The Eucharist, as Christ’s saving presence in the community of the faithful and its spiritual food, is the most precious possession which the Church can have in her journey through history. (St. … more

In Catholic tradition, May is the month when we offer special devotion to our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary. As Christians we honor Mary as the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. more

I’ve never walked through a corn maze, but it looks like fun. more

Wash yourselves clean! Put away misdeeds from before my eyes. Cease doing evil, learn to do good. (Is 1: 16-17) Every once-in-a-while you come across a scripture verse that seems to summarize the … more

This fall marks a mini-milestone in my life in the Church, for it was forty years ago that I left my home in Pittsburgh, hopped on a boat and traveled to Rome to begin my major seminary experience. I’ve been reflecting on that experience a lot recently, and I’ve also been thinking about how much seminary life has changed in the last forty years. more

As summer fades and a new “work year” begins, perhaps it’s a good time for our diocesan Church to reflect, evaluate and plan. Where are we going in the year ahead? What are our strengths and weaknesses? And what are the challenges we face? more

As you know, last weekend I granted a diocesan-wide dispensation from the obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sunday. The dispensation was approved in light of the predicted arrival of Hurricane Irene and the dangers associated with that storm. more

These fours words from St. John’s Gospel provide a perfect description of the situation here in New England at this time of the year. The days are short and the nights are long. more

Question: What’s the difference between Confirmation and professional basketball and hockey? Answer: The Confirmation season doesn’t last forever! more

One of the things I enjoy most about the Christmas Season is the music – the beautiful carols and hymns that are a traditional part of the season. more

Once again our nation has been rocked by a terrible act of senseless violence – the shooting in Tucson, Arizona in which several were wounded, including a member of Congress, and several others were killed, including a federal judge and a beautiful little nine year-old girl. more

Someone said recently, and I’m sorry I don’t remember the source of the quote, “if your kid knows more about Justin Bieber than Jesus Christ, you’ve got a problem.” more

I’ve got a problem. My dog is gone and I miss her. As some of you know, I lost my little dog Molly about three months ago, on June 19 to be exact. She died at the age of sixteen from old age and recurring respiratory problems. Molly had been with me since she was just eight weeks old. She was a wonderful part of my life all those years, and now I miss her. more

Since becoming a bishop about 20 years ago, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to visit our Catholic schools, on both the elementary and secondary level. The visits are always enjoyable and rewarding; I always come away impressed by our teachers, students and staff and very proud of the great work that’s being done in our Catholic schools every day. more

Pope Francis has frequently used the phrase “throwaway culture” to lament the very casual way in which we dispose of unwanted members of the human family when they’re deemed burdensome, inconvenient or useless. While the Holy Father has applied this theme to a number of situations, it seems especially fitting to consider its relevance to abortion, particularly as our nation observes the 42nd Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the horrible Supreme Court decision that rendered abortion legal in our nation. more

So, if someone were to ask you what you’re doing for Lent this year, you might answer rather quickly, “I’m giving up desserts.” more

“Fragile” refers to something that’s easily broken; “fickle” to something that changes frequently. Both adjectives describe adequately the experience of friendship we sometimes have. If you … more

If you follow news about the Catholic Church at all, you’re already aware of an historic debate taking place in the Church right now concerning Amoris Laetitia, “The Joy of Love,” the letter … more

Advent, this powerful liturgical season that we are beginning, invites us to pause in silence to understand a presence. It is an invitation to understand that the individual events … more

Unless you’re a native Pittsburgher, and a senior one at that, the name Wendy King probably doesn’t mean much for you. But since I’m a native Pittsburgher, and a senior one at that, I was … more