New diocesan funeral policies to take effect July 1
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Last year I had extensive discussions with our Presbyteral Council and Diocesan Pastoral Council about how to address some irregular practices that have…
Read MoreA vision for the future of our diocese
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, When I was appointed bishop of this diocese in 2010, the 2010 Parish Pastoral Plan was already in motion since its announcement at…
Read MoreReflections from a pilgrimage to Poland
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This is the famous opening line of the novel by Charles…
Read MoreThe just war theory explained, in light of Iran war
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Over the years I have written about the just war doctrine in light of various military conflicts that have arisen from time to…
Read MorePrayer, fasting, almsgiving: The heart of a holy Lent
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The season of Lent is known by many as a time to do penance for our sins by giving something up that requires…
Read MoreBioethical questions addressed by U.S. bishops
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Now that the State of Illinois has legalized physician assisted suicide, is it ethical for Catholics to request medical assistance to hasten their…
Read MorePeace on earth cannot be built on the killing of the vulnerable
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Christmas is a time to wish others the peace and joy that comes from the birth of Our Savior. Yet Jesus was born…
Read MoreDeaths of Fathers Ring, Zehnle remind us to be ready
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The last days of November were a difficult time for us in our diocese due to the unexpected deaths of two of our…
Read MoreSetting Things Right: Addressing Irregular Funeral Practices
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we approach the end of November, the month during which we pray for eternal rest for the souls of the faithful departed…
Read MoreThe Vigil, Purgatory, and praying for the dead
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In my previous column in Catholic Times, I noted that the month of November is traditionally dedicated to praying for the dead and…
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