Commentary

My intention was to read Laura Stierman’s “My Turn” reflection, “A Catholic response to immigration and Arizona law” [Aug. 12], with an open mind. I found that difficult because it did not seem to have been written with an open mind.

“I don’t need organized religion.” I hear that now and again. Or, “I’m not religious. I’m spiritual.” Sometimes the individual will add that he or she doesn’t see the need of going to church: “I can be spiritual all on my own.”

Words have a lot of power. We can use words to offer hope, mend wounds and respectfully challenge others to reassess their views and opinions. Or we can use words — as we too often do — as weapons to hurt and demean others.

Harvest time is around the corner. For farmers and gardeners, this is an exciting and satisfying time to enjoy the fruits of that labor. Jesus...

I had relegated shepherds to the unicorn file, somewhere near the hunch-backed blacksmith and the whistling milkman. They were the stuff of Mother Goose lore. So, it was surprising to discover actual shepherds when I visited the Holy Land.

The debate over whether or not to allow the construction of a mosque and Islamic cultural center near ground zero in New York has ignited heated discussion in recent weeks among a steady stream of politicians, talk show hosts and demonstrators both for and against the proposal.

Discussions about the morality of stem cell research often focus on the differences between adult stem cells and stem cells derived from embryos. The...

As an adoptive mother, I was pleased to read about the Day of Honor and Recognition for Birth mothers in The Catholic Spirit [July 1]. Although my daughter and I always keep a day to honor her birth mother, it is important for birth mothers to know that we are forever grateful for their sacrifices.