Columnists and contributors

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe
The Adolescent Soul

Posted: 3/19/2010

Over the weekend, I realized something a little scary: at 13, 14, 17 and just turned 19, half of our kids are teenagers. Most adults shudder at the thought of managing a bunch of kids in that age group. Maybe it’s because we still remember the trouble we caused and the “attitudes” we sported. Actually, it’s kind of funny to see what the onset of adolescence does to a child’s parents. It looks a lot like “shock and awe.” Many discover that the children they once found so cute and easy to love, are suddenly not all that likable. They are bigger, hairier, smellier, louder, and a lot less happy than they were at 10 or 11. It’s almost impossible to remember that adorable little 3 year old who looked into your eyes with such trust and dependence, especially when you hardly ever even see the eyes of your sullen 15 year old!

Kevin and Marilyn Ryan
Who is teaching us about the ultimate questions... Really?

Posted: 3/19/2010

Yesterday’s moral sins and outrages seem so clear. How could good people hold others as slaves? How could our noble ancestors, men such as Washington and Jefferson, be slave-owners? And how could our near ancestors have thought it was correct to deny the vote to women and Black Americans? How could good people not be outraged by these practices? These questions provoke another: What are the moral outrages which surround us today that we are simply ignoring?

Father Richard M. Erikson
Celebrating the Sisters of St. Joseph

Posted: 3/19/2010

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph. St. Joseph was the loving foster-father of Jesus. He is the patron and protector of the universal Church. He is a model for all parents in his humility, holiness, and in his love and devotion for Mary and Jesus.

Tiziana C. Dearing
Filling the gap

Posted: 3/19/2010

Last month, I had the honor of speaking as part of the Social Justice Speaker Series at Sacred Heart Parish in Newton. I delivered a rather pointed speech on the role of solidarity during these harsh economic times. After, one of the attendees suggested (affectionately) that if my columns in The Pilot were as passionate and pointed as my speech, he would be a more enthusiastic reader. While I cannot recall your name, friend from Sacred Heart, I was listening. I hope this better fits the bill.

Clark Booth
Early spring musing

Posted: 3/19/2010

Here are some stray thoughts and wayward musings on various unconnected matters for you to consider while pondering what may be contemporary higher education’s central dilemma.

Scot Landry
Called to love and share

Posted: 3/12/2010

Christ calls. We respond. Through the gift of human freedom, God has given each of us the choice to accept or reject his loving invitation to love and to serve his mission. We decide whether to accept his call and if so, how generously to embrace it.

Local
Cardinal celebrates St. Patrick’s Mass at cathedral
By Jim Lockwood

SOUTH END -- The Mass reminded them of the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day, and as they left, scores of Boston Catholics took home a pot of shamrocks to remind them of the significance of their beloved saint.
Posted: 3/19/2010


Local
Roches gift $20 million to BC Center for Catholic Education
By Pilot Staff

CHESTNUT HILL -- Boston College’s Center for Catholic Education will be named the Barbara and Patrick Roche Center for Catholic Education in recognition of a $20 million gift from the longtime Boston College benefactors.
Posted: 3/19/2010


Local
Don’t bet on Mass. gambling, Church says
By Jim Lockwood

BRAINTREE -- The Catholic Church in Massachusetts is adding its voice to those who say that expanded gambling is a poor bet for the commonwealth.
Posted: 3/19/2010


Local
Norwood, Westwood parishes see benefits in collaboration
By Jim Lockwood

WESTWOOD -- For the last two years, the parishes of Westwood and Norwood have collaborated in a Lenten mission and other activities. In doing so, they have joined forces in fostering their common mission -- building up the people of God.
Posted: 3/19/2010


Local
‘The light’ will stay on for you
By Jim Lockwood

BRAINTREE -- People have always been attracted to the light. Now, the light will not go out at the end of this Lent, but instead will come back on every Advent and Lent.
Posted: 3/19/2010