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Weighing taxes, human needs a balancing act
WASHINGTON — It’s almost like a three-way tug of war. Should Congress extend the temporary tax cuts in place for nine years, and if so, for whom? How does the nation help those who have borne the brunt of the recession? And isn’t there a looming, and growing, deficit? (CNS)
Christmas spirit
St. John School in Russellville (top) and Church of the Assumption in Atkins (bottom) entered prize-winning floats in their local Christmas parades. (News photos)
Giving spirit
Matt England and Jake Tierney in Marti Corff’s fifth-grade art class at Christ the King School in Fort Smith decorate Christmas bags for the Golden Rule Clothes Closet located in Fort Smith. (Parish News photo)
Green Bay bishop becomes first in U.S. to approve Marian apparitions
CHAMPION, Wis. — Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay has approved the Marian apparitions seen by Adele Brise in 1859, making the apparitions of Mary that occurred some 18 miles northeast of Green Bay the first in the United States to receive approval of a diocesan bishop. (CNS)
God’s priesthood design begins with Adam
“Many Are Called,” one of Scott Hahn’s most recent books, is a celebration of the priesthood at a time when it is, in some ways, under siege. The pedophilia scandal has, of course, eroded some people’s confidence in the vocation, but there are other issues that cause division as well, such as celibacy and the ordination of women. The latter issues reflect a lack of understanding about the priesthood; the pedophilia problem rests on matters altogether different. (Book review)
Virgin birth
What does this example and gift of Jesus’ birth mean for humanity? (Seeds of Faith)
Skipping Christmas presents: I have what I need
Over Thanksgiving, I asked a friend what their son wanted for Christmas. He told me the story about him asking his son to make a Christmas list. Several moments passed and his son came back, skipping through the room saying, “I’m good. I already have everything.” (Columns)
Incarnation conveys unity and dignity of us all
I never tire of hearing Christmas carols — even if they’re being piped into stores and malls just to encourage shopping excesses. But hearing Christmas tunes recently got me thinking: the decorating frenzy of Christmas trees, lights, garlands, poinsettia plants and Santa Claus statuary often seems devoid of Christian meaning. What exactly is being celebrated with all the music, decor and festivity of the season? (Opinions)
A holiday centered on Jesus Christ
Is there a war on Christmas? If you read the latest news about how cities, counties, public school districts and stores treat Christmas, you might believe it is true. (Editorial)
