Before we get to what young Americans want from their Catholic parishes, let's see what old people want. Rachel Maddow of MSNBC recently stated: “I was born and raised in a conservative Catholic family.  After having not considered myself [Catholic] for some time, I do consider myself to be back in the faith."  She credited this "to Pope Francis and his message of not just empathy but solidarity with immigrants the world over." Democratic politician Christopher Hale then added:  "Coming out as a lesbian in her youth, Maddow had drifted from the Church for nearly 30 years. But now, she said, Pope Leo’s witness on issues like immigration has drawn her [...]

Sunday was the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus and this was my sermon.  The main thrust of my sermon was that when you use the name of Jesus appropriately, you will attract angels and deflect demons.  Inversely, when you use the name of Jesus inappropriately, you will deflect angels and attract demons. Basically, your entire spiritual environment changes based on how you use the most Holy Name of Jesus. In that sermon, I forgot to mention what I do when I hear people abuse the Holy Name.  Maybe it was providential I forgot to say that part of my talk, because now I can write an article here [...]