Understanding Our Church
A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith
Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
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.
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Focus on blame game misses point of sacrifice, which was foretold Father James P. West Lent is well underway, and it is likely that our minds are focused by now upon the many “hardships” of this season. |
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Lent is a time to experience ‘paschal death’ and thus spiritual growth Sandy Compas My favorite pastor, when asked from year to year what he was giving up for Lent, always replied, “Watermelon and strawberries!” This never failed to raise eyebrows, as we were far more likely to see snow than strawberries during February and March. |
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40-day journey should lead to reconciliation Charles T. Sullivan All through the course of the Church’s liturgical year, various aspects of the Paschal Mystery (the mystery of Christ) unfold. Five distinct seasons make up the liturgical year. |
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Christian love is lived out through selfless actions, not just words Judy Hoelzeman Valentine’s Day is coming and love is in the air — or is it? |
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Celebrations throughout liturgical year reflect course of Christian life Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB Though we hold all the truths of the faith continually and try to live the Gospel life fully every day, we need the special days and seasons of the Church year to remind and renew us in what we profess. |
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In spite of mystery, Trinity offers conversion by experiencing its reality Msgr. Richard Oswald One of the joys of teaching children is the delightful way in which they ponder our instruction, synthesize it as best they can, and then come up with questions that force us to dig a bit deeper in both our understanding and the way in which we express it. |
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Like Mary, all ‘hearers of the Word’ should become doers of God’s will Sister Susan McCarthy, RDC Eight years ago I attended a talk on Mary at which I was introduced to a statue of the Blessed Mother, titled “Seat of Wisdom.” The statue was striking in its very different depiction of the mother of God. Mary was a much older woman, perhaps a woman in her late 50s, early 60s. |
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Church’s saint-making process has evolved into a formal procedure Charles T. Sullivan The beatification of Mother Teresa on Oct. 19 has helped to spark a renewed interest in the Church’s saint-making process. |
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Tradition uses senses, elevates ordinary during worship Betsy Wiederkehr Huss A treasure of our Catholic faith tradition is how well we use ordinary things and our five senses to worship and grow. Take a moment and think of various worship times in your life and during the seasons of our Church calendar. |
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‘Poor souls’ in purgatory are not alone; Christ guides them to heaven Father Raphael Kitz, OCD On Nov. 2, we commemorate our beloved dead. The feast is called All Souls, but the Church qualifies souls by adding “of the faithful departed.” One who leaves this world as “faithful” is in a relationship of grace and friendship with God through Jesus Christ. |
