Understanding Our Church

A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith

Understanding Our Church

Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Great schism divided the Church but apostolic succession remains
Msgr. Richard Oswald
With the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome, the once mighty capitol faded, and the city of Constantinople ascended to become a great center of political and economic power. Eventually this political and economic divide would lead to a theological schism.
Though movies portray them falsely, stigmata are real signs from God
Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
Today, if you asked people, “What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘stigmata’?” you would probably receive a wide range of responses.
Some sins are worse than others, but all damage our bond with God
Father Erik Pohlmeier
A seemingly short time ago we celebrated the days of Christmas, and then quickly turned our attention from the child in the manger to the man in the desert for Lent.
Apostolic succession ensures faith is handed on from Christ himself
Charles T. Sullivan
“One, holy, catholic, apostolic ...” We recite these words every Sunday during the profession of our faith. They are words describing certain inherent characteristics that “mark” the true Church.
Works of mercy serve body of Christ
Linda Webster
Dr. Linda Webster has a bachelor’s degree in theology from St. Gregory University in Shawnee, Okla.
Though ancient by today’s standards, rosary is as powerful as ever
Charlotte Miller
Years ago, when I was receiving instruction in the Catholic faith, my instructor, now Msgr. Francis I. Malone, told me about being with a family whose teenage daughter had just been killed in a car accident.
Reconciliation is necessary, natural in relationship with God, Church
Sister Mary Lou Stubbs, DC
Getting to your destination on the streets and highways of this hazardous world requires that your vehicle gets ongoing maintenance and occasional repairs.
Practicing our faith is something to do every day, not just on Sundays
Judy Hoelzeman
The Second Vatican Council’s “Dogmatic Constitution on the Church” uses the ancient term “domestic church” (ecclesia domestica) to describe the family.
No obstacle, not even former Soviet Union, can prevent God’s work
Father James P. West
His name was Andrei, and he was a political officer in the Communist Party of the former Soviet Union.
The Eucharist, the original Thanksgiving, is the eternal gift from God
Sister Cabrini Schmitz, OSB
Table of plenty! Table of hospitality! Next Thursday Americans all over the world will gather somewhere to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Family and friends will travel miles to sit around tables rich with choice festive foods.

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