Category Archives: Other

“Follow My Voice” 

This weekend, a historic event took place not far from where we live.  Archbishop Ronald Hicks was installed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral as the 11th Archbishop of New York, taking over from his immediate predecessor, Timothy Cardinal Dolan. Cardinal Dolan served in that role for almost 17 years, one year longer than another great man of the Church, John Cardinal O’Connor, who served as Archbishop ofContinue reading ““Follow My Voice” “

To Whom Do We Belong? 

As anyone who follows current events knows, the city of Minneapolis has been at the center of conflict between the federal government and local officials over the enforcement of federal immigration laws. In the past few weeks, two protesters have been shot and killed by federal law enforcement officers, incidents which have brought tensions there to a boiling point. The conflict is inflamed byContinue reading “To Whom Do We Belong? “

Heis-Mendoza 

This Monday night (1/19), the Hoosiers of Indiana University will be playing the University of Miami Hurricanes in the college football national championship game. The player to watch is Indiana’s starting quarterback, a young man named Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has had an outstanding season, leading Indiana to an undefeated regular season and to the cusp of the school’s first national championship in football. He also received the 2025 Heisman Award,Continue reading “Heis-Mendoza “

Nicaea and Unity 

After the homily at every Sunday Mass, the congregation rises to recite the Niceno-Contantinopolitan Creed, better known as the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed is a concise distillation of the foundational beliefs of orthodox Christianity. It has its origins in the Council of Nicaea which took place in modern day Turkey in the year 325Continue reading “Nicaea and Unity “

The Grace of Angry Prayers 

While his day job for the past 20 years has been chaplain to the students at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Fr. Mike Schmitz is best known for his work with Ascension Presents and his popular podcast “The Bible in a Year.” Full of enthusiasm, Fr. Mike is one of the great contemporary teachers ofContinue reading “The Grace of Angry Prayers “

The Gift of Dependence

Leah Libresco Sargeant is a writer who has been making the rounds promoting her new book, The Dignity of Dependence. In a recent interview with Church Life Journal, she said that her book is an attempt to debunk what she sees as a false idea of what we are as human beings, namely the idea that we are “autonomous individualsContinue reading “The Gift of Dependence”

Loving Our Little Plot 

Last weekend at the cathedral, Bishop Frank Caggiano conferred the St. Augustine Medal on over 170 people in recognition of their exceptional service to parishes, schools, and Catholic Charities throughout the Diocese. Among the recipients of this year’s award was Eden Huang, who I’m sure is very upset with me as she reads this. IfContinue reading “Loving Our Little Plot “

The First Tablet 

A few months ago, I was at a (non-parishioner’s) wedding reception and found myself in a conversation with a group of people I knew, but not very well. The conversation took place at that point in the evening when guests suddenly feel relaxed enough to freely share their opinions on politics and religion. In dueContinue reading “The First Tablet “