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‘Be Opened!’
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on ‘Be Opened!’
When I was a young priest, I admit, I lived mainly in the future. I embarked on a warrior journey to save the Church and to implement the vision of the Second Vatican Council. There was no looking back. I left my older brother priests in the wake of my naivete. I desired what my Read More
Strength in Our Weaknesses
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on Strength in Our Weaknesses
Charity golf outings are often some of my favorite events of summer. I always enjoy networking with new people, trying challenging courses and, of course, simply relaxing and having a good time. On one occasion I was invited to play in a charity outing benefitting the Sisters of St. Francis. I was paired with some Read More
What Exactly Is Clericalism?
Msgr. Michael Heintz Comments Off on What Exactly Is Clericalism?
“Clericalism” is bandied about a lot, from papal speeches to the blogosphere and Catholic media. It means a range of things to different people, fairly or unfairly, and is perhaps too frequently associated with liturgical taste, whether the vestments be lace or burlap. But it would be foolish to reduce it to liturgical vesture. But Read More
Envy
Father Jeffrey Kirby Comments Off on Envy
Years ago, I had a conversation with a bishop that I worked with on a pastoral project. In a candid moment, as he was talking about the hardworking priests of his diocese, he told me that he had to watch out how and when he honored them. He wasn’t as worried about the individual priest’s Read More
Inspired by Mary Magdalene
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on Inspired by Mary Magdalene
On July 22 we celebrate the feast of Mary Magdalene. Her witness to Christ’s empty tomb captures my imagination. From her eyes, we have built the Church. From her testimony emptiness turned into joy, death revealed new life. From the healing she experienced at the hands of Jesus, seven demons flew from her body and Read More
Which Parish to Close?
Father Patrick M. Carrion Comments Off on Which Parish to Close?
“Sophie’s Choice” is a 1979 novel penned by William Styron and in three years became a movie starring Meryl Streep. The title of the novel and movie has become an expression when one is given the impossible task of having to choose between two equal goods or two equally bad outcomes. It might describe where Read More
It Might Just Be Acedia
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on It Might Just Be Acedia
For preschool graduation one year, our students sang the song “Frère Jacques,” the famous children’s hymn about a friar sleeping through morning prayer. The kids thought the song was hysterical, but I can empathize with the poor cleric who needed rest. If we are honest, assuredly we all have felt tired or have had difficulty Read More
Easter Memories That Feed Us
Father Ronald Patrick Raab Comments Off on Easter Memories That Feed Us
Priesthood has offered me opportunities to walk with people to Easter sacraments within varied communities. I recall families renting limousines for their children after receiving first Communion in a wealthy parish. In another community, adults walked from tents on the streets to be received in the Church during the Easter Vigil. Some people were veterans Read More