Vol. 78, No. 12
Cover
Real presence
By Katie Bahr
Catholics with developmental disabilities are able to serve their church in many ways, and more parishes are learning how to accept the gifts these members of the community bring.
Web-only sidebar:
How disabilities can promote a true culture of life
Feature essay
Ramp it up
By Laura Fletcher
When it comes to making churches accessible, if you don’t build it, they won’t come. Catholics with physical disabilities are calling on their church to create a space where all are truly welcome.
Reader Survey
Discomfort and joy
By Scott Alessi
‘Tis the season to be jolly—if you can find the time, that is. When Christmas and Advent become more stressing than blessing, U.S. Catholic readers offer advice on slowing down for a silent night.
Interview
Something to chew on
An interview with author Michael Pollan
A home-cooked meal has all the right ingredients for a healthier diet, says this famous food writer. But coming to the table doesn’t just feed our bodies, it nourishes our relationships as well.
Web-only sidebar:
How does our food system affect what we eat?
Essays
(Essays, short stories, and poems may not be available online.)
In Person: The unexpected grocer
By Nick Liao
Though funerals are his family business, mortician Erich March would rather meet you in the produce aisle.
Newtown
By Brian Doyle
Don’t swear it out
By Patrick Gallagher
Say what you will, but our words walk a fine line between the sacred and the profane.
In praise of the ‘good enough’ family
By Sister Laurie Brink, O.P.
Norman Rockwell may not recognize them, but modern families are still picture-perfect.
Good game
By Patrick T. Reardon
Shooting hoops in the parish gym scores nothing but net gains.
Departments
Editors’ Note
You May Be Right (Letters to the Editor)
Signs of the Times (News)
Catholic Tastes (Humor)
Culture in Context: Music, film, and book reviews
At Home with Our Faith (Family spirituality)
Eye of the Beholder (Art meditation)
Glad You Asked: Did Jesus have brothers and sisters?
Columns
The Examined Life: A host of problems
By Bryan Cones
Margin Notes: Miles to go
By Kevin Clarke
Culture in Context: Out of this world
By Sister Rose Pacatte, F.S.P.
Testaments: Do you see what I see?
By Alice Camille
