The big scandals that rock the Catholic Church do not happen overnight. The dramatic infidelities of priests that attract major media attention occur after years of smaller infidelities. Sooner or later a priestly vocation comes crashing down only to cause a…

The resurrection of Jesus is a reality beyond doubt.  The liturgical season of Easter fills us with immense joy and profound hope.  However, each time we contemplate the gospel passages detailing the resurrection of Jesus we are faced with a…

“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

We are creatures, created by God. We are sinners, limited human beings, in constant need of redemption. As Pope Benedict put it: “We are limited creatures, sinners in constant need of…

Every car or truck carries in the glove compartment a maintenance schedule. Having your oil changed, your tires rotated and balanced, and the rest of the engine checked keeps your vehicle in excellent shape.

This Wednesday, we begin one of the most…

Most people in our country are well educated. It is common for people not only to have a high school diploma, but also a college degree. Many people continue their educations and get masters degrees and some even get doctorates.

Most people in our country have good…

All of us are familiar with the character of Ebenezer Scrooge depicted in Charles Dickens’ famous novel, A Christmas Carol, or we have come to know of him through movies and television specials aired during the Christmas season. Ebenezer Scrooge…

Richard lived a very normal, happy life in his quiet, rural New Hampshire home. His parents were very devout Catholics and were wonderful parents.

When Richard was nine years old, his ordinary life changed forever. Richard was diagnosed with polio. The…

As I explained in part one, when the sacrament of holy matrimony is consummated, the husband and wife need to be open to the possibility of having a child.  I also mentioned that because we live in a culture that…

You may be surprised to learn that prior to 1930 every Christian denomination agreed in their opposition to artificial birth control. In 1930, the Anglican Church, motivated by increasing social pressures, stated that artificial birth control could be allowed in…

In the silence of our hearts, filled with faith, we experience the presence of God.  We contemplate Him in the beauty of the sunrise, the power of the wind, the majesty of the ocean, the voice of the Scriptures, the…