During the second half of the 20th century, we experienced many positive changes in our society in the United States, including greater respect for minorities and the expansion of opportunities for women, along with advances in technology, communications, and medical care.
Category: Editorial
Can’t have one without the other: Faith and good works are both essential
Over the years, Christians have had discussions — sometimes very heated arguments — about the primacy of faith or good works.
For Catholics, it’s really not one or the other that takes precedence. It’s both. In fact, according to Scripture and Church teaching, you can’t have one without the other.
As we begin the season of Lent, it seems an appropriate time to reflect on the connection between faith and good works. Traditionally Lent is a time when prayer, fasting, and almsgiving take centerstage.
Love of Christ shines through him: Cardinal Dolan offers us insights into why he smiles so much
When I think of Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, I picture him smiling. Of course, Cardinal Dolan can be as serious as any priest, bishop, or cardinal can be, but it’s his smile that most people remember.
Why does he smile so much? Obviously he is a happy person and he loves people. But there’s more to it than that.
My encounters with the new cardinal date back to his time in Milwaukee. I met him soon after he started his ministry as archbishop there at a meeting of the staffs of the three Catholic Herald diocesan newspapers. I noticed right away that the new archbishop’s smile lit up the room.
Sidewalk counselors save lives: Retired firefighter keeps up efforts despite health
We all know that firefighters save lives by battling fires in our homes, offices, schools, and even our churches.
There is one retired firefighter in Wisconsin, however, who is saving lives on the streets. He is not putting out fires. Instead, he is a sidewalk counselor in Milwaukee, saving lives outside of an abortion clinic.
Advice to Komen: There are better ways to find a cure
In the past week we have heard the news that Susan G. Komen for the Cure was withdrawing future grant funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its affiliates. Then after protests from PPFA supporters, Komen reversed its decision and said PPFA would remain eligible for grant funding.
On its Web site, Susan G. Komen for the Cure says it has “become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.” This is a worthy endeavor. We do want our society to work for early detection, better treatment, and hopefully a cure for breast cancer.
Serving the truth with courage: Diocesan newspapers play more important role than ever
Diocesan newspapers represent “significant places of encounter and attentive discernment for lay faithful involved in the social and political arena so that they can dialogue and find convergences and objectives for joint action in the service of the Gospel for the common good.”
Impact of Catholic schools felt by Miss America and many other faith-filled graduates
It was so nice to hear the new Miss America talking about the impact of her Catholic school education on her life and the development of her faith.
“My Catholic education has been so important in reach my goals. It gave me my foundation for my faith,” Laura Kaeppeler said in an interview with the Milwaukee Catholic Herald. “I praise God in how he’s rewarded me.”
Making a life-changing detour: Women’s Care Center offers pregnant women a chance to choose life
On January 23, 1973, the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion in the landmark Roe vs. Wade decision.
As we mark the 39th anniversary of that sad decision, many people have been praying and working to give all babies a chance to live. We know that we have to change minds and especially hearts on this issue.
It’s Vocation Awareness Week: Pray! Invite! Encourage! Affirm! Vocations
Every year since 1976, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) as a special time when we pray for the renewal and strengthening of all vocations within the Church.
This includes the vocations of married and single people; men serving as priests, deacons, and Brothers; and women serving as religious Sisters.
Faith and public life: Religion should not be relegated only to the private sphere
During the holiday season, we were subjected again to “Christmas wars” about public displays of Nativity scenes and controversies over calling a Christmas tree by its real name.
These squabbles are really part of a deeper effort to relegate religious practice to the private sphere. There are those who say, “It’s okay for you to practice your faith, but do it behind closed doors.”