Vol. 77, No. 8 

Cover

How I met your Father

By Katharine Saunders
Priesthood is a family business for some former Episcopal priests now entering ministry in the Catholic Church. But their unique practice isn’t necessarily what they preach.

 

Feature

The 25-year itch

By Wendy Donahue
One in four empty-nesters are opting out of marriage’s second half. Some couples, on the other hand, are working on a successful sequel.

Web-only sidebars: 

Empty nest? Now what? Tips for maintaining a marriage after the kids have gone

First aid for the second half of marriage

 

Interview

Dream deferred

An interview with Rep. Luis Gutierrez
Far more than a simple political issue, immigration reform is about the family values of the Catholic faith, argues an Illinois member of Congress.

Sounding Board

Leave no child behind

By Father Bill Tkachuk
Families shouldn’t have to show a good moral report card to get their kids enrolled in a Catholic school, says this pastor. In Feedback, readers debate which admission requirements should apply.

Web-only sidebar

 A Catholic parent’s perspective on choosing a school

 

Essays

(Essays, short stories, and poems are not available online.)

The road to hell is paved with smart alecks

By David Benjamin
Memories of mid-century Catholic schooling have a humorous flavor all their own.
 

The woman in the vast blue coat

By Brian Doyle
A morning brush with mortality reveals the human kindness that lasts in eternity.
 

Recommended reading

By Fran Leap
How does a Catholic learn to appreciate the Qu’ran? Begin at the end.
 

Wise Guide: The young and the fearless

By Jim Forest
Though Alexander Schmorell’s life ended in martyrdom, his White Rose won the war against the swastika.

 

Poem

Dies Miraculum

By Brian Doyle

Departments

Editors’ Note

You May Be Right (Letters to the Editor)

Signs of the Times (News)

Catholic Tastes (Humor)

Culture in Context: Reviews

At Home with Our Faith  (Family spirituality)

Eye of the Beholder (Art meditation) 

Glad You Asked: Are there other “catholic” churches?

 

Columns

The Examined Life: Women on a mission
By Bryan Cones

Margin Notes: Waist management
By Kevin Clarke

Culture in Context: How terribly strange to be 70
By Patrick McCormick

Testaments: Prayer with a view
By Alice Camille