Bishop Thomas J. Tobin - Without a Doubt
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Welcome to Without a Doubt, a column of personal reflections you'll find in this space on a regular basis. Here you'll encounter a smorgasbord of written entrees - some presenting the teachings of the Church, some offering purely personal opinion; some very serious, some with a lame attempt at humor. In any event, my modest goal is to share a conversation with you, to help us get to know one another a little better. I hope you enjoy them. I always welcome your feedback. more
One of the issues in the headlines recently is whether or not auto dealers in Rhode Island should be permitted to be open on Sundays. Several factors make the question rather complicated. more
Every building needs a strong foundation if it is to stand strong, straight and tall. A strong foundation – that’s the image that often comes to mind whenever I think about Catholic Schools. more
Editor’s Note: During July and August, Rhode Island Catholic is sharing some of Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s favorite Without a Doubt columns. The following column originally ran on March 16, … more
"I've never had the chance to talk to a priest before," said the young lady sitting next to me, "but if I don't ask you some questions right now I'll probably explode and have to see my therapist tonight." more
In 1973 American Psychiatrist Karl Menninger wrote a little book called “Whatever Happened to Sin?” The book caught the imagination of the American public and created a wave of dialogues and debates, stories and sermons about the same topic. more
According to my dictionary, the word “relevant” means “closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand,” and it’s certainly an apt description of the new Catholic radio station now broadcasting in Rhode Island – WSJW 550 AM. more
Summer’s almost over, about to give way to fall. I mourn the passing of summer. For lots of reasons it’s my favorite season. I enjoy the longer, brighter days, the warm, even hot and humid weather, the opportunity to be outside more often, the casual clothes and the relaxed schedule. Summer . . . what’s there not to like? more
Mercy and forgiveness must not remain as pleasant words but must be manifest in daily life. (Pope Francis) As Christians we often hear about and speak about forgiveness – God’s forgiveness of … more
The annual observance of Catholic Schools Week, January 29 to February 5, provides our diocesan Church with a special opportunity to emphasize the important mission of Catholic schools, to renew our support of our schools and to express our profound gratitude to all who are generously committed to their success. more
A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of participating in the Annual Interfaith Holocaust Memorial Observance at Temple Shalom in Middleton, Rhode Island. I had been invited to the service by Rabbi Marc Jagolinzer of Temple Shalom. more
So, what’s your favorite day of the year? Christmas or Easter perhaps? How about St. Patrick’s Day or Mother’s Day? Okay, admit it . . . it’s April 15th, Tax Day. And it’s right around the corner so get ready to party! more
A few random thoughts before I take a little break for summer . . . ** It’s just two years since the publication of Laudato Si, the historic encyclical of Pope Francis that calls us to a renewed … more
"Are you willing to sacrifice an entire parish for the sake of one incompetent, uncaring priest?" That's the question presented to me in a letter I received from a parishioner very unhappy with her pastor. I'll attempt to answer the question, but first, a little background. more
The homosexual agenda is relentless; almost daily it forces itself into the public discourse. Consider the following, gleaned from headlines in just the last few weeks: more
It seems to me that public opinion polls always have to be approached cautiously. So often the results are influenced by subjective factors: Exactly how were the questions phrased? Who was asking the questions? Did the pollster have a personal agenda? How were the participants in the poll selected? more
You probably remember the parable Jesus told about the man who prepared a great feast for his family, friends and neighbors. When all was ready, he sent his servants to gather the invited guests. They refused to come, however, each offering an excuse: one had to check-out a new field he had purchased; another had to test-drive some new oxen; a third had just married and wanted to stay home with his bride. The master of the house then ordered other strangers to be invited so that his house would be filled and the banquet not wasted. (Cf. Lk 14:15-24) more
There is spreading in every part of the world a sort of practical and existential atheism ... The individual person, all bound up in himself, finds himself ever more bereft of that "supplement of soul" which is necessary for him ... There is no longer a need to fight against God; the individual feels he is simply able to do without Him. (Pastores Dabo Vobis, #7) more
I wonder what emotions filled the heart of our Blessed Mother Mary as she awaited the birth of her son in that first Advent. And it was Advent, to be sure. Oh, I know, there were no Advent wreaths or purple vestments. No one sang "O come, o come, Emmanuel." And certainly the tiny shops of Bethlehem weren't filled with shoppers looking at glitzy Christmas things while "Jingle Bell Rock" played in the background. But for Mary it was Advent, the first Advent, the best of Advents. more
What to buy for a man who has little and wants even less? That's the question I've pondered ever since I met the Dalai Lama last month at Salve Regina University in Newport. more
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