Parish life

Who’s the boss?

The priest shortage is generating some creative solutions to parish staffing, but they require a little flexibility and a healthy sense of humor on the part of...

Out of sight, out of mind

Once ubiquitous, the parish priest is disappearing into thin air, with troubling effects on young Catholic imaginations. A few years ago while teaching, I...

Bring back men in black

Religious clothing allows Catholics to make a fashion statement about their faith, says a young priest who sports the look that a previous generation put away...

Seniors need some class

Jesus taught adults, so why are parishes so focused on educating young children when the older members could really use the lessons? Sounding Boards are one...

Priestly people skills

Many consider fervent “JPII priests” a clear byproduct of today’s seminaries—which leads them to wonder what kind of social training seminarians receive. For...