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The thousands of pages in the health care reform legislation contain much to ponder, but what's most puzzling is the shying away from the Hyde Amendment in the Senate bill.

The Hyde Amendment was first passed in 1976 and prevents use of federal money to pay for elective abortions and health plans that include them. It has saved U.S. taxpayers from having to pay for others' elective abortions. The Hyde Amendment has been satisfactory for America for almost 35 years. Why not incorporate it into health care reform legislation now?

If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, contact your nearest Catholic parish.For more information, go to the website of the St. Louis Archdiocese, archstl.org, and click Prayer/Faith. Then go to "Becoming a Catholic." That web page offers a concise look at the RCIA, as well as links to information on Confession, the sacraments and prayer resources.

It seems appropriate that Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" should present its own odd dichotomy. Like the story, it is wonderful in some ways and terrible in others.

Much like Disney's animated version of the Lewis Carroll classic, Burton has combined elements from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass." While the 1951 film stressed the comic silliness of the Victorian era's children's story, Burton's "Alice" is a much more serious and adult reworking of the story.

It may be the reason this "Alice in Wonderland" just seems wrong.

Today and Tomorrow

The Archbishop's Gala for the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation will be Tuesday evening, March 23, at the Missouri Athletic Club in Downtown St. Louis. Today and Tomorrow provides needs-based scholarships for students in parochial and private schools, especially urban schools, in the archdiocese. For information e-mailsharongerken@archstl.org or call (314) 792-7621.

WASHINGTON -- In the final days of the national health reform debate, U.S. bishops called for political courage and for prayers that Congress would come up with legislation that would respect human life and dignity at all stages.

"In moments of concern and crisis, Catholic tradition through the centuries has unfailingly urged the faithful to turn to the spiritual aids of prayer and fasting in order to draw closer to our Lord and his will," said Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington, Va., in a letter calling Catholics to a day of prayer and fasting March 15.

Lenten fish fries...