LIVING THE CATHOLIC FAITH IN THE 3RD MILLENIUM
A LAYMAN'S LOOK AT THE JOURNEY OF FAITH
Church as Community
A UNIFORM CHURCH IS NO CHURCH
The Pope in Santa Marta: we must purify her, starting from ourselves; 'each of us builds according to the gift that God has given'
The Pope in Santa Marta: we must purify her, starting from ourselves; 'each of us builds according to the gift that God has given'
'AMERICA' ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
In light of the continuing debate around religious liberty and the rights of religious organizations, America magazine presents a collection of articles that have discussed, defended and articulated these issues over the past 70 years.
In light of the continuing debate around religious liberty and the rights of religious organizations, America magazine presents a collection of articles that have discussed, defended and articulated these issues over the past 70 years.
SPIRITUAL ASSAULT
Catholics are looking for a church grounded in Scripture and animated by mutual respect and cooperation, one in which baptism, not ordination, has preeminence.
Catholics are looking for a church grounded in Scripture and animated by mutual respect and cooperation, one in which baptism, not ordination, has preeminence.
A MODEL FOR COMMITTED LAY LIFE DEDICATED TO PRAYER, PEACE, AND JUSTICE
Lawyer Karen Gargamelli fulfilled her lifelong dream by forming a community of lay Catholics.
Lawyer Karen Gargamelli fulfilled her lifelong dream by forming a community of lay Catholics.
A PARISH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST - NOT A STARBUCKS FRANCHISE
Simply Spirit: Too many bishops have adopted a corporate mentality that views parish communities as so many commercial franchises to be managed, rather than the living body of Christ.
Simply Spirit: Too many bishops have adopted a corporate mentality that views parish communities as so many commercial franchises to be managed, rather than the living body of Christ.
A PASTORAL VISION
From the moment the Second Vatican Council opened, it has consistently been described as a pastoral council, sometimes so insistently and unthinkingly that the expression has become a cliché.
From the moment the Second Vatican Council opened, it has consistently been described as a pastoral council, sometimes so insistently and unthinkingly that the expression has become a cliché.
A QUESTION OF CONSCIENCE
Many U.S. Catholics find themselves stranded between those two worlds, especially when individual conscience comes into conflict with clear, if disputed, church teaching.
Many U.S. Catholics find themselves stranded between those two worlds, especially when individual conscience comes into conflict with clear, if disputed, church teaching.
A SACRED CALLING
Pope Francis has called us all not just to dialogue but to a better appreciation of our true relationship to one another. In an important way, this is a recovery of what is noble about politics.
Pope Francis has called us all not just to dialogue but to a better appreciation of our true relationship to one another. In an important way, this is a recovery of what is noble about politics.
A THING CALLED HOPE
Moving through a new year, we need to remember the good that is being done, the challenges met. We humans are far from perfect but we ain't all bad either.
Moving through a new year, we need to remember the good that is being done, the challenges met. We humans are far from perfect but we ain't all bad either.
ABIDING THE LONG DEFEAT WITH J.R.R. TOLKIEN
Faithfulness In A Disenchanted Age: The only thing that may remain within our power is our own faithfulness.
Faithfulness In A Disenchanted Age: The only thing that may remain within our power is our own faithfulness.
AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY IS CHANGING FAST
The five key stories which evoke questions that religion-watches will be asking for years to come.
The five key stories which evoke questions that religion-watches will be asking for years to come.
AN INVITATION TO LEISURE
Leisure is not an absence of work, but a disposition of the soul to “perceptive understanding, of contemplative beholding, and immersion in the real.
Leisure is not an absence of work, but a disposition of the soul to “perceptive understanding, of contemplative beholding, and immersion in the real.
ANNULMENT DECISION DIDN'T DROP OUT OF THE SKY
This did not drop out of the sky. And it was not a unilateral, benevolently despotic act of the church’s supreme lawgiver. Bishops and priests from almost every part of the world have been calling for such a reform for a number of years.
This did not drop out of the sky. And it was not a unilateral, benevolently despotic act of the church’s supreme lawgiver. Bishops and priests from almost every part of the world have been calling for such a reform for a number of years.
AS PEWS EMPTY, REPORT REVEALS MORE ABOUT 'SPIRITUAL,' 'RELIGIOUS'
The hunt is on for why pews are emptying. Have assumed convictions lost their grip, or were they ever there at all?
The hunt is on for why pews are emptying. Have assumed convictions lost their grip, or were they ever there at all?
BEING A COMPANION THROUGH THE MYSTERY OF SUFFERING
Being present for people who are suffering doesn't necessarily take any deep experience; it simply requires saying ‘yes' when the need presents itself.
Being present for people who are suffering doesn't necessarily take any deep experience; it simply requires saying ‘yes' when the need presents itself.
BLACK LIVES, WHITE CATHOLICS
Consulting and collaborating with historians, political scientists, sociologists, psychologists, and theologians can help reveal the scope and tenacity of racism.
Consulting and collaborating with historians, political scientists, sociologists, psychologists, and theologians can help reveal the scope and tenacity of racism.
BUILT OF LIVING STONES; 5 BLACK CATHOLICS TO REMEMBER
Although the history of American Catholics is intertwined with the history of people of color, black Catholics have often been forgotten in the American church.
Although the history of American Catholics is intertwined with the history of people of color, black Catholics have often been forgotten in the American church.
CAN CATHOLICS DISAGREE ONLY WHEN THEY AGREE WITH THE CHURCH?
Is the new document from the International Theological Commission an explosion in St. Peter's Square that is described as church renewal?
Is the new document from the International Theological Commission an explosion in St. Peter's Square that is described as church renewal?
CAN THE CHURCH CHANGE ITS FOCUS FROM RULES TO PEOPLE?
Francis seems to recognize that the church is not an island but lives and operates in a larger world and a larger context.
Francis seems to recognize that the church is not an island but lives and operates in a larger world and a larger context.
CAN WHAT HAPPENED IN DELPHI HAPPEN IN ROME?
The church is relevant so long as the teaching of Jesus is relevant. As the Letter to the Hebrews says, “Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Institutions come and go, but the Gospel goes on, speaking to the human heart.
The church is relevant so long as the teaching of Jesus is relevant. As the Letter to the Hebrews says, “Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Institutions come and go, but the Gospel goes on, speaking to the human heart.
CATECHESIS AS A WAY OF LIFE
Robert B. Williams, practicing psychologist with an interest in catechesis and spiritual care, discusses invaluable developmental tasks for the family church.
Robert B. Williams, practicing psychologist with an interest in catechesis and spiritual care, discusses invaluable developmental tasks for the family church.
CATHOLIC CHURCH LIKE A PLANE WITH METAL FATIGUE
The overriding problem with the Church was that it operated as an empire, in an age when that model of governance was long since outdated.
The overriding problem with the Church was that it operated as an empire, in an age when that model of governance was long since outdated.
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY DOESN'T LOOK THE SAME FOR EVERYONE
Seeking and sustaining community is no easy feat, but its value is something we know in our very souls.
Seeking and sustaining community is no easy feat, but its value is something we know in our very souls.
CATHOLIC CYBER-MILITIAS AND THE NEW CENSORSHIP
The small groups that are behind the campaign have grown over the last few years. They make up a Catholic cyber-militia that include 'news' organizations like 'Church Militant' and bloggers such as Fr John Zuhlsdorf, This sort of vitriol is profoundly changing the communion of the Catholic Church. And not just in its ethos, but also in the way it functions.
The small groups that are behind the campaign have grown over the last few years. They make up a Catholic cyber-militia that include 'news' organizations like 'Church Militant' and bloggers such as Fr John Zuhlsdorf, This sort of vitriol is profoundly changing the communion of the Catholic Church. And not just in its ethos, but also in the way it functions.
CATHOLICS WHO JUDGE
Pope Francis has strongly criticized Catholics who brag that they are perfect followers of the church's teachings but then criticize or speak ill of others in their faith communities...
Pope Francis has strongly criticized Catholics who brag that they are perfect followers of the church's teachings but then criticize or speak ill of others in their faith communities...
CHURCH URGED TO 'FEED THE SHEEP WHERE THEY ARE' - ON THE INTERNET
The digital world is the richest, and limitless territory for evangelization ever devised, but Catholic communicators must be professional, creative and empathetic to realize its full potential.
The digital world is the richest, and limitless territory for evangelization ever devised, but Catholic communicators must be professional, creative and empathetic to realize its full potential.
DON'T BLAME FRANCIS FOR CHURCH'S DIVISIONS
Pope Francis isn’t trying to drive conservative Catholics out of the church. But he has decisively put a stop to their efforts to eject everyone else.
Pope Francis isn’t trying to drive conservative Catholics out of the church. But he has decisively put a stop to their efforts to eject everyone else.
DON'T PUT PRIESTS ON A PEDESTAL
Finally there appears an issue that our divided church can agree on. Catholics of all stripes—conservatives and liberals and in-betweens—are declaring a pox on clericalism.
Finally there appears an issue that our divided church can agree on. Catholics of all stripes—conservatives and liberals and in-betweens—are declaring a pox on clericalism.
EMBRACING LIFE'S SECOND ACT - GETTING OLDER WITH GRACE
Aging gracefully requires the courage to face our burdens, to accept our blessings, and to recreate our lives in new ways.
Aging gracefully requires the courage to face our burdens, to accept our blessings, and to recreate our lives in new ways.
ENGAGING CATHOLICS
A series of web interviews with American writers, priests, politicians, thinkers and other public figures represents a dialogue between Catholicism and various aspects of secular culture.
A series of web interviews with American writers, priests, politicians, thinkers and other public figures represents a dialogue between Catholicism and various aspects of secular culture.
ENOUGH PROSELYTISM, IT'S TIME FOR 'SILENCE'
The 'antiquated' concept of mission, or 'making proselytes and procuring converts to the Church,' must be replaced with 'dialogue.'
The 'antiquated' concept of mission, or 'making proselytes and procuring converts to the Church,' must be replaced with 'dialogue.'
FAITH TO FAITH AND FACE TO FACE
It is time for a change. And healthy religious people have a serious responsibility to be alert and to accept the challenge to critique and halt religious violence.
It is time for a change. And healthy religious people have a serious responsibility to be alert and to accept the challenge to critique and halt religious violence.
FINDING MERCY AT THE TABLE
What is the special contribution of the once-broken, the imperfect, to a Christian community coming together to witness to God’s forgiving love?
What is the special contribution of the once-broken, the imperfect, to a Christian community coming together to witness to God’s forgiving love?
FLYING SOLO: LIFE AS A SINGLE CATHOLIC
Being single doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you—it just means you’ve chosen a different path.
Being single doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you—it just means you’ve chosen a different path.
GOOD PASTORS ALWAYS LOOK, HAVE COMPASSION, TEACH
A good pastor always sees what people are going through, feels compassion and then nourishes them with God's Word.
A good pastor always sees what people are going through, feels compassion and then nourishes them with God's Word.
GRACE UNDER PRESSURE
All special needs have the potential to be vehicles for God’s grace, bringing families to new places of love and acceptance.
All special needs have the potential to be vehicles for God’s grace, bringing families to new places of love and acceptance.
GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS
The church is not meant to be uniform, smooth, or uncomplicated—its many different faces, its unruly irregularity, is not a liability or a problem to be resolved, but instead its most precious asset.
The church is not meant to be uniform, smooth, or uncomplicated—its many different faces, its unruly irregularity, is not a liability or a problem to be resolved, but instead its most precious asset.
HAS CATHOLIC INFIGHTING GOTTEN WORSE?
Inside the Vatican Podcast: A discussion about the history of resistance to papal initiatives in the last 30 years. Is the current climate different from what happened during recent pontificates?
Inside the Vatican Podcast: A discussion about the history of resistance to papal initiatives in the last 30 years. Is the current climate different from what happened during recent pontificates?
HOW CATHOLIC ARE U.S. CATHOLICS?
More than 81 million U.S. adults identify themselves as Catholic. But how they live that identity — how they connect to the church beyond celebrating the popular Pope Francis — adds up very differently.
More than 81 million U.S. adults identify themselves as Catholic. But how they live that identity — how they connect to the church beyond celebrating the popular Pope Francis — adds up very differently.
HOW THE CATHOLIC WORLD IS CHANGING
Since Vatican II, Catholicism has experienced a dramatic shift in allegiance by region. Here is a global look at the demographics of the faith since 1965.
Since Vatican II, Catholicism has experienced a dramatic shift in allegiance by region. Here is a global look at the demographics of the faith since 1965.
HOW THE LOCAL MOVEMENT IS REVITALIZING CHURCH
Thousands of Christians are reclaiming the ancient idea of the “parish” and weaving together a shared life in the place they call home.
Thousands of Christians are reclaiming the ancient idea of the “parish” and weaving together a shared life in the place they call home.
HOW TO WORK TOWARD INTERFAITH UNDERSTANDING
You know you’re in for an interesting conversation when a lifelong Catholic says that getting to know and love Islam helped her develop a deep knowledge and love for her own Catholic faith.
You know you’re in for an interesting conversation when a lifelong Catholic says that getting to know and love Islam helped her develop a deep knowledge and love for her own Catholic faith.
IT IS TIME TO FIX OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CULTURE
When choosing to believe is more and more a revolutionary act, religious education must do much more than hand on the basic tenets of the faith.
When choosing to believe is more and more a revolutionary act, religious education must do much more than hand on the basic tenets of the faith.
IT'S A BRAVE NEW WORLD - EMBRACE IT
Embracing newness as a mandate for spiritual growth isn’t a Pauline principle alone. Instead of being shaken to your core by the new and unknown, see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Embracing newness as a mandate for spiritual growth isn’t a Pauline principle alone. Instead of being shaken to your core by the new and unknown, see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth.
IT'S TIME FOR CHRISTIANITY TO RE-EMPHASIZE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY
To the surprise of some of its adherents, Christianity does not teach that each of us has an immortal soul. That, instead, is an old Greek idea, one that from time to time has weaseled its way into Christian thinking.
To the surprise of some of its adherents, Christianity does not teach that each of us has an immortal soul. That, instead, is an old Greek idea, one that from time to time has weaseled its way into Christian thinking.
JESUS IS THE QUESTION, NOT THE ANSWER
Knowing the ‘Catholic answer’ does little good if we’re not asking the right questions. If we aren’t careful to ask the right questions, no matter which answers we arrive at, they are sure to be woefully inadequate.
Knowing the ‘Catholic answer’ does little good if we’re not asking the right questions. If we aren’t careful to ask the right questions, no matter which answers we arrive at, they are sure to be woefully inadequate.
JESUS LOVED IMPERFECT PEOPLE
Each of us must discover the directions in which we will find our holiness. This is the goal of a lifelong education, not merely to make a living but to find out what living is for.
Each of us must discover the directions in which we will find our holiness. This is the goal of a lifelong education, not merely to make a living but to find out what living is for.
LAYPEOPLE ARE CREATING A BLUEPRINT FOR THE CHURCH'S SUCCESS
While the Catholic Church may not be your average business, good management of people, programs, and resources is essential for achieving its mission of spreading the Gospel.
While the Catholic Church may not be your average business, good management of people, programs, and resources is essential for achieving its mission of spreading the Gospel.
LET'S ALL AGREE TO 'LIVE IN TENSION'
Pope Francis to the Vatican diplomatic corps: 'abandon the familiar rhetoric and start from the essential consideration that we are dealing, above all, with persons.'
Pope Francis to the Vatican diplomatic corps: 'abandon the familiar rhetoric and start from the essential consideration that we are dealing, above all, with persons.'
MAKE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH GREAT AGAIN? THERE'S NO GOING BACK
There has never been a 'great' time, a 'golden age,' a context in which the church was actually a 'perfect society' or anything apart from what it always has been and remains: a pilgrim community of the baptized.
There has never been a 'great' time, a 'golden age,' a context in which the church was actually a 'perfect society' or anything apart from what it always has been and remains: a pilgrim community of the baptized.
NONES; - A MIXED BAG
If people come back to church because of Francis but find a communities and clergy that are judgmental rather than compassionate, all about rules rather than love, they will head for the exit and never return.
If people come back to church because of Francis but find a communities and clergy that are judgmental rather than compassionate, all about rules rather than love, they will head for the exit and never return.
OUR CHILDREN MIGHT RETURN TO THE CHURCH, BUT OUR GRANDCHILDREN MOST LIKELY WON’T
It is no surprise that the children of the Church are growing up and growing out of Church. What is surprising is that they are not returning.
It is no surprise that the children of the Church are growing up and growing out of Church. What is surprising is that they are not returning.
STARVING IN THE PEWS
The good news about preaching the good news is that you don’t have to be a brilliant scholar or captivating orator to do it.
The good news about preaching the good news is that you don’t have to be a brilliant scholar or captivating orator to do it.
THE CALL OF THE BAPTIZED; LIVING THE MISSION
Dr. Paul Lakeland on the challenges facing the church which seem attainable precisely because they dovetail so well with Pope Francis’s ideas on Church reform.
Dr. Paul Lakeland on the challenges facing the church which seem attainable precisely because they dovetail so well with Pope Francis’s ideas on Church reform.
THE CHURCH INSIDE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
If an institution such as the Catholic Church were to say that women are fully equal, fully capable of leading, fully capable of empowerment, think of what kind of message that would send to patriarchal societies all over the world.
If an institution such as the Catholic Church were to say that women are fully equal, fully capable of leading, fully capable of empowerment, think of what kind of message that would send to patriarchal societies all over the world.
THE CHURCH ISN'T STATIC - SHE'S A PILGRIM ON A JOURNEY
Pope Francis in his weekly general audience said that the Church on earth is on a pilgrimage to heaven guided by the Lord, who will lead us to the fullness of joy and truth at the end of time.
Pope Francis in his weekly general audience said that the Church on earth is on a pilgrimage to heaven guided by the Lord, who will lead us to the fullness of joy and truth at the end of time.
THE CHURCH MAY BE MORE RESILIENT THAN WE THINK
Our church and our civic institutions are in trouble today. They need us. To repair our church and civic organizations, we need to recall why they are important.
Our church and our civic institutions are in trouble today. They need us. To repair our church and civic organizations, we need to recall why they are important.
THE CHURCH'S FUTURE DEPENDS ON MISSION, NOT MAINTENANCE
Chicago Archbishop Blaise Cupich knows the church is changing and says that Catholics should discern faithfully how to move forward together.
Chicago Archbishop Blaise Cupich knows the church is changing and says that Catholics should discern faithfully how to move forward together.
THE ERA OF THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL IS OVER. MEET THE CATHOLIC EDUCATORS SEARCHING FOR WHAT’S NEXT
How much power should be given to the laity and how much retained by the hierarchy? Today Catholic schools are shifting some of that authority from pastors and principals to other sources.
How much power should be given to the laity and how much retained by the hierarchy? Today Catholic schools are shifting some of that authority from pastors and principals to other sources.
THE EXODUS HITS HOME
Is our Catholic parish structure inadequate for supporting the needs of adult Christians? How many more departures will have to happen before our faith community and its leaders take this exodus more seriously.
Is our Catholic parish structure inadequate for supporting the needs of adult Christians? How many more departures will have to happen before our faith community and its leaders take this exodus more seriously.
THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE OF PARISH LIFE
We need a new, creative, more imaginative approach to serving the pastoral needs of the people of God than the parochial principle inherited from the village and agrarian societies of the past.
We need a new, creative, more imaginative approach to serving the pastoral needs of the people of God than the parochial principle inherited from the village and agrarian societies of the past.
WE HAVE NO SHORTAGE OF VOCATIONS. WHAT WE HAVE IS A SHORTAGE OF VISION
It's hard to fathom how church leaders can in good conscience avoid opening ordination, especially in light of so many parish closings.
It's hard to fathom how church leaders can in good conscience avoid opening ordination, especially in light of so many parish closings.
WHO REPRESENTS THE LAITY?
The problem is not that these new lay members are particularly liberal or conservative; the problem is that the ecclesial movements they represent are hardly representative of the Catholic laity overall.
The problem is not that these new lay members are particularly liberal or conservative; the problem is that the ecclesial movements they represent are hardly representative of the Catholic laity overall.
JESUS' THIRD WAY IS WHAT I TRY TO PRACTICE
We are made to be connected to one another. When we forget that, we destroy a part of ourselves. 'As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.'
We are made to be connected to one another. When we forget that, we destroy a part of ourselves. 'As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.'
THIS YEAR’S LENT COULD BE JUST WHAT STRUGGLING CHURCH NEEDS
This set-aside time for prayer and reflection - after all the Church has been through in recent months - could provide both a healing balm and a needed boost forward.
This set-aside time for prayer and reflection - after all the Church has been through in recent months - could provide both a healing balm and a needed boost forward.
HAS OUR FAITH GONE LUKEWARM?
Lukewarm Christianity will not be enough anymore, whether among our leaders or ourselves in the pews. To repair our broken church (which remains the best hope for our broken world), we must really live our baptismal calling every day.
Lukewarm Christianity will not be enough anymore, whether among our leaders or ourselves in the pews. To repair our broken church (which remains the best hope for our broken world), we must really live our baptismal calling every day.
YOUR THOUGHTS ON LEAVING THE CHURCH, PART TWO
Responses to Melinda Henneberger's "Why I left the church, and what I'm hearing about it" from NCR readers.
Responses to Melinda Henneberger's "Why I left the church, and what I'm hearing about it" from NCR readers.
IN DIVISIVE TIMES, CHESTERTON INSPIRES UNITY
At a time when Catholics seem to be split between conservative or progressive factions, the life and works of English writer G. K. Chesterton can inspire men and women in the church to rise above conflict.
At a time when Catholics seem to be split between conservative or progressive factions, the life and works of English writer G. K. Chesterton can inspire men and women in the church to rise above conflict.
REMEDIES FOR AMERICAN CATHOLIC POLARIZATION
Those hoping for a quick fix to the problem of Catholic polarization are sadly out of luck.
Those hoping for a quick fix to the problem of Catholic polarization are sadly out of luck.
THE BEATITUDES IN THE AGE OF ME FIRST
We may not have the temperament to be on the frontlines of change but we can change the way we see ourselves, our neighbor and the world and choose resurrection now.
We may not have the temperament to be on the frontlines of change but we can change the way we see ourselves, our neighbor and the world and choose resurrection now.
WE IN THE PEWS MUST NO LONGER SIMPLY PRAY & PAY
Disappointed and angered once again by the Catholic Church, we lay people must act to protect our faith.
Disappointed and angered once again by the Catholic Church, we lay people must act to protect our faith.
WHAT CHRIST IN THE EUCHARIST TEACHES US ABOUT TIME AND ETERNITY
In the Eucharist, the risen Christ breaks into time, into our midst, and there he gathers the fragments of our failures and our frustrations into his arms, transforming them...
In the Eucharist, the risen Christ breaks into time, into our midst, and there he gathers the fragments of our failures and our frustrations into his arms, transforming them...
ROME CONFERENCE PONDERS THE RISE OF ‘EVERYDAY’ LAY SAINTS
A new emphasis on holiness as something attainable and which should be pursued by all members of the Church, not just priests and consecrated people.
A new emphasis on holiness as something attainable and which should be pursued by all members of the Church, not just priests and consecrated people.
BECOMING CATHOLIC IN THE AGE OF SCANDAL
At Easter, thousands of people converted to Catholicism even as sex abuse allegations have rocked the church.
At Easter, thousands of people converted to Catholicism even as sex abuse allegations have rocked the church.
‘THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT: I’M CONVINCED OF THAT’
What is the experience of being a priest today, serving in an ordinary parish, in a Church that is struggling to maintain its credibility?
What is the experience of being a priest today, serving in an ordinary parish, in a Church that is struggling to maintain its credibility?
THOUGH COMPLICIT IN EVIL, THE CHURCH IS WHERE HOPE BEGINS
We can no longer afford to be so naive about the church.
We can no longer afford to be so naive about the church.
IS GOD BECOMING NON-PARTISAN?
Questions about what Christianity really means? What the Bible actually says? And what parts of the Gospel are most relevant today?
Questions about what Christianity really means? What the Bible actually says? And what parts of the Gospel are most relevant today?
CONNECTIONS
