COLUMNS

Christmas is a time of celebration, joy and inclusion

I know Christmas is coming, but please allow me a few words about St. Patrick's Day. That day or merriment in honor of the patron saint of Ireland has, for as long as I can remember, appealed to Irish and non-Irish alike.

For a shepherding parish, welcome is the hallmark of every season

Every morning on my way to work, I look forward to my drive through the lovely town of historic Cranbury.

Self-Sacrifice is at the heart of the Eucharist

In 1996, Muslim extremists martyred nearly an entire community of Trappist monks in Atlas, Algeria.

Presence, not presents, makes Christmas special

Christmas is fast approaching. My thoughts, like those of many, have turned to Christmas presents.

The Facebook changes are coming

Despite the number of social media networks out there — seemingly new ones everyday — the Diocese of Trenton continues to interact and evangelize with the greatest number of faithful via Facebook.

The Holy Family's familiar parental foibles

As someone who has spent part of the past 40 years writing fiction, it's easy for me to picture people and scenes and to "eavesdrop" on what they're saying to each other.

Roamin' Catholic Seniors Blog

I’ll be the first to admit that since the loss of my brother Pete, two years ago, maintenance of the home we shared has been lacking and it’s been getting me down.

Volunteering as a two-way street of help

When my beloved grandfather died, family members from around the country gathered in New York for his funeral. My mother was too distraught to cook, so the food to serve all those who attended had to come from somewhere. Enter the volunteers.

A Christmas tradition? Acts of charity and social media

Christmas, more than any time of the year, is a time of giving. Generosity is shared in many ways, especially to those most in need. This tradition of generosity goes back at least to the days of St. Nicholas, who was born in Asia Minor in A.D. 260 and later …

The wisdom of Pope Francis

"Unity in necessary things, freedom in doubtful things and charity in all things": This is a time-honored principle of moral theology that will help you to understand the thinking of Pope Francis, who is very wise.

My Top Ten Books for 2014

The pressures of work and ministry, unfortunately, limit the time I have available to read as widely as I would like. Still, addicted as I am to books and knowing that without the insight and stimulation that I draw from them I would forever stagnate spiritually and creatively, I scrupulously …

When a pet's death makes us face our mortality

After Christmas, a brutal cold descended on my part of the Midwest and ushered in our new year.

Social media resolutions to stay connected, find balance in 2015

Since I began work for the Diocese of Trenton in June, I’ve seen several schools, parishes and individuals become heavily involved in evangelization via social media.

Remembering who we are means remembering we are God's

The days after the New Year’s ball drops in Times Square have always been a welcome time of decompressing for me, and a time when I can process all the wonderful moments of Christmas spent with my family.

Nonviolence as the ultimate path to peace

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a great American hero. He practiced the noble art of nonviolent opposition to injustice in the same way that Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela practiced.


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