When we think about social justice — or, often, our world’s lack of it — we usually think of solutions in terms of lobbying, activism, community organizing, ethical consumerism, protests or voting. We do not usually think of the Church itself as having much to do with our society’s struggles, except maybe as a resource base for those other activities.
This month, I want to dedicate my column to all children, especially the little ones among us who suffer from protracted and painful illnesses. This one is just for you.
The Families First Project is an advocacy campaign of the Minnesota Catholic Conference to remove economic roadblocks that Minnesotans confront along their journey of forming and raising a family.
Ask any teenager anxious about where they'll sit in the cafeteria for lunch. Ask any widow or widower learning to cook for one. Ask a grandparent planning a holiday feast, a parent volunteering to host the team banquet, or anyone taking a head count for how many friends are staying for dinner.
Going through The Catechism in a Year podcast — thank you, Father Mike Schmitz — has been a fun and helpful daily activity for my wife (my best friend) and me, keeping both of us centered on what is true as taught by the Church through sacred Scripture and tradition.
How is your Lent going? Have you remained committed to your intended fast and your added prayer? Have you continued giving alms to a group you support, by turning away from a luxury you typically enjoy and offering that money to someone in need?
Nestled along the shores of Lake Pepin in the hills of southern Minnesota is a French chateau bordered on three sides by Frontenac State Park. Now a hotel and event venue, Villa Maria’s Catholic history stretches back — it may be the site of a fort where Jesuit missionaries celebrated the first Mass in Minnesota in 1732.