Commentary Archives - TheCatholicSpirit.com

School choice front and center as Capitol reopens to public

June 18, 2021

Catholics are back at the State Capitol in St. Paul making their voices heard in-person now that the doors of “the people’s house” have reopened to the public. A 15-month closure amid the pandemic shifted most legislative business and public advocacy online.

Catholic Hotdish

Year B’s five-week early-summer plan

June 18, 2021

This is Year B of the liturgical cycle, the year that highlights the Gospel of Mark. With the passing of Pentecost, late Ordinary time begins, the longer, later segment of Ordinary Time that extends from the conclusion of the Easter Season until the beginning of Advent, from June to the end of November.

Your Heart His Home

What dads do

June 16, 2021

I am the sixth of seven children, the fifth girl. When my mom was at the hospital delivering me, my brother, Joe, an only boy among four girls, was anxiously standing by the phone awaiting the news of my arrival and so hoping for a little brother. A boy was expected; the name “Michael” selected. It was looking to fall Joe’s way.

The Local Church

Great uncle, great priest

June 16, 2021

Father Roger Hessian, my great-uncle, celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination into the priesthood in February. This remarkable milestone has prompted me to reflect on what a blessing he has been to our family. Growing up, I never thought much about having a priest in the family, but with age and perspective, I have come to realize what a unique gift it has been.

Word on Fire

Come back to Mass!

June 14, 2021

The past fifteen months have been a time of crisis and deep challenge for our country, and they have been a particular trial for the Catholics. During this terrible COVID period, many of us have been compelled to fast from attendance at Mass and the reception of the Eucharist. To be sure, numerous Masses and Eucharistic para-liturgies have been made available online, and thank God for these.

Amid the Fray

The stories we tell, the lessons we learn

June 14, 2021

When I have reunions with my brothers and sisters, at some point we start telling stories about growing up. Invariably, we will remember events, good and bad, from different perspectives. We each tell the same story slightly differently. In the retelling, we sometimes get a fuller picture of what happened. Or we realize that as children, we didn't fully understand at the time what was taking place.

Catholic Hotdish

St. Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church

June 11, 2021

St. Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. His baptismal name was Ferdinand, and he was a member of the prominent Bouillon or Buglione family.

From Readers

From readers – June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

Horror of prejudice Vaccinate for others North Minneapolis reminisces Tell the truth

Already/Not Yet

Little lies — and the big lie underneath

June 8, 2021

As the loose ball bounced low across my path, I reflexively lifted up my leg ever-so-slightly and re-directed it into my hands.

Simple Holiness

Spirit-shaped family life

June 8, 2021

We experienced the feast of Pentecost only a few weeks ago, and hopefully the joy of the Holy Spirit filling us with his mission and purpose for our lives has not faded from our spiritual view. For it is a fact that Jesus overcame death and sent the Holy Spirit to fill us with his conviction and mission that we must now embrace, go out and transform the world.

From Readers

Readers Respond — What is the best piece of advice to offer a new priest?

June 7, 2021

The Catholic Spirit asked our readers to share the single best piece of advice they can offer a new priest.

Echoes of Catholic Minnesota

How the Interstate Highway System changed churches

June 7, 2021

When John Ireland dedicated St. Joseph Church at North Fourth Street and Eleventh Avenue in Minneapolis on Sept. 15, 1889, it was not yet completed, but it was already beautiful. Its white brick and sandstone structure was like no other building in the city, with imposing towers on both front corners of the building. Inside, there was seating for 1,200.

Commentary