The Dispatch
The mysterious nexus of praying for the dead
In 2014, New York City firefighter Matthew Byrne, after years of suffering from substance abuse and depression following PTSD, took his own life. Matthew and [...]
In new book, Cardinal Sarah delves deeply into worship, liturgy, and sacred music
Books
There is much debate in the Church about what is and is not appropriate in the context of the Sacred Liturgy. The so-called “liturgy wars” rage on with many battlefronts, covering many different aspects of [...]
Why Catholic doctrine on sexual morality cannot change
Essay
Can the Catholic Church change her mind and teachings about sexual morality? Is it finally time to listen to progressives and abolish the ascetic elements of Christian morality, bringing Catholicism in line with the rest [...]
Essay
Newman and Ecumenism
In the weeks before and after St John Henry Newman was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, there was much talk of Newman’s presumed ecumenism. “The proclamation is of ecumenical significance,” Archbishop Bernard Longley said, [...]
Chapp's Schtick
Some reflections and questions about Notre Dame’s “refreshed” staff values
I’ll begin these reflections with an upfront affirmation of my love for the University of Notre Dame. My wife was an undergraduate there (class of 1988), our nephew (and my godson) recently graduated from Notre [...]
Analysis
On the USCCB’s revised “Ethical and Religious Directives” for Catholic hospitals
The Plenary Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) meeting in Baltimore, November 10-13, is probably most widely known for its “Special Message” on immigration. But another important document came out of [...]
Features
What the bishops got wrong on immigration
The Apostles’ Creed teaches that the Church, as the Body of Christ, is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The Church herself—understood as the Mystical Body and safeguarded by the Holy Spirit—cannot be the object of [...]
Features
What the bishops got right on immigration
Through recent comments from Pope Leo XIV and a statement by the United States Bishops at the end of the annual meeting of the USCCB, immigration is again in the headlines of both secular and [...]
Essay
Newman on the Sacred Liturgy, Part Two
Editor’s note: Part One of this essay was posted on November 10, 2025. The Place of Externals in Worship With the three pillars of reverential fear, stability and continuity, and orthodox teaching in place, [...]
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I’ll begin these reflections with an upfront affirmation of my love for the University of Notre Dame. My wife was an undergraduate there (class of 1988), our nephew (and my godson) recently graduated from Notre [...] -
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The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released today a “Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation” (Mater Populi Fidelis), and it has raised a few eyebrows along with [...] -
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Peter D. Beaulieu:
About praying for the dead, and about at least beginning to believe and understand the conjunction of time and eternity...we…
George Lee:
I sure do miss the Church reminding us, urging us, to pray for the most abandoned soul in Purgatory. I…
mrscracker:
Was being an American of Asian ancestry in question?
