Fraternity During Difficult Time, by Father Eugene Hemrick

The Priesthood, Monsignor Luigi Giussani

Papal Prayer Intention: Priestly Formation

Pope's Address to a Group of U.S. Bishops, "No Effective Reform Without Interior Renewal"

When Churches Disappear, The Boston Globe, March 14, 2004, by Gerald Gamm

Are We Being Understood? Criteria for Assessing Mission, An address to 2000 assembly of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men by Marianist Brother Stephen Glodek, Origins, Vol. 30

Charity needed in debate on gay marriage, by Sean P. O'Malley, 3/11/2004, Boston Globe

Thoughts of Emmanuel Cardinal Suhard well worth pondering from his classic book: Priests Among Men

50 Years -- Caution, Sexual Abuse -- a Never Ending Problem/Sickness/Sin?, by Michael Swan, Catholic News Service

For Priests: Celibacy is not the Problem, Andrew Greeley, from the New York Times

The Passion of the Christ by Tom McCurrie

Experts' Report at Vatican Faults Sex Abuse Policy in U.S., By Frank Bruni, Published: February 24, 2004, New York Times

Priestly celibacy in the light of medicine and psychology, Wanda Poltawsk Professor of Pastoral Medicine, at the Pontifical Academy of Cracow

Understanding Defense Mechanisms, Lynn M. Levo, CSJ, Ph.D., Vol.VII, No. 4 September/October, 2003

'Passion' (Contd): A Timid Debate, by Alessandra Stanley, published: February 20, 2004, in the New York Times

A Portrait of Pain, Wilton Gregory, The Wall Street Journal

Gibson's 'Passion' earns "R" rating for graphic violence, by Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

Controversy Surrounds Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, Catholic News Service

The Jewish Abuse and Mockery of Jesus, The Marcan Account, taken from The Death of the Messiah, by Raymond Brown

Some Christians See 'Passion' as Evangelism Tool, by Laurie Goodstein, Published in New York Times: February 5, 2004

The Resurrection, taken from the book: 101 Questions and Answers by Raymond E. Brown
[cited on our web pages in the Book section]

George Weigel's Prognosis On the Future Challenges Facing the Church, A Crossroad for the Catholic Church, By George Weigel, The Washington Post, Tuesday, February 3, 2004; Page A19

Pope John Paul II's Lenten message for 2004, Released at the Vatican Jan. 29

Tucked Behind the Home Page, a Call to Worship, by John Leland, Published: January 31, 2004, New York Times

The 'Religion Gap', by Peter Steinfels, Published: January 31, 2004 in the New York Times, Will a "religion gap" be crucial in the 2004 election?

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life, Can you commit a sin in the voting booth?

Thoughts well worth pondering on leadership by Marcus Tullius Cicero in his work: On Duty

On Duty, by Cicero, Old Classical Principles of Cicero That Aptly Apply To The Leadership Of Today, taken from Cicero's work written to his son Marcus

The Power of Speech, excellent advice from the Roman Senator Tullius Cicero for homilists or for those who want to create a great community spirit, keep the family spirit at its best, and to be known for possessing outstanding character

Catholics and the Liberal Tradition, by Michael Lacey and William M. Shea, taken from American Catholics and Civic Engagement A Distinctive Voice

Hawks, Doves, and Pope John Paul II, America, August 12, 2002, by Father Drew Christiansen, S.J.

Catholics in America, excerpts from John Zogby's Talk at The Catholic University of America on how American Catholics see Catholicism, What They Believe in, and What Improvements the Church Needs to Make

Truth and the Eucharist, From: Preparing Yourself for Mass, by Romano Guardini, Sophia Institute Press, Manchester, NH

The Mass as Institution, From the book: Preparing Yourself for Mass, by Romano Guardini, Sophia Institute Press, Manchester, New Hampshire

Stories To Tell The Story, by Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, from the Bridge University of Saint Mary of the Lake -- Mundelein Seminary, Fall, 2003

A Great Meditation for Preaching, The Continuation of the Incarnation, from the best of Fulton J. Sheen

Sex abuse audit report and national recommendations, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Spiritual Exercises, from Spiritual Combat Revisited, by Jonathan Robinson of the Oratory, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, pp. 303

A Ministry for Senior Priests, by Most Rev. Timothy J. Lyne, D.D, Taken from Touchstone, NFPC, Fall, 2003 with side commentaries by Gene Hemrick

Recalling That God is Constantly Pursuing Us: An Excellent Way to Begin the New Year, The Hound of Heaven, by Francis Thompson

The Cost of Sexual Abuse to the Church since 1950

An Often Overlooked Tool For Attracting Vocations to the Religious Life, Role of altar servers has diminished, say survey respondents, By Brandon Evans, Catholic News Service

O'Malley plans aggressive cuts, Vows to decide church closings as early as June, By Michael Paulson, Globe Staff, 12/17/2003

Pope Lists 3 Reasons Why Youth Fear to Accept Call to Priesthood, Friendship With Christ Is Key, He Says

Vocations Crisis Demands Solid Priestly Formation, Says Pope, Sees a "Trial of Faith" for Pastors and the Flock

Pope's Prayer to Mary for World Peace, At Piazza di Spagna in Rome

Papal Household Preacher's First Meditation for Advent, Father Cantalamessa's Talk in Presence of Pope and Roman Curia

Guilt: Something Everyone Should Understand Better to Make Their Life Better, Handling Guilt, Sheila M. Harron, Ph.D., Vol. VI, No. 5 November - December, 2002, Taken From the St. Luke's Institute in Silver Springs, Maryland

A Humbler Church, from the Boston Globe, December 6, 2003

The Spirit of "Sasquache", By Father Eugene Hemrick

Retrieving a Filed-Away Document: Priests' Morale, by Father Eugene Hemrick

Pope Says Consumerism Helps to Spread Depression, Pontiff links depression with media that exalt consumerism, instant gratification, and the race for a better lifestyle, by Peggy Polk

(Our) Father Knows Best, Our human dads let us down -- or worse. When fathers have hurt us, how can we trust our Heavenly Father?, By Scott Hahn

O'Malley to reconsider policies against lay group, By Michael Paulson, Globe Staff, 11/20/2003

At A Loss for Words, by Anthony de Mello, SJ

Palestrina Was Not in Vogue, The counterculture struck at God himself, How much damage was done?, by George Sim Johnston

What Will The Future of Pastoral Ministry Look Like?, Eugene Hemrick

Holiness, Evangelization, Vocations, by Archbishop Dolan, from Origins: Nov. 13, 2003 Vol. 33: No. 23

A Closer Look At The Spiritual Writer Jean Pierre de Caussade, Jean-Pierre de Caussade

Putting Our Priesthood Back In Order, by Eugene Hemrick

The Power of Understanding, From The Promise of Virtue, Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Indiana

A Pope Whose First Zeal Won't Quit, Unraveling the Mortal Coil, in Plain View, by Frank Bruni

Media Coverage of the Sexual Abuse Scandal, Bishop Wilton Gregory, Origins: Sept. 18, 2003: Vol.33:NO.15

Msgr. Peter Magee's Sermon at St. Patrick's Church, Washington on the Silver Jubilee of Pope John Paul II, October 16th, 2003

Anthony de Mello, SJ -- The Difference between Analysis and Awareness

Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility, by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Administrative Committee

Bigger Than The Nobel, by David Brooks, The New York Times

Dr. Dean Hoge's Remarks as He Receives the Father Louis J. Luzbetak Award, Dr. Dean Hoge is the Director of The Catholic University of America's Life Cycle Institute in Washington, DC

Formation for Embracing the Celibate State, by Father Gerald Coleman, SS

Anthony de Mello, SJ on A Priest's View of Confession

Pope's legacy of curbing anti-Semitism, by James Carroll, writing for the Boston Globe

Is Kneeling Important to You During Worship?, by Voices, comments from the faithful about the importance of kneeling to their worship

Confession Rite Evolves To Meet Changing Need, by Caryle Murphy, Washington Post Staff Writer

Understanding, the Heart of Dialogue, by Father Eugene Hemrick

Benefits for Teens in Religiously Involved Families, taken from the CARA Report, Summer 2003

Humor Just Might Be a Virtue, by Father Eugene Hemrick

Dr. Scott Appleby Offers Historical Perspective on Development of Priesthood, by Rev. Lawrence Dowling, in NFPC's magazine Touchstone

Plumbing The Depths of Celibacy, By Father Eugene Hemrick

The Heart of a Wholesome Priesthood by Eugene Hemrick

Justice for Job, Life is not just unfair -- it's cruel. Will good people who suffer receive justice?, by Andrew Greeley

Blind to the Spirit: How the Media Treat Religion -- Reporters Just Don't Get It

Vatican Congregation for Clergy Recommends Mel Gibson's "Passion"

What I Told the Bishops -- Thoughts on the crisis in the American Catholic Church, by Peggy Noonan, from the Wall Street Journal

Statements on Celibacy Worth Pondering

A Troublesome Priest -- Andrew Greeley on Let's Have 'Holy Days of Celebration -- not Obligation

Helpful suggestions for those in lay ministry to ponder -- Part I

Helpful suggestions for those in lay ministry to ponder -- Part II

Helpful suggestions for those in lay ministry to ponder -- Part III

Bishop Gregory Says Church Owes Much to Priests Faithful to Chaste Celibacy, "A Powerful Spiritual Means to Draw Closer to Christ"

Catholic colleges ranked among best in nation

A View of Tomorrow's Priests by Father Eugene Hemrick

What About Spirirtual Direction?, Joseph G. Bachand, M.S., Th.D., Vol. V No. 5, November/December 2001, Taken From St. Luke Institute Web Page

Spirituality and Recovery, Michael Fonseca, MA, NCC, CPC, Vol. III No. 4, September/October 1999, Taken from St. Luke's Institute Web Page

The Success Story of Brother James Van Dyke, C.S.C

Father Philip Murnion's Letter to Bishops on the Eve of His Death

Milwaukee priest uncovers spirituality in divorce, by Julie Mickles, Catholic News Service

The new CNS supplement kit on marriage is nearly ready -- and it contains

The Next Christianity by Philip Jenkins, from the October 2002 Atlantic Monthly

New Clerics Seek Ways to Reach Aging Flocks, by Marek Fuchs

Homily of Archbishop O'Malley at His Installation Mass at Boston's Cathedral

A Letter from Romano Guardini on the Essence of the Liturgical Act -- 1964

An Essential Quality of Understanding is to be able to Cross Borders, Taken from The Promise of Virtue by Fr. Eugene Hemrick, Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN, pp.152

Bishops' Head Welcomes Vatican Statement on Legal Recognition of Unions Between Homosexual Persons -- Statement by Bishop Wilton Gregory

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Considerations Regarding Proposals To Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons

Judge Bork Converts to the Catholic Faith, by Tim Drake

Theology, not popular opinion, should guide Episcopalians on gay issues, by George Will

O'Malley asks for prayers of healing, by Tom Mashberg and Lisa Gentes, Saturday, July 26, 2003

UCLA Launches Study on Spirituality, National Study to Track College Students' Spiritual Growth

Transcript from the Seminar -- God and Foreign Policy: The Religious Divide Between the U.S. and Europe, Thursday, July 10, 2003, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Root Room, 1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.

Letting Go by Robert Ellsberg -- From the Book: The Saints' Guide to Happiness

Documentary film on Dietrich Bonhoeffer opens -- Two Perspectives on his life -- 'Bonhoeffer': A Man Who Took a Stand by Desson Howe and 'Bonhoeffer': Thou Shalt Kill, The Parable of the Theologian Who Decided Hitler Had to Die, by Philip Kennicott

A Habit That is Easy To Develop When Living Alone, Understanding Compulsive Eating, by Amy L. Glaser, Ph.D., Vol. V No. 2, March/April 2001, Taken from St. Luke's Institute

Clearing Clutter--Sabbatical Reflections, by Carol Farthing, Ph.D., Vol. IV No. 1, January/February 2000, Taken From The St. Luke's Institute

Monastic Life as "a Constant Search for God", Benedictine Abbot Primate on the 1st Centenary of Douai Abbey in England

Great Sermon Material; A Great Principle of Life, Cutting to the Core Meaning of Mercy, by Julia Upton, R.S.M. in the New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality

O'Malley offers plea, pledge, Bishop urges healing, vows a settlement, by Michael Paulson, Globe Staff

Selection seems driven first by local needs, by Kevin Cullen, Globe Staff

Pope Reported Set to Name New Archbishop for Boston, by Frank Bruni with Fox Butterfield, from the New York Times

Centering Prayer, by Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O.

A Church in Search of Followers, by Paul Elie, from the New York Times

Gifts to Charity in 2002 Stayed Unexpectedly High, By Stephanie Strom, from the New York Times

Healer Bishops Are Sent to Ease Churches' Pain, by Laurie Goodstein, taken from the New York Times

After the Keating resignation, By E.J. Dionne, Jr., 6/20/2003

Sant'Egidio -- Who We Are and What We Do

Six Qualities of an "Effective Confessor", by Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond, Taken from Spiritual Physician: Living Christ's Own Mission of Healing Love, An annual symposium co-sponsored by: The Institute for Priestly Formation and Notre Dame Seminary, February 28-March 3, 2002

Frank Keating Resigns from National Catholic Review Board, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory Responds

Opening To Wonder, From Seasons of Grace: The Life Giving Practice of Gratitude by Alan Jones and John O'Neil with Diana Landau

Reflections a Year After Dallas, Father Silva/NFPC, Origins May 29, 2003, Vol. 33:NO.3

The Bonds of Priesthood, Father Murnion/NFPC, Origins May 29, 2003, Vol. 33:NO.3

Historical Overview: Priests in America, 1930-2002, R. Scott Appleby/NFPC, In Origins June 5, 2003 Vol. 33: NO.4

Three Major Differences Between Young and Older Priests, from the study: Evolving Visions of the Priesthood: Changes from Vatican II to the Turn of the New Century by Dr. Dean R. Hoge and Jacqueline E. Wenger.

Feelings of Priests on Central Priesthood Issues, from the study: Evolving Visions of the Priesthood: Changes from Vatican II to the Turn of the New Century by Dr. Dean R. Hoge and Jacqueline E. Wenger.

What About Spirirtual Direction?, Joseph G. Bachand, M.S., Th.D.

The Healing Presence of the Holy Spirit in Priestly Life and Ministry: Reflections from the Thought of John Henry Newman, by Rev. Gerald McCarren, Taken from Spiritual Physician: Living Christ's Own Mission of Healing Love

Historian Laments the New Anti-Catholicism in the United States, Philip Jenkins, an Episcopalian, Faults the Intellectuals and Liberals

Barna Research Study on Catholics Who Tithe Calls for Qualifications

Catholics want change, poll finds, Seek archbishop open to new ideas, By Michael Paulson, Globe Staff, 5/11/2003

Provoking Thoughts on Reaching Out to the Suffering, by Andrea Riccardi -- Founder of the Community of San' Egidio

Priests Discuss the Problem of Loneliness, from the study: Evolving Visions of the Priesthood: Changes from Vatican II to the Turn of the New Century by Dr. Dean R. Hoge and Jacqueline E. Wenger

Satisfaction in the Priesthood, from the study: Evolving Visions of the Priesthood: Changes from Vatican II to the Turn of the New Century by Dr. Dean R. Hoge and Jacqueline E. Wenger

Footprints in the Sand, A poem by Mary Jane Stevenson

Seven Top Recommendations Made by Priests to Insure the Future Health and Effectiveness of the Priesthood
Recommendation One, Recommendation Two, Recommendation Three, Recommendation Four, Recommendation Five, Recommendation Six, Recommendation Seven

Thoughts from a paper Andrea Riccardi presented to the Congress conducted by the Pontifical Council for the Laity in Rome

Thoughts on Church Reform to Ponder, from an April 23rd lecture given by Cardinal Avery Dulles at Fordham University

Catholics want change, poll finds, Seek archbishop open to new ideas, by Michael Paulson, Globe Staff

Washington Theological Consortium -- EcuNotes #17 (March 2003)

Father Cantalamessa's Good Friday Homily, In St. Peter's, Papal Household Preacher Speaks of Peace

Ecclesia De Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II's letter to the Faithful on the Eucharist in Its Relationship to the Church, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City

Washington Theological Consortium -- EcuNotes #16 (February 2003)

Meditations for Holy Week, by Msgr. Alex Rebello

John Paul II's Act of Entrustment of Young People to Mary, On Occasion of World Youth Day 2003, from Zenit

Canadian Cardinal Gerald Emmett Carter Dies at Age 91, Pope remembers Him For His Selfless Service, Toronto Star News

Who Are We to Judge Christ's Bride?, Asks Preacher, Pope and Curia Hear Lenten Meditation

Reflections on the Morale of Priests, A Document that needs to be Revisited, Bishops' Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry, The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC, pp.20

Washington Theological Consortium
EcuNotes #15 (October 2002)

Washington Theological Consortium - EcuNotes #14 (September 2002)

Washington Theological Consortium EcuNotes #13 (July 2002)

Reclaiming Priestly Identity at a Time of Complexity and Urgency, Origins March 20, 2003: Vol. 32: No. 40

Priests and Their Ministry: Obstacles and Supports, Bishop Gregory Aymond, Origins: March 13, 2003, Vol.32:NO.39

Historian Speculates Why Pope Backs Role of U.N. in Iraqi Crisis, Giorgio Rumi Warns About Dangers of a Divided West

Bishops' President Deeply Regrets War, Calls for Prayer, Protection of the Innocent, And Steps to Avert Humanitarian Crisis

Statement on the War With Iraq, Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory, President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, March 19, 2003

Unilateral Attack Would Be "War of Aggression," Says Vatican Official, Evil Cannot Justify Evil, Says President of Council for Justice and Peace

Spiritual Direction and the Experience of Healing, by Fr. Paul Wachdorf, University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, IL, Taken from the Bridge

Catholic Group Picks Academic Team to Study Problem of Sexual Abuse, by Laurie Goodstein, from the New York Times

Catholics Debating: Back President or Pope on Iraq?, by Laurie Goodstein, in the New York Times

Catholics Adopt More Liberal Attitudes During College, By Tamar Lewin, In The New York Times

In Times of Difficulty Say, "Jesus, I Trust in You," Pope Counsels

Lent as Divine Therapy, Fr. Thomas Keating talks about Lent as a time to look at unconscious dynamics that keep us from a deep relationship with God. An Interview by Anne A. Simpkinson -- Courtesy Belief.net

Canon and Church Law are Restructured to Respond to the Challenges of our Times

Pope Declares Ash Wednesday A Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace, March 5 to Be Set Aside Especially for the Middle East, Vatican City, February 23, 2003

War Would Be a Tragedy for Religions Too, Says Pope John Paul II, Receives in Audience the Leaders of Faiths of Indonesia, Vatican City, February 20, 2003

The Foundations of Islamic Religious Experience, by Father Renard, S.J., Taken From Spirituality Today

"Global Ethic" Aiming to Supplant Christian Ethic, Warns Official, Head of Council for Health Care Workers Analyzes "New Paradigm", Vatican City, February 11, 2003

War in Iraq? -- Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, Social Ministries Gathering International Plenary Talk, Catholic University, Center for International Social Development and Dept. of Politics

An Ethical Analysis of War Against Iraq, Gerard F. Powers, Director, Office of International Justice and Peace, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Pierre DuMaine: Spirituality and Electronic Communications: Introduction to the Theme

Preaching -- Father Goergen, O.P. -- A lengthy, old, scholarly article on who has a right to preach. It is as current now as it was when it was written

Five Suggestions for Church Policy Makers, by David O'Brien in Commonweal, February 14, 2003

Changes in the culture that have caused changes in the lives of priests, taken from the Dean Hoge Study: The First Five Years of the Priesthood

Reasons for Avoiding a War, Taken from a letter by Jesuit Father Fernando Franco, Head of the Secretariat for Social Justice

Latest from U.S. Bishops on Iraq, February 6, 2003

The Distinct Yet Related Parts of Priestly Formation, By Bishop John Nienstedt, In Origins Oct. 24, 2002

We Wait Too Long, Taken from Say Yes To Life

On Running Away from Ourselves, Taken from Say Yes To Life, Author: Sidney Greenberg, Crown Publishers, Inc., New York pp. 147

The Pastoral Work of Communion in Novo Millennio Inuente, A Reflection offered by Msgr. Cristian Precht Banados, Episcopal Vicar of the Southern Pastoral Zone, Archdiocese of Santiago, Secretariat for the Church in Latin America, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC

Vital Dimensions of Priesthood Accented by a Time of Crisis, Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Origins Oct. 3, 2002 Vol. 31: No.17

What the Church Needs the Priest to Be, Msgr. Philip Murnion, Origins Oct. 3, 2002 Vol.32: No. 17

The Priest as a Man of Communion, Father Stephen Rossetti, Origins Oct. 3, 2002 Vol 32: No. 17

The Lilly Endowment announces their National Clergy Renewal Program -- this is something all priests should look into

Effective Priests of the Future, by Bishop John Boissonneau, in Origins: August 1, 2002: Vol.32: NO 10

Bush's 'first strike' threat: Can it be justified?, Our Sunday Visitor, June 23, 2002, by William Bole

Two Recommendations to Seminarians, Taken from focus groups conducted by the National Federation of Priest Councils [NFPC]

Pondering Important Principles When Justice is Preached, Babel in Our Front Yard, by Father Raymond B. Kemp

The Importance of One's Culture in Healing, "Father Juan", Taken from St. Luke's Institute, Silver Springs, MD

Cardinal Kasper Evaluates Progress and Concerns of Ecumenism, Movement Has Slowed, Says President of Pontifical Council

Roe v. Wade, the U.S. and 3 Decades of Legal Abortion, Bishops' Spokeswoman Cathy Cleaver Views the Landscape

Three Important Recommendations by Priests to Bishops, Taken from focus group interviewed conducted by the National Federation of Priests' Councils

Resigned Priests Speak Out on Celibacy and Human Sexuality, From the Book: The First Five Years of the Priesthood

Priests (Mostly) Happy, Survey Says, Despite Scandals' Impact, State's Catholic Clergy Report Healthy And Satisfying Lives, by Garret Condon, from The Hartford Courant

A Virtue We All Need To Continue to Cultivate to Remain Young at Heart -- Perseverance, Failure -- the Line of Least Persistence, from the book: Say Yes to Life -- already cited

Positive Experiences By Young Priests, Taken from: The First Five Years of the Priesthood

A Story Worth Telling, Ms. Marti R. Jewell, from the book: The First Five Years of the Priesthood, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN

Catholic Priests' Attitudes Toward Celibacy and Homosexuality, by Dean R. Hoge and Jacqueline E. Wenger, Catholic University of America, (Paper presented to the Association for the Sociology of Religion, Chicago, August 16, 2002)

Leadership in the Church, by Bishop William Friend, D.D., Origins Jan. 9, 2002, Vol. 32: No. 30

Thoughts On Leadership Worth Pondering, From Origins, January 9, 2003

The Mystique of the Priesthood, by Andrew Greeley

An Excerpt from an interview with Dr. James Gill, S.J., Founder of the Christian Institute for the Study of Human Sexuality, Taken from an interview by Pattie Wigand Sporrong, Marketing and Communications Director, Catholic Theological Union in Chicago

The Need for Connections, Rev. Stephen J. Rossetti, in the book; The First Five Years of the Priesthood

A Story Taken from the Case Studies of the St. Luke Institute in Washington, DC

Tell the truth or live a lie?, Peggy Steinfels addresses the church in crisis, by Stephanie Sinnot, Catholic Theological Union

Thérèse of Lisieux and Joan of Arc?, From the Washington Theological Union Lecture Series, Dr. Mary Frohlich, RSCJ, November 1, 2002, Article by Michael Goggin

Sex, Sin and Salvation: What Augustine Really Said (lecture text), David G. Hunter, PhD

Augustine, Citizen?, From the Washington Theological Union Lectures, Dr. Peter Kaufman, September 29, 2002, Article By Michael Goggin

Rev. Walter Burghardt Honored By Washington Theological Union with 2002 Distinguished Service Award

How do you [as a priest] see your role as a man in American society?, Taken from Grace Under Pressure: What Give Life to American Priests

Here's A New Year's Resolution Worth Considering! -- some thoughts from Romano Guardini

Service, Compassion, Empowerment in the Priesthood, From Grace Under Pressure

Pope John Paul II's message, "Pacem in Terris: A Permanent Commitment," for the celebration of the World Day of Peace January 1

The spirit of Advent and Cardinal Law, By Peter J. Gomes, 12/13/2002

Why I am an Advent person, excerpt from "The Shaking Reality of Advent" Alfred Delp, SJ, d. Feb 2, 1945

Kindness During the Season of Kindness -- Christmas, by Romano Guardini

Rebels Within the Church Challenge the Hierarchy, By Laurie Goodstein

Vatican's "Lexicon of the Family" Leaves No Room for Ambiguities, Aimed at Terminology That Sows Seeds of Confusion

What does it mean to be a professional journalist who is Catholic?

How to deal prudently with grave difficulties according to St. Paul, Taken from the book: In the Thick of His Ministry by Carlo Maria Martini, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN

Cardinal Ratzinger on Why It's Not Time for Vatican III

Advent: A Wonderful Time For Priests To Reflect On How They Became Priests, Significance of Priesthood and the Mystery of Call, Taken from Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to American Priests

For Boston Archdiocese, Bankruptcy Would Have Drawbacks, By Pam Belluck and Adam Liptak, in the New York Times

A Celibate Priesthood Very Familiar With Family, Taken from Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to American Priests, National Catholic Education Association, Washington, DC

John Paul II Calls for Dialogue to Resist Clash of Civilizations, On Occasion of 375th Anniversary of Urban University

A Timely Meditation on Gratitude for the Christmas Season, by Romano Guardini

Vatican II As Ecumenical Council: Yves Congar's Vision Realized, By Joseph A. Komonchak, in Commonweal

To reform the church, laity must take action, By David O'Brien, from the Boston Globe

Catholic Leadership Is Looking to Past, Not to Change, as Response to Scandal, By Laurie Goodstein, from the New York Times

Opening Address At the November Bishops' Meeting in Washington DC, by Bishop Wilton Gregory

Scandal Is Stirring Lay Catholics to Push Church for More Power, By Laurie Goodstein and Sam Dillon

Cardinal Law's New Leaf, By Joan Vennochi, 11/5/2002, From the Boston Globe

Catholic Bishops Unveil New Policy on Accusations of Abuse, By Laurie Goodstein, In the New York Times

Man of Mystery, The pope changes the rosary By Peggy Noonan

Pope Sees Art as Instrument of New Evangelization, Meets with Commission for the Cultural Goods of the Church

Revised Policy Sets Tribunals for Priests Accused of Abuse, By Laurie Goodstein, as seen in the New York Times

The Next Christianity, by Philip Jenkins, The Atlantic Monthly

The Vatican courts a schism, The Chicago Tribune, October 28, 2002

Ministry in the Twenty-First Century, A lecture presented at The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, October 2, 2002, Fred L. Hofheinz, Program Director for Religion, Lilly Endowment, Inc

A Plan All Priests Need to Take Much More Seriously to Reduce Seriousness and the Anxiety It Produces in their Ministry, Taken from St. Luke's Web Page, Developing A Fitness Plan, Dana Dowd, M.S.P.T.

Can Mankind Understand the Spirit of the Liturgy Anymore?, A View from Professor (and Now Bishop) Gerhard Ludwig Müller

The Case of Iraq and the Just War Tradition, Kenneth R. Himes, O.F.M.

Pray the Rosary as a Weapon of Peace

Friendship & Desire -- Augustine Reviews 'Will & Grace', Cathleen Kaveny, Commonweal, Sept. 27, 2002

Zero Tolerance? -- Taking Another Look, Gerald D. Coleman, S.S., Taken from Commonweal

The Bishop, The Scandal And His Plan, Gregory's '94 Experience Shapes Centrist Response, By Alan Cooperman, Washington Post Staff Writer

Notre Dame professors tackle church crisis in game-day lectures, By Ann Carey, Catholic News Service

Is a plenary council a good idea?, Catholic News Service

Priest-bishop relationship is not one way, Pope tells new prelates, By Catholic News Service

Bishop urges Catholics to fight back when media go too far on scandal, By Elaine Spencer, Catholic News Service

Vatican leaning toward OK of experimental application of U.S. norms, By John Thavis, Catholic News Service

Prelate criticizes media reports on restructured sex abuse panel, By Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Report: Vatican Won't OK Abuse Plan, By Frances D'Emilio, Associated Press Writer

Catholic Theologians Debate Ills of Church Hierarchy, by Pamela Ferdinand, The Washington Post

Two New Books on Ecology, Reviewed by Mark Lombard, Catholic News Service

Report says most dioceses have policies, procedures on sex abuse, By Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

What's right with priesthood' is better question, psychologist says, By Catholic News Service

New book aims to help clergy preach about natural family planning, By Catholic News Service

Plan on Abuse Is Said to Face Vatican Pitfalls, By Laurie Goodstein with Frank Bruni, From the New York Times

Researchers highlight changing priesthood, By Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Sources of Support for Priests as Noted in the Recent Hoge-Wenger Study

A Success Story in Making Death Less Frightening, Woman develops program to ease loneliness of dying patients, by Kerry Weber, Catholic News Service

Avoid at all Cost the Contradiction of Being a Priest and Being Depressed, Former Dominican head urges priests to watch for signs of depression, From Catholic News Service

We Must Never Forget Ecology in Our Land of Plenty, Urgency of Man's "Ecological Vocation" Emphasized, John Paul II's Warning on Eve of World Summit on Development

In Jamica Plain, a school of hope, By James Carroll, 9/3/2002, In the Boston Globe

Cutting to the Heart of the Lifestyle of Priests, Questions to ponder for a healthy ministry, produced by the Joliet Priests' Continuing Education Committee

Priests Concerned About False Accusations Speak Up, From the New York Times

Sound Wisdom to Ponder As Catholic Students Head to College, Campus Catholic community can help students cope, keep faith strong, By Pete Sheehan, Catholic News Service

Bishop Robert Morneau discusses The Spirituality of Merton in The Catholic Church in the Twentieth Century, John Deedy, Editor, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN

Ordinary Diocesan Priests On The Church's Front Line, by George Aschenbrenner, S.J., In Quickening the Fire in Our Midst

A Timely Topic That Addresses a Church in Need of Correction, Yet Having the Responsibility to Correct, The Service of Correction as found in Scripture, by Raymond Brown

The Church's Mission and Its Connection to Community Life, Taken from Catholic News Service

Canice Connors, OFM Conv. -- Presidential Address

Raymond Brown on The Priestly Service of Prayer and The Service of Suffering

There are Vocations to the Religious Life Out There -- Here is Why, Life's twists, turns lead New Jersey woman to church, vocation, By Maura Rossi, Catholic News Service

The Role of Ordinary Work and Collecting Money in the Priesthood, by Raymond Brown S.S. in Priest and Bishop: Biblical Reflections, Paulist Press, New York

Future doctors at Catholic-run medical school serve Third World poor, By Michelle Martin, Catholic News Service

The Profound Significance of Bread and Wine at Mass, by Romano Guardini

Romano Guardini on The Purpose of Life, N.B. Not to be read, but studied and meditated!!

Cardinal John Henry Newman's idea of the Laity's Intellectual Place in the Church -- how university study together with clergy benefits it

The Crisis of Ethical Norms, Thoughts of Romano Guardini on ethics that are as pertinent to CEO's, church leaders and Ecologists as when he wrote them 50 years ago

The Meaning of Old Age, According to Romano Guardini

Cardinal John Henry Newman's Thoughts on Progress

Cardinal John Henry Newman's Thoughts on Fasting

Thoughts to Ponder about the Spiritual Life, by John Henry Newman, from Ian Ker's Newman in Being a Christian, Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, IN

Cardinal John Henry Newman on The Corruption of the Church, Taken from: Newman on Being a Christian, by Jan Ker, University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, IN

Is It Doctrinally Possible for Lay People to Share in the Work of the Church?, From Laity, Church and World, by Yves Congar, Geoffrey Chapman, London

Karl Rahner addresses Christianity on the Threshold of the Third Millennium,
From an interview with a Swiss Magazine

Karl Rahner on What It Means To Be A Priest Today, Part II

Maintain hope despite church troubles, USCCB president tells priests, written by Joseph Kenny, from the Catholic News Service

An Excerpt from the study: The First Five Years of the Priesthood -- A Young Priest Speaks About The Difficulties Of Priesthood, by Dean Hoge

Peace and the Christian Imagination, from Woodstock Report No. 69, March 2002

A Pastor's Response to the Church Crisis, this column was taken from Father Hynes' home parish during Mass April 7 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Wilmington, Delaware where he is Pastor

Understanding the Media When It Comes to Religion, Panel of experts discusses relationship between religion and media, By Willy Thorn, Catholic News Service

Priests as Stewards of Their Time, From Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to American Priests, National Catholic Education Association, Washington, DC

Tres Padres Buenos/Three Good Priests, By Moises Sandoval, The Catholic News Service

Priest Camaraderie, From the book: Grace Under Pressure: What Give Life to American Priests

Pope Urges Proposes Transcendental Philosophy in Response to Anxiety, Suggests Study of St. Thomas Aquinas´ Thought

Campus Ministry, Nancy Frazier O'Brien, Catholic News Service

Faith, From Method in Theology, Bernard Lonergan, S.J.

Service seen as key to creating culture of vocations for all, By Julie Mickles, Catholic News Service

From the book: Grace Under Pressure, Mystery of God's Activity in Life and Ministry

A Doctor-Spokesman Attends to Papal Image, by John Tagliabue

Yeah, Yeah Sisterhood, by Brian McGrory, Globe Columnist, 6/18/2002

Revisiting a Classic Description of the Laity's Role in the Church, by Yves Congar

News Conference, Opening Remarks, Wednesday, June 12, by Bishop Wilton Gregory

Filling Our Homes With Prayer, by Florence Berger, in Worship, 1952

The Bishops and the Vatican by Cardinal Avery Dulles

Redrafting the Church's Rules on Redemption by Anthony DePalma

The Vatican on Hunger, from the Catholic News Service

Availability -- By Kathryn Sullivan, Address at the National Liturgical Week, St. Louis, 1964

Karl Adam's gift to the world, Pascal Botz, in Worship, 1958

Celibate and Loving It, For Many Priests, True Happiness Lies in The Joining of Self and Church

Revisiting the Characteristics of the Dialogue By Pope Paul VI

Concepts of Psychology and Spiritual Maturity by Charles Curren, Psychologist Written in 1963

Reflections on the Importance of History, by Josep Jungmann

Vatican Reservations Emerging Over U.S. Direction on Sex Abuse, By John Thavis

The Problem of Large Parishes by Godfrey Diekman

The Sanctity of Standing While At Mass by Romano Guardini

Reflections on the Sign of the Cross, By Romano Guardini In Sacred Signs, 1927

Reflections on Adoration and Praise, by Reynold Hillenbrand -- Address at the first National Liturgical Week, Chicago, 1940

On the Demise of Clerical Culture, Farewell to "the Club', by Michael L. Papesh

Treating the Priest Under Church's Wing, by Caryle Murphy

Laity Must Not Be Clericalized Nor Clergy Laicized, Says Pope, Warns Bishops Not to Become Bureaucrats or Business Managers

It's National Friendship Week; Show Your Friends You Care

Bishop Wilton Gregory, President of the Bishops' Conference, Discusses the Upcoming Meeting of Bishops in Dallas

Examination of the Rights of Priests Accused of Misconduct, National Federation of Priests' Councils, Rev. Gregory Ingels, J.C.D.

A Letter from a Friend -- a letter I received from a friend of the ministry. It just seemed too wonderful not to share! Please take a look!

The Great Monsignor, By E. J. Dionne Jr.

How to Save The Church -- The Betrayal, by Michael Sean Winters

The Catholic Difference -- Getting "just-war" straight by George Weigel

The Changing Face of Parishes -- A CNS News Report on How the Archdiocese of Baltimore is Responding to Fewer Priests

A Revolution? Not So Fast -- A new openness is welcome -- but not to the point of allowing the Catholic Church to ordain women or married men.

The Chrism Mass Homily of Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap.

The Cardinals Who Weren't Called to Rome by Fintan O'Toole

Poverty and Celibacy Are Critical to Priestly Ministry -- Says Pope In Address to Group of Nigerian Bishops

People of All Faiths Coming Together in Song

Excerpts from a talk by Father Robert Silva President of the National Federation of Priests' Councils

God's Selection Frequently Seems Flawed!, By Wilton D. Gregory, President of the United States Conference of Bishops

Many Critical Of Hierarchy, But Few Say Faith Is Shaken, By Janet Elder

A Message from Lou Holtz to the Clergy Taken from the Catholic News Service

Models for Alternative Staffing -- by Rev. Joseph Lynch, S.M., Group Process Consultant for The Brooklyn Diocesan Office of Cluster Planning & Collaboration

What Does It Mean to Be a Priest Today? -- Interview with Gerhard Ruis on the occasion of Karl Rahner's fiftieth jubilee as a priest for Landesstudio Salzburg of Radio Austria, Salzburg (April 7, 1982)

On Authenticity -- From Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to American Priests

How Do You See Your Role As a Man in American Society? -- From Grace Under Pressure: What Gives Life to Priests, by Melvin Blanchette, James Castelli, Eugene Hemrick, Paul Theroux, James Walsh, National Catholic Educational Association, Washington, DC. 1995.

Scott Simon interviews Father Steve Rossetti on the Problems with the Priesthood

Meet the Press -- Fathers Donald Cozzens, Thomas Doyle, Richard McBrien and John McCloskey and former Ambassador Ray Flynn discuss the future of the Catholic Church and the sex abuse scandal

Philip Jenkins on the Pervasiveness of Sex Abuse Cases in All Churches

The Church's Response to the Latest Scandals Over Sex Abuse

The Struggle With Celibacy

Celibacy for Beginners

Protestant response to own abuse cases varies

At Seminary, New Ways for a New Generation

The Faith of Our Fathers

The Canon Law Society of America Calls for Due Process in Sexual Abuse Allegations

An Interview with Frederick S. Berlin, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Berlin is Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Founder of the Sexual Disorders Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Article in Origins -- March 14, 2002
Title: Restoring Trust
Author: Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua

"Sexual abuse of minors by priests is a deplorable act and a reprehensible breach of trust. I have not and will not under any circumstances tolerate such behavior by any priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia," Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia said in a statement Feb. 26. "We will continue to investigate and to report allegations of sexual abuse of minors in complete cooperation with the law of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania," he said. The cardinal said that " the main priority in addressing instances of sexual abuse of minors is caring compassionately for the well-being and protection of the victims." The cardinal also discussed the care of the priest-offender himself as well as the evaluation of seminary applicants, the policy of the archdiocese regrading all who serve within the church's various apostolates and the adverse impact of reports of sexual abuse ofmnors by priests on "the overwhelming majority of dedicated priests." The cardinal outlined the archdiocese's existing policy on sexual abuse and said that in light of it he does "not know of any priest who is in a current assignment."

Dioceses, Facing Great Scrutiny, Look Anew at Sex Abuse Cases

Guidelines for Preaching During a Tragedy

Priests vow to help each other find healing

Opinion Split on Whether Molestation Is More Prevalent in Catholic Clergy

George Weigel on Where the Church Is Going

A Memo to the Priests of the United States from Rev. Stephen J. Rossetti, Ph.D., D.Min. President, Saint Luke Institute

A Word of Encouragement from Rev. Robert J. Silva

Methods That Are Being Implemented To Counter The Bewilderment Over Pedophilia

How Priests Around the Country Deal With Controversy

Diocesan Repercussions of Pedophilia Scandals

Bing Crosby Had It Right -- Excerpt from Kenneth L. Woodward article in News Week

Statements by Father Robert Silva and Father Stephen Rossetti On the Recent Pedophilia Scandals

Celibacy Doesn't Create Pedophiles by Rev. James J. Gill S.J. MD, from the Philadelphia Inquirer

Report of a Meeting in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Concerning Priests Living and Serving in One-Man Houses

Shamed by the Sins of Others, by E.J. Dionne Jr., From an editorial in the Washington Post

Understanding Pedophilia, Taken from a Catholic News Service Report

Despite Therapies, Pedophilia Eludes Cure, Impact of Drugs, Counseling is Limited, Pedophilia Cure Remains Elusive, by Ellen Barry, Boston Globe

Spirituality in the Workplace: Making Sense of a Corporate Trend by James Nolan

Text of a Feb. 19 Statement by
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Ill.,
President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
On Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests

Secularized Feminism -- An interview with Pia de Solenni

A Success Story in Ecumenism -- Exercepts from a talk by Bishop Richard C. Hanifen

A Monastery That Embraces the Old and Thrives on the New-- Interesting article that focuses on a Trappist Monastery that strictly keeps the Rule of St. Benedict -- a code of chastity, physical labor and prayerful silence.

Understanding the Roots of Poverty

Pope John Paul II's message for World Day of Peace

The Role of Clustering and Collaborative Ministry, Diocese of Brooklyn, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard

Article: Crossing the Bridge: Women in the Church
Author: Dolores Leckey
Church: Winter 2001, Volume 17, Number 4

From introductory remarks:

Crossing the bridge is, I submit, an apt image for trying to understand change, particularly progress, in regard to the role of women in society and the church. I like to imagine I'm standing on a metaphorical bridge at a certain point in time and space, which enables me to look in several directions. The first thing I see as I look back is a plaque quoting the Polish poet and essayist, Czslaw Milosz:

Our age is better we would say. No plague. No sword to pursue us, so why should we look back?" Why indeed? We might suffer the fate of Lot's wife. Yet, if we are to note what progress has occurred, looking back is essential.

Table 1: Sources and Development of the Just War Tradition
Table 2: The Just War Tradition as a Source of Criteria for Ethical Judgment
Taken from Morality and Contemporary Warfare
Author: James Turner Johnson

Title: Excerpts from a Pastoral Letter from Bishop Richard C. Hanifen
Author: Bishop Richard C. Hanifen

Title: A Successful Way to Keep Priests From Getting Windy Without Them Losing Their Wind
Author: The Catholic Review of Baltimore

Title: A Meditation on the Miserere
Author: Papal Address at General Audience, Pope John Paul II

Title: Commentary on the study: A Survey of Priests Ordained Five to Nine Years
Author: Rev. Richard W. Burton

Origins:1105-Issue-28:21
Title: On Choosing Candidates for the Priesthood
Author: Bishop Wilton Gregory

Origins: 0116-ISSUE-26:30
TITLE: Priest and Bishop in the Next Millenium
AUTHOR: Bishop Donald Wuerl

Origins: 1024-ISSUE-26:19
TITLE: Three Goals for Vocation Directors: Priesthood
AUTHOR: Bishop Gerald Kicanas

Origins 0322-Issue-30:40
Title: A Vision and Perspective for Today's Priests
Author: Father Stephen Rosetti

Origins: 0322 Issue-30:40
Title: Human Development and the Ongoing Formation of Priests
Author: Father J. Cletus Kiley

Origins: 1209-Issue-29:26
Title: Listening to Priests and Supporting Them
Author: Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo

Origins:1029-Issue-28:20
Title: Ways of Responding to the Priesthood Shortage
Author: Cardinal Roger Mahony

Origins 1113-ISSUE-27:22
TITLE: Priesthood in the Church of Tomorrow
AUTHOR: Father Thomas Rausch, SJ

Origins: 1121-ISSUE-26:23
TITLE: Expressing Support and Respect for Priests
AUTHOR: Anthony Pilla

Origins: 1026-ISSUE-25:19
TITLE: A Renewed Priesthood in a Renewed Church
AUTHOR: Archbishop Weakland

Origins 0413-Issue-29:43
Title: Rediscovering the Priesthood in Light of the Eucharist
Author: Pope John Paul II

Origins: 0520-Issue-29:01
Title: Toward a Transformative Model of Religious Life
Author: Father Paul Philibert, OP

Origins-ISSUE-27:18
TITLE: Fire in the Belly: From Experience Through Imagination to Passion
AUTHOR: Father Walter Burghardt, SJ

Origins: -ISSUE-27:01
TITLE: Sense of Church Acquired From 32 Years of Priesthood
AUTHOR: Archbishop Francis George

Date-1998
Origins:1105-Issue-28:21
Title: On Choosing Candidates for the Priesthood
Author: Bishop Wilton Gregory

"We need to hone our criteria for selecting candidates for the priesthood of Christ," Bishop Wilton Gregory of Belleville, Ill., said in an address Sept. 29 to the National Association of Diocesan Vocation Directors convention in Cincinnati. "Jesus did not choose flawless personalities" as apostles, Gregory observed. Yet, he said, "none of us ought to risk challenging the grace of the Holy Spirit with candidates who are not merely unworthy, but even unsuitable for the public ordained ministry." Asking whether there are "qualities that militate against selecting a candidate," Gregory recommended, among other points, that vocation directors be "wary of those who seek to save the church.... Be cautious of those who too quickly and almost universally find enemies or clandestine motives in those 'out there.'" Discussing the relationship between vocations personnel and priesthood candidates, Gregory said that "it is important not to give potential students the impression that they are those who must decide matters of orthodoxy, liturgical propriety and spiritual merit." He also discussed the "appropriate emotional distance" to maintain in evaluating a candidate so that the person remains "a candidate and not a peer." Gregory said that it must be admitted "that young people today are not exactly like ourselves, 40, 30 or even 20 years ago." He commented, "I do not consider it a limitation that young people who might now be considering a vocation to the clerical or religious life are not our clones." In light of this, however, he urged vocations personnel "to help the young see the tremendous contributions of their seniors in the presbyterate or community as well as to help those in established positions of authority to take heart in the enthusiasm and good desires of the young."

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DATE-1997
Origins: 0116-ISSUE-26:30
TITLE: Priest and Bishop in the Next Millenium
AUTHOR: Bishop Donald Wuerl

"Between and among bishops and priests there should be that level of mutual support that allows, on the personal level, an easy exchange of concerns and an openness that permits the bishop to be the first one to offer support in a time of crisis," Bishop Donald Wuerl of Pittsburgh said Dec. 7 in an address at Chicago's University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He addressed a national conference of diocesan seminares, marking the 75th anniversary of Mundelein's opening. "We have all given our life to the service of the church, and it is to the church in the person of the bishop that we should feel free to turn as we struggle with the many challenges of living out our priestly commitment," Wuerl said. But, he added, "if the bishop is always the last one to hear of a problem, he cannot be the first one to offer help." Wuerl also stressed the importance of fraternal support among priests. He said, "While we may not be inclined to be our brother's keeper, we should certainly sense the need to be our brother's brother." Wuerl examined priestly identity and the priest's role, and he discussed three levels of the relationship of priests and bishops: sacramental unity through ordination, ministerial solidarity and common pastoral responsibility. Wuerl said he believes "the most pervasive challenge that priestly ministry faces today and into the next century is the powerful voice of secularism and its arrogant claim to the sole possession of the public forum." He said, "Poverty, racism and abortion are all serious issues, but the most pervasive threat to the faith is its increasing irrelevance in a world and among people who have been convinced that secular is good."

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DATE-1996
Origins: 1024-ISSUE-26:19
TITLE: Three Goals for Vocation Directors: Priesthood
AUTHOR: Bishop Gerald Kicanas

"The church needs vocation directors to be "image makers who present a vision of diocesan priesthood that is enticing and inviting; problem solvers responsible to help address the issues faced by diocesan priests that make ministry less desirable, less fulfilling; instigators who prod your presbyterate and diocese to see vocation ministry as central to their corporate mission," Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Chicago told the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors Sept. 30 in Orlando, Fla. "If we make progress in reimaging diocesan priesthood, addressing some of the concerns priests face and eliciting the involvement of others in vocation ministry, we would enhance the climate in which candidates consider the possibility of serving as priests," Kicanas said. He urged vocation directors to "communicate that priesthood matters, makes a difference." He said, "Most candidates I met longed to do something significant with their lives." As problem solvers, vocation directors "need to play an active role in helping priests to address the issues that they face today," said Kicanas. He added: "Unless those issues are faced, diocesan priesthood is less attractive, less appealing. I will focus on three issues: loneliness, polarization and lack of ongoing formation and education." Finally, as "instigators prodding the diocese to making vocation ministry part of its core mission," vocation directors must recognize that while they are "energetic, enthusiastic and talented, and while they are self-starters and initiators and people who follow through, (they) cannot do vocation ministry alone." Kicanas said, "Vocation directors must switch from being soloists to being orchestra leaders."

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Date-2001
Origins 0322-Issue-30:40
Title: A Vision and Perspective for Today's Priests
Author: Father Stephen Rosetti

Father Rossetti/NOCERCCA Vision and Perspective for Today's Priests"What is needed today is a formation program that focuses on perspective and vision." Father Stephen Rossetti, a psychologist, said in his keynote address to the Feb. 19-22 convention in San Antonio of the National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy. Rossetti is president of St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Md., a treatment center for church ministry personnel with substance addictions or other disorders. Rossetti said he believes insecurity results from the lack of this perspective and vision. "The resulting insecurity causes us to be frightened about the future. It causes us to wonder if the naysayers are correct." Rossetti said: "If we fall into despair about the church and the priesthood, we are not very good historians.... One could easily make the case for this being the best of times for the presbyterate." But, he said, priests often don't see their strengths and seem overly focused on their shortcomings. He said that "the fear, the arrogance, hostility and harsh judgmentalism that cripple so many in the church today are not manifestations of the Spirit." In addition to discussing the need for a perspective and vision among priests, which, "for want of a better phrase," he calls a "resurrection vision," Rossetti discussed two processes that he believes "undergird our time": change and diversity. "The first key to understanding the priesthood today and thus to an effective program of ongoing formation is this: Change has become the norm, not the exception," he said. "A theology and pastoral appropriation of change" are needed. "Not all change is good," said Rossetti. But, he commented, priests "must be comfortable with it; they must be leaders of change and not its victims." Speaking of diversity, Rossetti said that priesthood today confronts cultural diversity, generational diversity, diversity of sexual orientation, theological diversity." He said: "Diversity, like change, is upsetting. It calls into question what we believe and how we believe it. But diversity is here to stay." The typical reaction to diversity, he said, "is judgmentalism on the one extreme or a wishy-washy 'everything is wonderful' syncretism on the other." He urged his audience of diocesan priestly life officials to help priests with diversity; "a good formation program must include it."

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Date-2001
Origins: 0322 Issue-30:40
Title: Human Development and the Ongoing Formation of Priests
Author: Father J. Cletus Kiley

Father Kiley/NOCERCC Human Development and the Ongoing Formation of Priests"There are certain key moments in the life of a priest, each with their own temptations and graces. These are unique opportunities for growth and development," Father J. Cletus Kiley, executive director of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Priestly Life and Ministry, said in remarks on human development and ongoing priestly formation to the Feb. 19-22 convention in San Antonio of the National Organization for the Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy. Kiley discussed four principles of priestly development: who the priest is; what he does; his discipleship, and his membership in a presbyterate and wider "communio." Kiley said that "lack of a full consideration of the identity of the priest conferred in the sacrament of holy orders is a formula for conflict down the line." On the one hand, Kiley said this "can reduce priestly identity to a set of functions that can just as well be completed by others within the church. On the other hand, a poor consideration of the sacrament of holy orders and the identity conferred upon the priest could also lead to a kind of neo-clericalism." Part of a priest's identity is "shaped by what he does," but this "is not the sum and total of who he is," said Kiley. The journey of formation holds four major factors in perspective, Kiley told convention participants: "1) There is something unchanging about the priesthood. 2) Formation has four essential facets: intellectual, spiritual, pastoral and human. 3) The context of priestly life and ministry needs to be appreciated. 4) There are certain key moments in a priest's life which offer unique opportunities for growth and development." He explained also that adult learning is affected by the contexts in which learners live, and he looked at 10 factors related to the context in which priests today find themselves - from divisions within the presbyterate to the diminishing number of priests, from multiculturalism in the priesthood itself to the existence of many ministers besides priests. Kiley spoke during a convention workshop. (He was joined in the workshop by Father Stephen Rossetti, whose keynote speech to the convention appears on the preceding pages of this week's Origins. During the workshop, Rossetti addressed key moments in the life of a priest that are opportunities for growth.)

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Date-1999
Origins: 1209-Issue-29:26
Title: Listening to Priests and Supporting Them
Author: Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo

Archbishop Montalvo/U.S. Bishops' Meeting Listening to and Supporting Priests While in the United States "there still are steady numbers of candidates for holy orders," the problem of decreased seminary enrollment "is augmented by the fact that the number of Catholics in this country is increasing as new populations are coming from Asia, Central and South America, and even from some countries in Europe," Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States, said Nov. 15 in an address to the U.S. bishops during their fall meeting in Washington. But, he said, "more important than the number is the quality of priests, as well as the good and sound preparation that is offered to them." Montalvo urged the bishops "to always strive to have a greater understanding of [their] priests, to always be ready to listen to them and to support them." Priests, he said, "must be able to look to their bishops to draw strength." Montalvo also discussed the eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation. "I have the impression that more could be done to encourage the faithful to approach the sacrament of reconciliation with greater frequency and regularity," he said. Finally, speaking of ordination as "a gift and a mystery," Montalvo said that "no individual can claim a 'right' to be ordained a priest."

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Date-1998
Origins:1029-Issue-28:20
Title: Ways of Responding to the Priesthood Shortage
Author: Cardinal Roger Mahony

Ways of Responding to the Priesthood Shortage"Our priests are stretched to the breaking point, and we cannot ask them to do even more to fill in these gaps in their ranks," Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles wrote in an open letter Oct. 16 to the people of the archdiocese on the "very serious shortage of priests that we are experiencing." He said: "I cannot and will not ask our priests to do any more than they are presently doing in their ministry. Most are terribly overworked and trying valiantly to serve impossible pastoral demands day after day. Our solutions must all focus upon methods that mitigate these enormous pastoral demands, not increase them." Mahony said that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has over 4 million Catholics and has 285 active parishes to staff. He quoted "sobering statistics" from the priest personnel board on aging priests, parishes without pastors and the size of upcoming ordination classes. Mahony said he saw ways to meet the shortage, "but ultimately, we need more priests." And he wrote, "We definitely need to have all our people understand this priest shortage and to step forward with your own baptismal gifts to help meet the many spiritual, pastoral, organizational and administrative functions of our parish communities." The laity, he wrote, "must continue to assume and develop their proper roles." Mahony asked that each parish devise a plan for promoting vocations. He suggested this include a day of prayer each month for vocations.

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DATE-1997
Origins 1113-ISSUE-27:22
TITLE: Priesthood in the Church of Tomorrow
AUTHOR: Father Thomas Rausch, SJ

The priest's vocation involves discipleship, but also leadership, Jesuit Father Thomas Rausch said Oct. 30 in an address to the Los Angeles Assembly of Priests in Palm Springs, Calif. "We are to bring Jesus' call to discipleship to others," he said. However, citing contemporary commentators who "have mentioned a certain reluctance of priests to speak of God, or even an abandonment of prayer," he said: "How tragic this is, when those who lead the church in its public prayer have no prayer in their own personal lives." Rausch, professor and chairman of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, reflected in his address on the implications for priests of several trends affecting the church's "institutional culture": the continued rise in the number of parishes without a resident priest; the dramatically increasing number of lay men and women preparing for ministry; and the "incredible" and increasing multiculturalism of parishes. He asked what these "trends or patterns suggest" for priests in four areas of their lives: discipleship and leadership; colleagueship and collaboration; preaching and presiding; and celibacy and community. Rausch commented that "one of the things Pope John Paul II will be most remembered for ... will be his emphasis on evangelization." Applying this to the priest's preaching ministry, Rausch said: "Good 'evangelical' preaching means being able to articulate the religious experience of a community of faith and to call each to be a disciple, not just a member." Hospitality and a "consciousness of the nature of the liturgical assembly" are "two of the most important dimensions" of the priest's role as a presider, he said. Rausch said that rarely has there been "a moment in the life of the church when it had greater need of priests who are both wise and generous." He added: "As church we are in a time of enormous transition, and we don't know what the future will be. But we can and will play an important role, a truly pastoral role, in linking the church we love, the church we have known and served, with the church of tomorrow."

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DATE-1996
Origins: 1121-ISSUE-26:23
TITLE: Expressing Support and Respect for Priests
AUTHOR: Anthony Pilla

Three fears of priests - fears regarding the shortage of priests, the challenge of priestly leadership and priestly life in general - were examined by Bishop Anthony Pilla of Cleveland in his presidential address Nov. 11 opening the U.S. bishops' four-day fall meeting in Washington. "My message to our priests today is one of support, of confidence in them, of respect for them in their ministry and of the love that gathers all together," Pilla said. His address came at the time of observances in Rome of the 50th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's priestly ordination. Bishops should ask themselves about the extent to which they empower priests in their ministry, Pilla observed in discussing the challenge of priestly leadership. He added that "priests, in turn, should ask themselves about the extent to which they truly empower us bishops." He said, "I have heard from some priests that while we bishops call our priests our closest collaborators, they too often feel themselves to be our most taken-for-granted employees." Pilla asked the bishops: "Do we empower our priests in their pastoral ministry or do we burden them, stifling them with myriad programs and directives? Second, do we tell them they are our closest collaborators and then place a level of bureaucracy between them and us?" Priestly celibacy was among points Pilla discussed in the area of priestly life in general. "There is little attempt by the media or others to understand the witness of celibacy, and its special charism often takes second place to a malign pleasure at instances of its violation," Pilla commented. He said that "without minimizing the harm done" by the inappropriate behavior of a few priests, he wanted "to offer some pointed words in response to the condescending and derisive portrayals of priestly celibacy which we often see."

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DATE-1995
Origins: 1026-ISSUE-25:19
TITLE: A Renewed Priesthood in a Renewed Church
AUTHOR: Archbishop Weakland

For a priest, "being pastoral in his preaching and teaching means making an attempt to bring divine revelation to the practical needs of the people so that they can find God in their lives and in their duties and work," Archbishop Rembert Weakland of Milwaukee told the National Conference of Priests of England and Wales meeting in Birmingham, England, Sept. 5. He outlined "the priest's role in five different categories": teacher and preacher; presider; healer; enabler; and leader. But Weakland first turned attention to the mission of the church. "Priests will find their identity only when the whole mission of the church is clearer to them and to the faithful. We also will have vocations only when that vision is clear," he insisted. The archbishop said that "the church is not a club of people who think alike or who are united by a common cause. They are united by life in Jesus Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit." He emphasized that "the inner renewal of the church, as Vatican Council II well understood, has to begin with worship.... The revitalization of the sense of sacraments, of mediated grace, of how God ordinarily works with the human person, would do much also to reinforce the role of the priest." Weakland examined several impediments to a renewal of one's concept of the church, including the fact that religion often is conceived as a private affair between an individual and God. The archbishop discussed the scarcity of priests, which is a major concern "because it could diminish the accessibility of sacraments." Weakland told priests that "rather than languish over seeking out our identity, we should be busy at work strengthening people's faith, helping them to realize God's presence and action in their lives."

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Date-2000
Origins 0413-Issue-29:43
Title: Rediscovering the Priesthood in Light of the Eucharist
Author: Pope John Paul II

John Paul II/Holy Thursday LetterRediscovering the Priesthood in Light of the Eucharist"From this place where Christ spoke the words instituting the eucharist, I invite you, dear priests, to rediscover the 'gift' and the 'mystery' which we have received," Pope John Paul II said in his year-2000 Holy Thursday letter to the world's priests, released by the Vatican March 30. The pope signed the letter March 23 (see Origins, the current volume, pp. 681f in the edition dated April 6, 2000) while visiting Jerusalem's Upper Room, where Christ is thought to have instituted the eucharist the night before his crucifixion. The pope wrote: "Two thousand years after the birth of Christ, in this jubilee year, we especially need to remember and ponder the truth of what we might call his 'eucharistic birth.' The Upper Room is the place of this 'birth.' Here began a new presence of Christ for the world." The pope said to priests that in the Upper Room he found himself "imagining you in all the various parts of the world with your myriad faces, some younger, some more advanced in years, in all the different emotional states which you are experiencing: for many, thank God, joy and enthusiasm, for others perhaps suffering or weariness or discouragement. In all of you I honor the image of Christ which you received at your consecration, the 'character' which marks each of you indelibly." The pope also acknowledged that "in the history of the priesthood, no less than in the history of the whole people of God, the dark presence of sin is also found." However, the pope said, "for all the frailties of their priests ... the people of God have not ceased to put their faith in the power of Christ at work through their ministry." The pope discussed sacrifice as "an essential dimension of the priesthood of Christ and therefore of our own priesthood," and he urged priests during the jubilee year "to contemplate the intimate link between Christ's priesthood and the mystery of his person."

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Date-1999
Origins: 0520-Issue-29:01
Title: Toward a Transformative Model of Religious Life
Author: Father Paul Philibert, OP

Father Philibert, OPToward a Transformative Model of Religious Life"We stand at the edge of an important frontier for the church," Dominican Father Paul Philibert said in an address April 25 in which he analyzed what he termed "a transformative model of religious life." Philibert, director of the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, spoke at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington. Drawing upon categories found in H. Richard Niebuhr's "Christ and Culture," Philibert spoke of "a radical, a cultural and a transformative vision of religious life." The challenge today "is to bring about something new which is neither the resuscitation of pre-Vatican II radicalism nor the revival of the overly accommodating cultural Christianity of the 1970s and '80s," he said. The transformative model as described by Philibert is "a third option." It is "neither restorationism nor revolution, but a witness to the continuing transition that has been called for by the theology and reforms of the council." Philibert said that the tendency of the radical Christian is "to flee a world that denies the Gospel. Separation from a corrupting culture is the only solution for the radical Christian." Culture Christians, on the other hand, see "little gap or division between Gospel and culture." Philibert said, "Whatever the culture produces that is fine, exciting or promising is by its very structure an apt expression of grace." Philibert commented that "many today recognize that the cultural model has run out of steam. For whatever reasons ... cultural Christianity is not replicating itself." In religious life, many decisions expressing the cultural model "had to do with our 'reactive' rejection of extreme authoritarianism. But younger people today have not known those extreme experiences." Philibert said that "if the fundamental conviction of the radical religious was to flee the world and the fundamental conviction of the cultural religious was to embrace the world, then the fundamental conviction of the transformist religious is to redefine the world. This redefinition will be based upon the capacity to be so grounded in the word of God and contemplative prayer that one's generous engagement with the culture will not draw one away from the true resources of religious experience." Philibert examined how the transformative model might relate to various aspects of religious life such as dress and community living, prayer and social vision, and the vows.

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DATE-1997
Origins-ISSUE-27:18
TITLE: Fire in the Belly: From Experience Through Imagination to Passion
AUTHOR: Father Walter Burghardt, SJ

Preaching costs, "takes its toll on mind, on spirit, on flesh. But I know no other way of making contact with the flesh and blood in the pews. Like the prophets of old, like Isaiah and Jesus, I want to feel fiercely," Jesuit Father Walter Burghardt said in an address Sept. 24 in Cincinnati to the third national conference on preaching sponsored by the Catholic Coalition on Preaching. Burghardt is senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center in Washington and director of Preaching the Just Word. Burghardt said that his own homilies "are not primarily head trips, cool, calm, collected analyses of a world in danger of losing its soul. People seem to see that when I pour out statistics on children - one of every four grows up poor in the richest country on earth, the younger you are the poorer you are - I am outraged." Burghardt titled his address "Fire in the Belly: From Experience Through Imagination to Passion." Of his first term, "experience," he explained that the preacher must read, listen, see and participate in the world of the congregation. But to experience, imagination must be added, he said. And he explained, "For the homiletic imagination I have found four realities that ceaselessly kindle my fire: story, symbol, words and film." Finally, passion must be added. But, Burghardt cautioned, "passion is not an emotion a preacher can fake, manufacture at will." He examined the roots of the passion he brings to his preaching - what it is that motivates him, keeps him "on fire, feeling deeply."

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DATE-1997
Origins: -ISSUE-27:01
TITLE: Sense of Church Acquired From 32 Years of Priesthood
AUTHOR: Archbishop Francis George

"I will bring into our conversation about pastoral priorities a vision of a church of parishes with many small communities, each intent on growing in the Lord and reaching out with his truth and justice and love to all who will listen," Archbishop Francis George told archdiocesan and religious-order priests in Chicago during an evening prayer service at Holy Name Cathedral May 6, the night before his installation as Chicago's new archbishop. "A church can flourish with large parishes, I believe, if each of these eucharistic communities is composed of many small faith communities where a personal relationship to Jesus Christ is sustained by prayer and strengthened by love so that their members can reach out and introduce others to Jesus." In remarks that George called a self-portrait, he described himself as "an inquisitive man." He said, "The cost of not asking questions is to live in ignorance and possibly to mess up many people's lives." George said also that he has friends "who are more conservative than I," friends "at the other end of the spectrum," friends who are Orthodox, Protestants, Jews and Muslims, as well as friends who are agnostics and atheists. "I have Catholic friends with whom I basically agree theologically and others with whom I have very serious disagreements. Some of my friends can tell you I enjoy disagreement, at least I am not afraid of it," George said. The archbishop thinks that today in the church "we are stuck in an endless argument between devotion and liturgy or in a constant dispute between charity and justice." He asked, "Where do I wish we were?" and he responded: "In a church filled with devotions of all sorts and active in its liturgical participation; in a church able to give in charity and desirous also to work for justice. In short, in an evangelizing church that reaches out to transform our society into a civilization of love."

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