OPINION
PARENT PERSPECTIVE
Why we’re sending Anna to a Catholic school
When it came time for our daughter to begin school, my wife and I discussed our options at length. Living in an excellent school district, we had multiple options to consider as to where we should send Anna for her education.
PERSPECTIVE
When there are no words
The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents serves the spiritual needs of grieving parents whose children of any age have died from any cause, and helps interested parents — as well as clergy, religious, diocesan staff and spiritual directors — bring this ministry to their own parishes or regions.
REFLECTION
A lesson in God’s math
At first glance, this Sunday’s readings are simple math lessons. Elisha (2 Kgs 4:42-44) feeds 100 people with 20 barley loaves: one-fifth of a loaf per person. The Gospel (John 6:1-15) yields an even smaller fraction, dividing five barley loaves and two fish among 5,000 people.That is the difference between …
PERSPECTIVE
Mourning the loss of an unborn child
Due to a poorly-crafted law, New York State only requires a burial permit and proper disposition for the remains of fetal deaths occurring at 20 weeks gestation or greater.
PERSPECTIVE
Priest’s plea: Please have a funeral Mass
In recent years, among survivors, there’s been a shift in attitude about planning a funeral Mass for a deceased Catholic loved one. Many bypass it and choose another venue for a memorial service — a prayer service in the funeral home or at the graveside — or nothing at all.
SEMINARIAN'S DIARY
Loneliness and God’s gift of friendship
Loneliness is one of the great plagues of our time. In an age of social media where friendships are sometimes superficial at best and, often, relationships are anonymous, impersonal and empty, loneliness is everywhere.
REFLECTION
What’s the Season of Creation?
From Sept. 1-Oct. 4, the Church will celebrate the “Season of Creation.” This is an exciting time for our Church and our parishes! It is an opportunity to deepen our awareness of the gifts of creation, and to praise and thank Creator for all that is.
PERSPECTIVE
Saving the planet, one kid at a time
As a parent with four young children, ages two to eight, I can attest that there are ways a big Catholic family is eco-conscious that don’t involve discount potato salad and an ill-timed whale-watching trip.
REFLECTION
Remember St. Kateri
Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656 in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, now called Auriesville. She was declared a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. The story of her life has a lot to do with local New York State history, and also how the Catholic faith was brought …
OUR NEIGHBORS’ FAITH
Come and venerate St. Elizabeth relic
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Cohoes is inviting the Catholic community to the 100th anniversary celebration of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr.
SEMINARIAN’S DIARY
A priest among us
By the time this column makes it to print, I will have been ordained a priest of Jesus Christ at the hands of Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger; ordained to labor beside many faithful laborers in the vineyard of God’s people until my death.
CONTEST WINNER
Fatima is my favorite
The First World War is considered by many to be the first modern war. In the midst of this catastrophe, in 1917 in Portugal, Mary appeared to three shepherd children. (Editor’s note: Anne is the second-place winner of Saratoga Central Catholic School’s annual St. Francis de Sales writing contest.)
REFLECTION
Guadalupe shows that God is with us
My favorite apparition is Our Lady of Guadalupe, in which the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego in 1531 AD. (Editor’s note: Joseph is the first-place winner of Saratoga Central Catholic School’s annual St. Francis de Sales writing contest.)
REFLECTION
Another South African graduates, thanks to Albany Catholic Workers
This is my story of success, which has seen me graduating with honors a few weeks ago in KwaNdebeqheke, South Africa, with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
PERSPECTIVE
A graduation day reflection
Commencement is one of the signature moments in the life of a young man or woman, and often leaves a lasting impression. The families of the graduates are delighted and undoubtedly relieved that their children have successfully completed a rite of passage.
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Events
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