Our Guest Columnists Columns
The Georgia Bulletin features guest columns and spiritual reflections from laypeople and clergy from the archdiocesan community.
Our Guest Columnists
“Using freedom to serve the good of others”
BY BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER IIIEnglish | En Español
What might Jesus say to the graduates of today as they embark on a new adventure and the freedom to pursue their dreams?
Previous Columns by Our Guest Columnists
Enlightening 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, CommentaryA year of love, hope and faith
So many Catholic churches, Christian churches and nonprofits we see on a daily basis have been working round the clock to provide for the needs of the poor and those less fortunate. They provide for perfect strangers, care for the homeless and show how to love one another the same way the Lord loves us.
By HENRY LAM, Special to the BulletinPublished: November 24, 2021
Look from abundance, not scarcity, to see God’s love
I can still see my dad at the head of our family’s dinner table when we were young, thanking God not only for the food we were about to eat, but for the bounty of our lives.
By MARIA CRESSLER, CommentaryPublished: November 17, 2021
Toward unity through loving dialogue rather than debate
With the hope of fruitful dialogue in the upcoming synod of the Catholic Church, we may find ourselves more willing to enter a debate than dialogue. If we simply debate as in a competition, we may overlook the repercussion that this will have to unity.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III, CommentaryAn invitation to explore Catholic schools
We are at the time of the calendar year when parents begin to think about school choices for their children for the coming school year, and the open house season is beginning.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M., CommentaryDiscernment is listening and sifting
How do I hear the voice of God? What is God’s will for my life? These are perhaps the most common questions Christians wonder about.
By ANDY OTTO, CommentaryPublished: October 19, 2021
What pastors and parishes can do to combat systemic racism in the church
“What can our parishes do to combat the sins of racism in the geographical boundaries of our community?” This is a question I am frequently asked when I travel the nation to speak on the topics of racial justice and reconciliation.
By FATHER JOSH JOHNSON, Catholic News ServicePublished: October 15, 2021