Category Archives: Commentary

Bad Bishops: “Bad Pope, Bad Catholics”

Posted on 15 April 2014 by

Jimmy Mac sent me this link. After pondering that some prelates were maybe slugging down too much anise aperitif, I was thinking about 89 pages. Is that all? To be truthful: once you’re on a roll, why stop with 10.79 … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, ecumenism, Hermeneutic of Subtraction | 2 Comments

The Worship of Hate

Posted on 15 April 2014 by

It’s no laughing matter, certainly, but the white supremacist in my former city seemed unable to shoot straight, murdering three Christians in an attempt to rid the world of Jews. Or maybe he was shooting straight, or didn’t care. Daniel Burke … Continue reading →

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Of Red Shoes, Non-Prada

Posted on 12 April 2014 by

Thirteen months on, it remains a vast amusement to see some conservative Catholics spinning Pope Francis to fit their worldview. Apparently, it’s not enough to read and consider the man’s words. William Oddie at Catholic Herald offers a take on “Should Pope … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , | 2 Comments

My Neighborhood

Posted on 9 April 2014 by

After last night’s liturgy commission meeting, I walked with one of our students up the street toward her dorm. It was about 150 minutes before this unfortunate and senseless event began. She went south to the university, I pedaled north through … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Wizarding Spin-Off

Posted on 31 March 2014 by

The young miss emailed me with the news. Is this spin-off a good idea? I’m a skeptic. You can read up on the character here. First off, there’s no question that film one will be a massive moneymaker for all involved. … Continue reading →

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The Rudder of Missed Opportunities

Posted on 31 March 2014 by

In starting this post, let me reiterate that on this blog, I welcome and appreciate dissenting views. And friends like Liam, whom I’ve never met face to face, certainly through more than a decade of associating with me, are as … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Rite of Penance | 3 Comments

Liturgical Improvisation, Falling in Love, and Four Wives

Posted on 29 March 2014 by

What do these three things have in common? It sounds like the kind of joke that would walk into a bar. But it’s the arc of parish life in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Think about it, then check this link to … Continue reading →

Posted in Church News, Commentary | Tagged | 2 Comments

Bloggers on Bruno on Cosmos

Posted on 13 March 2014 by

When I watched the first episode of the Cosmos reboot, I wondered how defensive Catholics would take the treatment of Giordano Bruno. I noticed a bit of spout and fussing at a few Patheos sites. But I think Becky Ferreira … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Science | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Cynic Alert: Phantom Wealth

Posted on 10 March 2014 by

Our corporations and government are touting how good a year 2013 was. Are higher real estate values due to home improvements like better insulation, more energy efficiency, or repairs to domestic infrastructure? Hardly. The added value only counts if you’re in … Continue reading →

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Cosmos, The Next Generation

Posted on 9 March 2014 by

I’ve been noticing the advance media (like here) on the Cosmos reboot one-third of a century after Carl Sagan popularized astronomy for the tv masses. It’s a good idea. Neil deGrasse Tyson is the right choice to front the show. … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Astronomy, Commentary | Leave a comment

The Vice Principal Strikes Back

Posted on 9 March 2014 by

Eastside Catholic School’s fired vice principal sues his former employer and the Archdiocese of Seattle. One had to figure this case would eventually lead to litigation. It’s almost a religious ritual in American society today. Not only do high-profile disagreements … Continue reading →

Posted in Church News, Commentary | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

I Don’t Want A Francis Effect

Posted on 6 March 2014 by

I put it in the headline to underscore I’m serious. Not cynical. Not making a funny. Cathy Lynn Grossman at RNS cites some Pew Research on Catholic thinking and behavior since last March 13th. Truthfully, I don’t want people showing … Continue reading →

Posted in bishops, Commentary, spirituality | Tagged | 3 Comments

Another FfF

Posted on 6 March 2014 by

Reading over this essay, I feel the need to provide a cynicism alert. If you are trying to be positive during Lent, perhaps come back later. I see the USCCB is gearing up for another Fortnight for Freedom. I haven’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Commentary, Two Weeks of Worthy Women | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How Surprisingly Profitable

Posted on 3 March 2014 by

Brian Pellot writes a weekly Monday blog for RNS on religious freedom. Since he writes from the UK, the post is up before most of us in the Americas wake. Today’s installment is here. Lots of angry Muslims lead off. And most prominently, … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, ecumenism, Music | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Throwing In The Towel

Posted on 21 February 2014 by

I’ve been following NLM these past few weeks, and commenting there a bit. I think they forgot they banned me a number of years ago. My days may already be numbered there–who knows? Another voice seems to be giving up … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Liturgy, The Blogosphere | Tagged , | 4 Comments