You cannot be a Christian and not live an eschatological life, which is to say, you must live one marked by a patient expectation in the promise and plan of Jesus.

In an age characterized by all but a desperate need for solidarity, when the religious and secular bonds of community have become badly frayed, bridges real and metaphorical have become more important than ever.

The Church of the Visitation in Westphalia, Texas, burned to the ground July 29. The fire is still under investigation.

Vatican City State will have its own reporting system in place before the end of the year for flagging suspected cases of the abuse of minors and vulnerable people and instances of cover-up or negligence in handling such cases, the Vatican said.

New Jersey's new law allowing assisted suicide, effective Aug. 1, "points to an "utter failure" on the part of government and indeed all society, said Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen.

I would not want to replace the reverence of the Mass with the endorphin-fueled exhilaration of a contra dance. But I do want us to find ways to extend an enthusiastic welcome to all who walk through our doors.