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Long-time readers who have nothing better to do than remember my kid-lit philosophy know that I assiduously avoid books that are supposed to be helpful. These books are generally very easy to avoid because their subtitle always begins with “A Story About…” …sharing. ….belonging….being different….tolerance…puppymills.. What have you. Well, I am mortified to tell you…

Love for the poor and the divine liturgy go hand in hand, love for the poor is liturgy. The two horizons are present in every liturgy that is celebrated and experienced in the Church which, by her nature, is opposed to any separation between worship and life, between faith and works, between prayer and charity…

“At the corner of the property was one of the many street or crossroads shrines we find in the city: a rough-and-ready altar perched on the pavement, with a painting of a religious sacrifice plastered on its outside wall above. “ The Fires of Vesuivius: Pompeii Lost and Found by Mary Beard.

Following up last week’s excommunication of Fr. Ray Bourgeois for his participation in women’s ordination ceremonies, word comes down that Bishop Olmstead of Phoenix has excommunicated Lifeteen Founder Dale Fushek and another, Mark Dippre. Fushek and Dippre, those who follow the story might recall, have established their own “praise and worship” center in Mesa. Two…

It’s where I toss up quick links.

Recent words from the Holy Father: Sandro Magister examines how frequently Benedict has referred to Original Sin of late: He did the same thing at the audience on the following Wednesday, December 10. He had a written text in his hand, but he spoke almost entirely off the cuff. Early in the address he returned…

Gaudete Sunday version.. No rose vestments, a decent homily but one that oddly, had little directly to do with the readings, music that was, as usual, well-executed, the normal Advent music. (I’m in a rush, sorry) What about you? And remember – here’s my usual caveat about the rose vestments. It’s perfectly possible that your…

2 recent reads, both centered on death, as it happens. The December-January issue of the American Spectator reprints a decades- old essay by Michael Novak about the death of his brother, a Holy Cross priest who was killed in Pakistan in 1964.  It is quite moving on many levels, all of which involve the quest…

Is a 7-year old TI-83 calculator that won’t respond to punching numbers and says “Error:Memory” worth salvaging?If so, how does one do it? (Batteries have been replaced. I’m sure that’s not the issue, but just in case you are wondering.) It was David’s, and is now Katie’s and worked til last week, now doesn’t. I…

This week marked the 40th anniversary of the sudden death of Thomas Merton. A few appreciations have appeared here and there, with some tut-tutting that Merton is still “controversial” in some Catholic circles.be Well,one person’s “controversial” is another’s “just not canonized yet, okay?” I have a deep appreciation forMerton. I have taught and passed on…
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