Columnists
Called ‘Father’
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Called ‘Father’
Do you remember the first time someone called you “Father”? How did that make you feel? That moment, no doubt, occurred on ordination day. Perhaps it was not as riveting, given all that happened on that day, as well as the following day with the first Mass of Thanksgiving. But in the days after, especially Read More
Faithful Friends
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on Faithful Friends
An elderly man at the parish recently gave me a great anecdote about friendship. He said that a group of his high school friends had decided to meet for lunch in the city. He pulled into a parking garage but received no ticket. Even though he found that odd, he went off to lunch and Read More
Favorite Prayers or Scripture Passages
Father Patrick M. Carrion Comments Off on Favorite Prayers or Scripture Passages
Having favorite prayers and Scripture passages is common. These can be the prayers that, when they come around every four weeks in the Psalter, brighten the day. Or maybe it is that favorite Eucharistic prayer whose tab you pull even when it is not the best fit for the readings, but it is what is Read More
Perpetual Springtime
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Perpetual Springtime
In the portion of the Lord’s vineyard in which I live, otherwise known as northeastern Ohio, there is great excitement about the onset of spring. The sight of robins, the softening of the ground, the sound and smell of April showers, along with warmer temperatures and increasing daylight, collectively signal the possibility of growth. Indeed, Read More
Becoming Vulnerable
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on Becoming Vulnerable
Last Lent, I had lunch with an elderly Holy Cross religious. He told me he spent 40 years overseas. His eyes gleamed as he shared his experiences with people who showed him the beauty of lived faith, people with whom he worked formed his heart. He became so energized, offering me a glimpse of the Read More
Modeling the Easter Jesus
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Modeling the Easter Jesus
One of my favorite theological professors was the Australian Jesuit Father Gerald O’Collins. For many years Father O’Collins taught fundamental theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. As a theologian, he authored many books, including “The Easter Jesus” (Longman & Todd). Every Easter I am reminded of this book, the title of which serves Read More
Focus on What Is Essential
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Focus on What Is Essential
I remember having a trying day many years ago when I worked in the chancery in a leadership position. I shared my frustrations with a seasoned co-worker nearing the sunset of her career. She listened attentively to my angst. Then she said, “Dave, just try and focus on that which is essential.” Her words were Read More
If I Had to Do It All Over
Father Patrick M. Carrion Comments Off on If I Had to Do It All Over
If I had to do it all over again, would I? Would you do it again? Are there regrets? Probably, we all have asked ourselves or been asked by others these simple questions. The questions might be regarding a place you have visited: “Would you vacation there again?” The inquirer may be asking more for Read More