Columns

Before the Cross | St. Stephen, first martyr, gives faithful witness to Christ

Wed, 09 May 2012 18:47:43 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

During these weeks between Easter and Pentecost, I am writing about those women and men who were witnesses to the Lord's resurrection. Our faith is not based on abstract concepts. It is grounded in the eyewitness testimony of those who actually encountered the risen Jesus and then shared their experience with us.

Catholic by Grace | Each person has a creative flair that is a gift from God

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:47:52 +0000

Denise Bossert

My dad was a terrific doodler. He could entertain my sister and me for quite a while with his version of Kilroy or a sketch of a silly Tam-wearing Scotsman. When dad finished entertaining us with his pad of paper and pencil, we'd turn to mom and ask her to draw something. She always said she just wasn't creative. No begging or cajoling could make her pick up the pencil.

Seeing is not the only form of believing

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:59:53 +0000

Those of us who have had a profound personal encounter with Jesus are compelled to share that experience with others. We have "seen the Lord," and so our faith is deepened and enriched. We share this experience with others, and as a result others have their faith strengthened and renewed.

Seeing Jesus in the breaking of the bread

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:59:10 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

"Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His glory? Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them what referred to Him in all the Scriptures." Luke 24:25-27

Before the Cross | Peter's example can show us how to love Jesus unconditionally

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:33:55 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Although the Lord made Peter the head of the Apostles, He knew Peter had faults -- he was impulsive, outspoken and sometimes fearful, even cowardly, in the face of danger. Jesus didn't choose Peter because he was perfect. He chose Peter because He loved him.

Before the Cross | Witnesses to the Lord's resurrection share with us their faith

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:48:48 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

St. Paul believed that it was of "first importance" to remind the Church of Corinth, and all of us, that there were real eyewitnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our faith is not a matter of speculation or vague ideas. The Lord is actually risen, and we have the testimony of many eyewitnesses to assure us that this mysterious, life-changing event really happened.

Before the Cross | The Lord's death, resurrection set us free

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:09:48 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

"Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

The Church says yes, and no, to stem-cell research

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:27:56 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

I can speak from personal experience on the benefits of using adult stem cells in the art and science of healing. Late last year, my doctor took cells from my stomach and implanted them in my left knee. The result has been a dramatic improvement in the functioning of that knee. My right knee was more seriously impaired and earlier last year I had to have a full knee replacement that put me out of commission for a couple of months. Thank God, the use of my own adult stems cells made it possible for me to avoid a second major surgery!

Moments of Grace | Seeing the hand of God in the strangest places

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:32:08 +0000

Lou Jobst

Because I have taught for more than 36 years, whenever someone around age 40 or 50 sees me in public and says, "Hello, Mr. Jobst," I know it is a former student. Somehow it makes me feel like a wise elder (a delusion that quickly fades).

I taught Greg over 30 years ago. I treasure the man he has become, a great husband, father and leader of liturgical music. When we reconnected 15 years ago, he called me "Mr. Jobst." Now, thankfully, our friendship yields "Lou."

About a year ago, I received an email from Greg with one of his "moments of grace."

The Good Steward | Senator McCaskill fails to stand up for religious liberty

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:27:44 +0000

Daniel Conway

Last month I wrote to Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and asked her to support legislation introduced by her colleague, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), to defend religious liberty. The occasion was, of course, the Obama Administration's decision to retain the HHS mandate that requires all health insurance providers to include contraception, abortion-inducing drugs and other so-called preventive services in their plans regardless of the conscientious objection of the Catholic Church, many other religious groups and people of good will who object to this intrusive mandate.

Sex before marriage disrespects each partner, the gift of human sexuality

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:07:06 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Church teaching is often countercultural. Society says certain things are OK, even encouraged, as a form of self-expression. The Church appears to be the bad guy, a spoiler of fun and a killjoy -- especially when it comes to anything having to do with sex.

Before the Cross | Pornography debases human sexuality

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:10:32 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Pornography takes something beautiful -- the God-given gift of human sexuality -- and debases it. Pornographic images take something of inestimable value -- the loving union of a husband and wife -- and makes it cheap and tawdry.

Why then do so many people -- young and old -- use pornography in all its ugly and degrading forms? Why has the sale of pornographic magazines, DVDs, downloads and apps become a multi-billion-dollar-a-year business?

I Thought You Should Know | Each of us is called to be a witness, reach out

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:07:20 +0000

Bishop Robert J. Hermann

If Adam and Eve had not sinned, life would be a bowl of cherries, but the fact is that they did sin, and life is not a bowl of cherries!

Mankind's fall has been profound, but even more profound has been God's response to the fall by giving us Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. The stakes are high, God or Satan, my will or God's will! That is why God is so relentless in pursuing us.

Man of the House | Examples, community make Catholic faith so vital

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:06:28 +0000

Mike Eisenbath

Ash Wednesday Mass had ended just moments ago. I stood in the gathering space at my church and watched the people file out. Everyone had large, black marks on their foreheads -- and smiles on their faces.

Someone stopped to talk with Father Jim Benz, our pastor. As usual, he gave them his undivided attention, making them feel like the most important member of the parish. Donna, my wife, walked back into the church to share a thought with a friend. Small groupings of people huddled together in various areas to chat and laugh.

I took in the whole scene with a warm joy.

The Good Steward | Lent is a time to discover true joy

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:06:18 +0000

Dan Conway

The Church gives us the season of Lent as a means to guide us in our search for lasting happiness. Far from being a dark and dreary penitential season, Lent is truly a time of joy-filled anticipation. It is intended to ready us for "the glorious and joyful love" that is still to come at Easter time.

Family is gift that requires responsible stewardship

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:35:35 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Generally speaking, families go through three phases. In the first phase, the parents care for their young children. In the second, or middle, phase, the parents and their growing children (young adults and/or adults) all care for one another. And in the final phase of a family's life cycle, the adult children care for their aging parents.

Children are a gift from God, sexuality must always remain open to life

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:21:12 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Several years ago, I met with a group of parishioners who were concerned about the future of their school. Enrollment had been declining for many years, and the families who attended the meeting were legitimately concerned about their school's viability. Lots of causes for the decline in enrollment were discussed, but one issue -- a major contributing cause -- was never mentioned. After listening for some time, I decided that I had to be the one to bring it up.

Fight racism in ourselves and in our communities

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:42:51 +0000

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Racism is a serious moral problem in society and in the Church. Racism is the sin that says some human beings are inherently superior and others essentially inferior. Racism is the sin that makes racial characteristics the determining factor for the exercise of human rights. Racism must be recognized as a radical evil that influences the way we think, speak and act. The only "cure" for the sin of racism is conversion -- a profound recognition of the dignity of every human being regardless of his or her race, ethnicity, economic condition or cultural heritage.