Columns
Aging as a natural monastery
What is a monastery? How do monasteries work? St. Benedict (480-547 AD), who is considered the founder of Western monasticism, offered this counsel as an essential rule for his monks: Stay in your cell and it will teach all you need to know.
Let Lent be Lent
Two items came across my radar screen this week, as we commence the holy season of Lent.
The church needs mental health ministries
Since the suicide of his 29-year-old daughter Katie, who had bipolar disorder, Dcn. Ed Shoener has made it his mission to reduce the stigma and misconceptions around mental illness in church circles and to guide parishes in creating their own mental health ministries. Dcn. Ed joined me recently on “Christopher Closeup” to share his story.
Christian values and Catholic media
Last month, Hospital Sisters Health System announced the impending closure of two Catholic hospitals – St. Joseph in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart in Eau Claire – along with 19 clinics serving western Wisconsin’s rural towns.
The seed planted in St. Paul’s heart
On Jan. 25 is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, when we commemorate a monumental event in the life of the early Christian church.
The Catholic Way: Lessons from an imperial family
Catholics have long held that all genuine authority derives from God. Any public official, whether elected or hereditary, carries [...]
Joseph and the Christmas story
There are countless persons, basilicas, churches, shrines, seminaries, convents, towns and cities named after St. Joseph. My native country, Canada, has him as its patron.
Praying for a JOYous Christmas
The lack of snow on the ground has made it challenging for my family to feel that pure and fluffy holiday spirit this Advent. It’s been a bit easier for me as I can recall Decembers I lived in both Ireland and Mexico, neither of which have snow in the winter with any regularity.
Statement on Pastoral Blessings
Bishop James P. Powers’ Statement on Pastoral Blessings