A forum of Catholic Thought

The challenge Good Friday presentsMichael Reardon

Every six weeks or so, requests for emergency scholarship assistance are reviewed at the Catholic Schools Foundation. These requests are made on behalf of families facing extraordinary and sudden negative ...

The challenge to live the Gospel Michael Reardon

Sitting in silence at St. Anthony Shrine on Arch Street after receiving my ashes, these words came to my mind, "Remember that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return" (Gen. 3:19). As a child, I ...

'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit'Michael Reardon

A few years ago, a friend of mine invited her new pastor to dinner to see how she could support him in his work. He gladly accepted her invitation. They set a date and decided on a restaurant. When the ...

The deeper reality of the Christmas story Michael Reardon

Celebrating the birth of Christ is full of joyful imagery: singing angels, trumpets, and a radiant child. Yet, the truth is that Mary and Joseph were rejected and relegated to a barn, where Mary faced ...

A moment to give thanksMichael Reardon

Facts are stubborn things. The board president of the Catholic Schools Foundation reminds me of this quite frequently as he challenges me to look past noise, politics, and opinion as we seek best to fulfill ...

A Catholic school can make all the difference Michael Reardon

''My son thought he was stupid." These were the words shared at the Catholic Schools Foundation's recent Bus Tour by a mother as she recounted her son's story. Listening to how her son's ...

Great expectationsMichael Reardon

As a four-time kindergarten information night alumnus, the focus on academic achievement and parental involvement clearly starts early. The first such session, my wife and I both attended. After that, ...

Todos, todos, todos Michael Reardon

Departing from his prepared remarks during World Youth Day, Pope Francis urged the half a million young people gathered to join him in declaring that the Church is for everyone. The Spanish and Portuguese ...