Here are some of the stories you missed if you didn't read Arkansas Catholic's June 26 issue. Some of the stories and columns in Arkansas Catholic appear only in the print and free digital editions. To read what you're missing, subscribe today.
Bishops agree to consider teaching document on the Eucharist in fall
The U.S. bishops approved by a wide margin a plan to draft a document to examine the "meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church" following a lengthy debate during their spring general assembly.
Young adult ministry: ‘Landscape has shifted in 25 years’
WASHINGTON — In a June 17 presentation to the U.S. bishops at their annual spring assembly, which was virtual again this year, Dallas Bishop Edward J. Burns announced a proposal to develop a new national pastoral framework on accompanying youths and young adults in the Church.
Retired track coach put UA program on the map
John McDonnell, 82, a member of St. Joseph Church in Tontitown, died June 7. Coach McDonnell, the hall of fame men’s cross-country and track and field coach for the University of Arkansas, led his athletes to 42 NCAA championships, which include five national triple crowns and 12 NCAA indoor titles, consecutively from 1984 to … (Obituaries)
St. Joseph a strong model of humility and service for dads
WASHINGTON — St. Joseph is a strong role model for fathers because he was humble, he had an occupation and worked to provide for his family, and Jesus looked up to him, said Marian Father Donald Calloway.
Jesus teaches us to be kind — in every moment, to every person
I was rushing to work when I saw a young man trying to back a 1970-ish Lincoln Continental or Cadillac out of his driveway. The car was long. It moved slowly. It took a lot of space, especially because he was trying to back out of a driveway that was situated at the beginning of a roundabout. I was moving in the opposite direction toward the roundabout. (Understanding our Church, Seeds of Faith)
What Bible story amazes you?
“The story of Judith amazes me because of how faithful and brave she was. It must have taken a lot of bravery to do what she did. Beheading someone would be very scary. I feel like her …" (Youthspeak, Seeds of Faith)
Pastoral letter loses credibility with its rhetoric
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone’s recent pastoral letter, “Before I Formed You in the Womb I Knew You,” is a well-organized and passionate appeal of a pastor concerned for defending the unborn and maintaining Eucharistic integrity. His reasons for why pro-abortion Catholics in public office should not be admitted to the Eucharist are presented clearly and are indeed correct. (Columns)
Ordinations are the Church’s kind of annual family reunion
It’s summertime again in Arkansas, driving many to the lake, most of us indoors and some to the annual tradition of the family reunion. Soon, all Aunt Marthas will dust off their recipes as kinfolk from the root to the shoot of the family tree gather in parks and church halls to reconnect and rediscover what it is to be related. (Columns)
Two welcome examples of holiness for today
Pope Francis approved or advanced the causes of 14 new saints in recent weeks, marking a particularly fruitful period as the Vatican and the world gingerly emerged from pandemic lockdowns. (Guest Commentary)
What bishops really said about Eucharist
If you saw the national news last week, you would have thought that the U.S. bishops wrote a letter to admonish pro-choice Catholic politicians, notably President Biden, about receiving the Eucharist. But that is not true. (Editorial)