Catholic Exchange - Today

Singing My Way Toward the Priesthood

Neven Pesa — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

I'm a son of Croatian immigrants who first emigrated to Italy and subsequently to America in the 70's. Within two years of their marriage, my brother and I were both born. My mother lovingly tells me that God willed very much that I come into this world because I came as a "happy surprise" to both my parents, having been conceived only 4 months after my older brother had been born.

Inheritance

Doreen Truesdell — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The time has finally come, after more than 40 years, for my parents to leave their home. Age, frailty, practicality and a host of other reasons have converged to bring the day we have all been dreading-emptying our family home and moving on.

All in the Family: Responding to the USCCB Call to Prevent Child Abuse

Heidi Hess Saxton — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

When the USCCB announced that April is to be Child Abuse Prevention Month, cries of "hypocrisy" arose from various quarters. Despite generous financial settlements and other efforts on the part of the bishops to make amends for their brother bishops and priests at the vortex of the scandal, emotions and tempers continue to flare among disgruntled Catholics -- even those not personally affected by the scandals.

Trying to Fly with One Wing, Part 18: The Truth Seeking Principle -- At All Costs

Stan Williams — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

During a recent televised presidential debate the journalist moderating the event asked candidate Fred Thompson to explain his solution for a particular vexing problem in the country and reminded Mr. Thompson that he had but two minutes to answer. Thompson flatly refused to answer the question, and derided the moderator for suggesting that the problem, which had a long history, could somehow be solved, let alone explained, in two minutes.

Is John the Author of His Gospel?

Mark Shea — Wed, 9 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

A common notion floating around in Pop Culture is that "modern scholarship" has somehow proven the Gospel of John is more or less unhistorical fantasy written by a pseudonymous author.

Leading… from Behind

Randy Hain — Tue, 8 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Is there not an inherent contradiction in the idea of being both a leader and a follower? How can you possibly be in charge, responsible for other people, held accountable for hitting company numbers, and fill the traditional role of "leader" in business today if you are acting like a follower? The answer is surprisingly simple, but please read on.

Catholic Schools: The Need for Communion

Greg Fazzari — Mon, 7 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Good food and good company -- it doesn't get any better than that. Growing up in an Italian family, the holy-days were always celebrated by traditional meals shared with the greater family. It was good food and good company -- communion.

How Obama Got All Tied Up in Moral Knots

Mary Kochan — Sat, 5 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

"I've got two daughters. Nine-years-old and six-years-old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby. I don't want them punished with an STD at the age of sixteen" -- Barack Obama, comments at a Pennsylvania town hall meeting on March 29^th.

My Survivor's Guide

Patti Maguire Armstrong — Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

As the mother of ten children, I found the perfect book to help me survive life's rough spots: the Bible. Some of you are nodding: "Of course, it is God's word!" Others have just glazed over: "Yeah, yeah, I've heard that before, but it does not really do anything for me." But whichever group you belong to, the next time you read the Bible, I encourage you to jump right in. The people of the Bible were flesh and blood people, just like you and me. Even Adam and Eve, although they were created in a unique, one of a kind way, were still were just human beings like us.

A Vocation for Ryan?

Mary Ellen Barrett — Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Since he was old enough to articulate it, Ryan has wanted to be a priest. He has played Mass in the most reverent way possible since he was six years old. For a long time he had, permanently, set up an altar on my coffee table using pieces from his sister's tea set, a stack of white handkerchiefs from his father's drawer and my crocheted table runner.