Dealing with Doubt

In several of her books, the famous novelist, Anne Lamott, has written often about her struggles with doubt. “I have a lot of faith,” she wrote in Plan B: Further Thoughts ...

Is There Such a Thing as ‘Catholic Guilt?’

The short answer, in my opinion as a lifelong and practicing Catholic, is “yes.” There’s no doubt that Catholic doctrine and tradition impose more responsibility on its members than many ...

Progress in Protecting Our Common Home?

I’ve written often in these blogs about the need to care for the environment, not as part of any political position but because I believe caring for our common home ...

Ordinary to Extraordinary

Several times in these blogs, starting in 2015, I’ve written about one of my heroes, Franz Jaggerstatter. That’s because back in college I was so impressed with the book, “In ...

Why the Bible Is So Hard to Read

Fr. Dominic Assim, the pastor of the Catholic parish I attend, recently urged his parishioners to read the Bible, from start to finish. I agree wholeheartedly. The apostle Paul was ...

Keeping a Clear Eye

When I was working (I’ve been happily retired for 17 years.), I often got into a funk on Sunday evenings. I generally enjoyed my work but had this vague aversion ...