Bishop Thomas J. Tobin - Without a Doubt
282 results total, viewing 221 - 240
Pentecost is often called the “Birthday of the Church” since on that day the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and brought them together in a new and marvelous unity; on that day they became the Body of Christ. more
In the fierce debate about immigration taking place in Rhode Island , a number of questions have arisen that deserve a response. more
Let us say once again: we need the greater and lesser hopes that keep us going day by day. But these are not enough without the great hope, which must surpass everything else. This great hope can only be God . . . God is the foundation of hope: not any god, but the God who has a human face and who has loved us to the end, each one of us and humanity in its entirety. (Spe Salvi, #31) more
By the time you read this I will have celebrated what is euphemistically called a “milestone birthday,” a nice name for a dreadful event. Turning 60 is bad enough; doing so on April Fools Day is especially cruel. more
We stand in front of our future which closes and opens at the same time . . . Return to each place where a man has died; Return to the place where he was born. The past is the time of … more
It’s very fitting that Holy Week occurs in the springtime since both speak to us of new life. While we welcome the new life that nature will soon bring, at the same time we celebrate the new life that comes to us through the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. more
You’ve probably heard the famous story about the priest who was hearing the first confessions of some second graders. “Bless me father, for I have sinned,” began the earnest young man. “I disobeyed my parents, I fought with my brothers and sisters, and I committed adultery.” 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
Extension Magazine is the publication of the Catholic Extension Society, an organization that "exists to sustain and extend the Catholic Faith in poor and remote mission areas of the United States." In that context, then, I wasn't surprised to find recently an article about the Church in Alaska. The story was an eye-opener, though, and reminded me of how easy it is, how convenient it is to practice our Catholic Faith here in Rhode Island. more
Compared to the busyness and excitement of December, January is a rather quiet month. The holidays are behind us and we’ve settled in to survive the onslaught of winter, whether it turns out to be a lion or a lamb. more
Without a doubt the centerpiece of the Christmas Season is the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary and Joseph huddled together in the Bethlehem stable – always a beautiful and comforting scene for us. Is it any wonder that year after year we pause before the familiar manger displayed in our homes, churches – and sometimes public places – to gaze upon the Holy Family, say a little prayer and embrace a welcome moment of peace. more
Legend has it that each year at this time the Grinch and the Angel meet to debate the meaning and value of Christmas. “Christmas is a serious problem,” said the Grinch, “and should be banned from the face of the earth forever.” “Christmas is an important occasion and a wonderful opportunity for the human family,” replied the Angel. “It should be celebrated by everyone with as much joy as possible!” more
Strengthened by the presence of Christ, the Church journeys through time toward the consummation of the ages and goes to meet the Lord who comes. But on this journey, she proceeds along the path already taken by the Virgin Mary, who advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and loyally persevered in union with her son. Pope John Paul II, “Redemptoris Mater” more
Dear God and Father, As Thanksgiving draws near, help me to realize all that it means to be a truly thankful person. more
A recent headline in a Catholic website caught my attention: “Trust evaporating – Poll finds clergy trustworthiness slips precipitously.” The poll surveyed attitudes about the clergy in Canada. According to the survey, 61 percent of Canadians trust church representatives, far below the 97 percent who trust firefighters and the 94 percent who trust nurses. The good news in this poll, if there is any, is that clergy still rank above the pollsters themselves (59 percent), journalists (48 percent) and politicians (just 15 percent). Small comfort it seems. more
The insightful description of sports inscribed above is attributed to the late, great American sports journalist Howard Cosell. It also serves as a perfect introduction to this column about the virtues and vices of the world of sports. more
Remember when green was just a color, like red and blue, or black and white? It’s so much more than that now. Green has become a political party, a sociological movement, and even amoral commitment. It’s all about the environment, of course; and the issue is way up there at the top of hot button list, along with the war in Iraq, gay marriage and illegal immigration. more
I probably would have written this article anyhow, so distressed was I. But then I received an invitation to attend a fundraising luncheon for presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, and that absolutely confirmed my decision. The fundraiser is scheduled for Providence next week. For $500 I could attend a reception with the former New York City Mayor. For $1,500 I could attend a reception with a photo op. The first thought that came to my mind is that I’m not charging enough for my Confirmation photos! more
Answer: God made the world. Question: Why did God make you? Answer: God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven. Question: What is a Sacrament? Answer: A Sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ to give grace. more
« Prev | 1 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 Next »
Currently viewing stories posted within the past 2 years.
For all older stories, please use our advanced search.