Dear Folks, Attached is a reflection, “Internet Noise and the ‘Sounds of Silence,’” which reflects upon the challenges of Internet usage and the need for Quiet in our lives. Peace and good will, Deacon Jim Internet Noise and the “Sounds of Silence” The recent issue of Newsweek ran a very disturbing article “iCrazy:…
Dear Folks, Below is a recent catechesis by Pope Benedict XVI on “God comforts us in trial and tribulation.” Our Holy Father affirms that living every situation united to Christ is the only way to overcome discouragement in the face of suffering and troubles. He speaks of prayer as an encounter of the “yes” of…
Heresies Welcome? And the JFK/Sebelius Option Recently, two prominent Catholic women, Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius in an address to her alma mater, Georgetown U. and Maureen Dowd (who refers to herself as a ‘catholic’ with a small ‘c’) delivered strong statements on the role of the Church in civil society. Dowd, a pugnacious,…
Dear Folks, Below is a reflection, “Vatican Censures Another American Nun”–in this case, a Sister Margaret A. Farley (Sister of Mercy), who presented a theological rational for same-sex relationships, masturbation, and remarriage after divorce. Your comments are always welcomed. Peace and good will, Deacon Jim Vatican Censures Another American Nun As you’ve probably learned,…
Dear Folks, Treading where angels would fear to go, below is a reflection “No Dialogue on Female Ordination?” which I hope clarifies why the hierarchy’s decision not to engage in dialogue on the topic is credible. Peace and good will, Deacon Jim No Dialogue re. Female Ordination? The Vatican’s doctrinal assessment of the…
Dear Folks, A lot has been said recently regarding the stand-off of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Obama administration’s over the issue of health care coverage and religious liberty. Below is a very thoughtful letter from Bishop Lori of Bridgeport, CT, who chairs the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty,…
Dear Folks, In light of the intellectual and ethical challenges posed to the evangelization of American culture, below is a reflection of our Holy Father on a “Reasoned defense of marriage,” which we gave in March to a group of U.S. Bishops on their “ad limina” visit. Blessings on your week. Peace and good will,…
“Pope Benedict regularly reaches out to young people and underscores the importance of education, which he describes as “the most interesting and difficult adventure of life.” Because of his long personal experience as a teacher and pastor who has always been in touch with young people, Benedict XVI knows well that it is not enough…
The Cross is the Way Home 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A); August 30, 2026 Jer 20:7-9. Ps 63. Rom 12:1-2. Mt 16:21-27 Deacon Jim McFadden After establishing Peter as the rock of his Church, Jesus then begins to speak…
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (A); August 23, 2026 Is 22:19-23. Ps 138. Rom 11:33-36. Mt 16:13-20 Deacon Jim McFadden Midway through his public ministry, Jesus ventured with his disciples to the northern reaches of the Promised Land, to the…
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A); August 16, 2026 Is 56:1,6-7. Ps 67. Rom 11:13-15,29-32. Mt 15:21-28 Deacon Jim McFadden Today’s Gospel (Mt 15:21-28) presents us with a unique example of faith in Jesus’s encounter with a Canaanite woman,…
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