In the scripture readings on March 23, St. Paul in his letter to the Romans admonishes that fledgling community of believers that hope never fails. Were the ‘tentmaker’ missionizing today he might well add to his exhortation the words: “just look at Camden!” No, not…
Category: Advancing the Kingdom
3.5% versus 39.9%
Like so many effective undertakings, it started with a nun. Hour Children began informally in the 1980s when Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, CSJ, became a foster parent to eight children of incarcerated mothers at her convent. Incorporated in 1992, it has expanded from a program that…
Feeling Supported in Jail
Bob Barry is an Ignatian Volunteer at the Dakota County Jail in Hastings, Minnesota. His prime function is trying to find jobs for inmates leaving the jail. He reaches out to employers to identify those willing to interview former inmates. He set up an internal…
XLI
January 22nd. Those old enough to recall learning in school what the above referenced Roman numeral is are old enough to remember the fateful decision handed down by the Supreme Court 41 years ago today, a decision that vitiated the legal prohibition against the voluntary…
A Bracing Dose
We must have hope, that theological virtue which many contend is primary because of its role in leading us to the other two. Recently, I came across a powerful manifestation of hope. It is in the letter attached here and I invite anyone interested in…
Sing, Choirs of Angels
Toward the beginning of this year, this column reported on an international organization which in recent years has been enjoying a renaissance in this country: the International Federation of Pueri Cantores. Readers can refresh their recollection of this world-wide organization by visiting its site at…
"And the Gifts We Have, We are Given to Share"
Working behind-the-scenes, Kevin Tansey shares his gifts with Ignatian Volunteer Corps. Kevin is an Ignatian Volunteer, a National Board Member and a donor. He is a former Peace Corps volunteer, a retired federal government employee, a husband, father, and life-long learner.
Liberating Women
Fifty years ago, when ‘women’s liberation’ was just becoming a household phrase my mother made a comment which no doubt other wise women had made before: the first liberated women were nuns. One of those choice paradoxes found in the treasure chest of our faith…
Milk first, then meat
Antonyms are instructive. When we think of the meaning of a particular word and then contemplate its opposite, we appreciate all the more the value signified by that word. Think of peace and then conflict, warmth and then cold, or couth and then uncouth. We…
“Thanksgivikkuh”
Because of the alignment of the lunar and Gregorian calendars, the holidays of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving are in sync this year, a coincidence which last occurred in 1861 and will not reoccur for many more millennia! For many in our nation it will be an…