In the midst of rapidly changing social norms, the challenges of Catholic discipleship in the U.S. have become increasingly difficult and frustrating. Making matters worse, Catholics can be found on both sides of polarizing cultural and political issues, each thinking theirs is the only reasonable position for a Catholic to …

In June 2023, the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board (the “Board”) approved an application from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa to create a virtual Catholic school, St. Isidore of Seville. Like all other virtual charter schools in Oklahoma, St. Isidore will be tuition free, …

In his January 16, 1980, general audience, Pope St. John Paul II noted that the second creation account in Genesis affirms two essential truths about the human person. The first is that the human is the only creature that God “willed for its own sake.” All other created things are …

The first two chapters of Genesis are the foundation of Catholic moral theology, including its teaching on stewardship. Rather than communicate the mechanics of creation, the beginning of Genesis communicates something about the purpose, nature and order of created reality. More to the point, the emphasis in Genesis 1 and …

On November 7, 2023, Ohioans will vote to approve or reject an amendment to the Ohio Constitution, proposing to enshrine abortion as a constitutional right. Drafted and financed by militant pro-abortion advocacy groups, the approved amendment would enable Ohio to have the most extreme abortion law imaginable. Properly read and …

Beginning on October 4, 2023, two years after launching a process known as the “Synod on Synodality,” bishops, theologians and other participants will assemble at the Vatican for the first session of “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” My optimism for the Synod’s success is persistent, albeit guarded. …

Elsewhere in this The Catholic Telegraph issue, reporters and columnists celebrate various joys of travel. Travel opens new vistas, enriching our moral, spiritual and intellectual lives through experiences with natural wonders, architectural feats, and vibrant new cultures. Tourism is also a lucrative enterprise for “destination locations,” which encourage and accommodate …

SECOND PLACE: Best Diocesan Video Fundraising Appeal – The Catholic Telegraph, “Catholic Ministries Appeal” — Margaret Swensen Best Sports Reporting: The Catholic Telegraph, “Faith on the Field” — Eileen Connelly, OSU THIRD PLACE: Best interview – video: The Catholic Telegraph, “Becoming Bishop” — Margaret Swensen Best interview: The Catholic Telegraph, …

Isaiah 25:6 is perhaps the keynote scriptural passage accounting for Heaven as a great banquet: “On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines,” declares the prophet. Isaiah associates this feast with the reconciliation and salvation of …

In 1964, English novelist Evelyn Waugh described how the simple liturgy of the Mass (the “low Mass” in pre-Vatican II parlance) was instrumental in his conversion to the Catholic faith. He explained that he “was not at all attracted by the splendour of her great ceremonies—which the Protestants could well …