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“Remaining healthy in ministry ”
BY BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.English | En Español
When asked which is the most important commandment, Jesus responds with “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
Previous Columns by Our Guest Columnists
Restoring a biblical worldview
Today, many of us are being formed and educated in front of a screen rather than in a family setting of prayer with communal reflection on the Word of God.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER IIIPriestly influence
One day, when Peter Julian Eymard was 5 years old, his sister found him on a stepladder behind the high altar, with his ear against the tabernacle. “What are you doing?” she cried out. He answered, “I am listening to Jesus.”
By FATHER JOHN C. KIERAN, CommentaryPublished: August 9, 2022
The impact of inner-city Catholic school closures
In all of the dioceses where I have served—Atlanta, Austin, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Lafayette in Louisiana, and New Orleans—I have seen the closure of some Catholic schools in the center of the city or near the center. I am aware of the same phenomenon having taken place in many other dioceses.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.The grace of boredom
“I’m sooooo bored.” This has become a common summer phrase in our house, one I imagine other parents can relate to. My initial response is to roll my eyes, but a secret part of me delights in the spiritual significance of this uncomfortable state.
By SARAH OTTO, M.Div.Published: July 12, 2022
A father’s reflection: More than just a journal
My 7-year-old son puts everything he sees on our walks into his new journal. I had the opportunity to pass on one of my oldest traditions—journaling—to him this year and he’s taken to it faster than I could have expected.
By DONNELL SUGGS, Catholic News ServicePublished: June 17, 2022
Using freedom to serve the good of others
What might Jesus say to the graduates of today as they embark on a new adventure and the freedom to pursue their dreams?
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER IIIEnlightening numbers on young Catholics
In a major research study released in 2021 (Springtide Research Institute), young Catholics between the ages of 13 and 25 were asked numerous questions about their spirituality, faith and beliefs. The study is important because it’s the largest such study we have to tell us how young Catholics are thinking.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, SMMotherly companions
In this season of honoring our moms, Catholic News Service columnist Susan Hines-Brigger shares how she relates to the saints—through the mothers who raised them.
By SUSAN HINES-BRIGGERPublished: May 2, 2022
‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace’
“Peace be with you!” This was the first message of the risen Jesus to his disciples, who were locked behind closed doors fearful and anxious about their future
By BISHOP BERNARD E SHLESINGER III, CommentaryJoy at Easter
The joy of Easter is found in our reliving the experience of the women at the tomb on Easter morning, where an angel greets them—“He is not here. He has been raised as he said!”
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.Open Wide Our Hearts: a pilgrimage to Montgomery
In February, I made a pilgrimage to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama with two employees of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. I journeyed with them to Montgomery as a pilgrim seeking to understand more profoundly the past and present experiences of our African American brothers and sisters.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III, CommentaryA Lenten pursuit of patience
As we set out on the journey of repentance, eager to prepare properly for celebrating the miracle of the Resurrection and its shower of forgiveness and blessing, we assess what kind of sacrifice we can make during Lent.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.Power off and power up!
Recently I had a conversation with a young man about the challenges he faced in living his Catholic faith. He confessed that one of his greatest struggles was managing the use of his smartphone and the internet.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III, CommentaryThe blessings of mourning
Five million people across the world are dead from a pandemic. Millions more have suffered economic devastation. Social systems that seemed stable now feel precarious. This is a worldwide collective experience of sorrow, combined with billions of families experiencing a sharper, more personal grief. How do we cope with such loss?
By FATHER RICHARD R. ANDRE, CSP, Catholic News ServicePublished: February 6, 2022
A new name: focusing on evangelization
Starting on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (Jan. 25), the archdiocesan Office of Formation & Discipleship will have a new name: the Office of Evangelization & Discipleship. What’s this about, and what’s in a name?
By ANDREW LICHTENWALNERKnowing the treasure of God’s word
While we will never completely know the mind of God, we give him thanks for revealing so much through his son and through the inspired writings of the entire Bible.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.How to begin again in prayer
The beginning of a new year is a natural time to take a next step, or to begin again, in prayer. There’s something wonderfully hopeful about making a New Year’s resolution. But if you’re like me, you’ve sincerely made resolutions, then soon given them up, perhaps in frustration. Choosing our next step can be challenging.
By FATHER BILL NOE, SJPublished: January 7, 2022
Being islands of mercy to walk with moms in need
A question like “What can I do to help you and understand your fear?” can go a long way in bringing many back to the church. Included in such a question is the sense that someone cares and is willing to accompany them.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III, CommentaryAn extraordinary series of popes
Each pope brings a unique contribution to the church. The longer a pontiff remains in office, the greater his legacy is likely to be.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, SM, Commentary