How could I possibly have kids if I can barely do my taxes without calling my mom in a panic on April 14? It’s a question I must admit that has crossed my mind more than once. I’ve never even owned a dog. Isn’t that a prereq for parenting these days?
Our guest this week, Liz Bruenig, wears many hats: Washington Post editor, socialist, Catholic convert, Twitter enthusiast—and “young” mother. She pushes back against the idea that young people need to have their lives figured out before starting a family.
In Signs of the Times, with a fun art project to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the church is trying to reach out to the so-called selfie generation. So why are they asking people to snail mail their selfies? Next, just how far will some parents go to get their kids on the basketball team or honor roll? Two Catholic school parents in New Jersey took their case all the way up to the cardinal and the courts.
Finally, we talk about the tragic events in Charlottesville and how Catholics should respond. Did your priest talk about the white supremacist rally that left one dead at Mass last weekend? Did you want him to?
As always, we want to hear from you. Are you a young parent? Do you want to have kids but feel like you have to wait until you’ve got your dream job? How are you feeling about what happened in Charlottesville? You can email us at jesuitical@americamedia.org, follow us on Twitter @jesuiticalshow or leave us a comment here.
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Links from the show
Selfies for Mary? How a Catholic art project engaged the world
Catholic school’s expulsion of girls upheld; judge lashes out at parents
Catholic bishops condemn white supremacist rally that left one dead in Charlottesville
My father was pulled over by I.C.E. agents the same day Charlottesville happened.
How Augustine's Confessions and left politics inspired my conversion to Catholicism
What’s on tap
Sangria! Summer is somehow coming to an end. Our new engineer Angelo suggested we drink this summer staple while we still can.
Ashley’s Peach and Berry Sangria: Soak peaches and berries in ~1 cup of vodka for at least 4 hours. Add one bottle of brut prosecco or cava and club soda to taste. (If you like sweeter drinks, add sugar.)
No one is ever entirely ready to start a family. You have to learn as you go. And if you wait till you can afford it, you are likely not to have children.