Perspectives

Debate over Holocaust memorial obscures the bigger picture

Standing in front of a room jammed with supporters and skeptics, Michael Lozman said he always knew his plan would be contentious.
Church and state: working together for the common good

In late March, just as state budget negotiations were heating up in Albany, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the state’s bishops, including our own Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, came to the State Capitol.
Spanish Apostolate creates evangelists/ Apostolado Española crea evangelistas

Sister Grace Diaz, SNJM, pastoral associate at Our Lady of the Americas Shrine Church in Albany (a mission of Blessed Sacrament parish), notes that “seed money” from the Albany Diocese given some years ago to start an evangelization program for the diocesan Spanish Apostolate has taken root.
Finding wisdom all around us

The majority of TV news is fear-based commentary, promoting the notion that the world is on an inevitable path to ruin.
God does not make junk; God restores masterpieces

The beloved St. Francis of Assisi initially had an absolute disdain for lepers. He would go miles out of his way to avoid them. One day, Francis saw a leper approaching and started to turn away, but instead turned toward the leper, embraced and kissed him, and gave him some money.
A God who knew His way out of the grave

Until recently, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Russian city of Moscow was the tomb of Vladimir Lenin, an early communist luminary and rabid enemy of religion, especially of Christianity.
Why more people go to Mass this season

Once a year in the liturgy, something unusual happens: A deacon (usually) stands at the ambo and sings for about 10 minutes straight.
'All he ever wanted:' a funeral homily

I was honored to learn that Rev. James Lefebvre had left instructions that I should preach at his funeral Mass. The only stipulation was that my homily needed to be shorter than his own homilies were.
10 lessons from Billy Graham

Though Billy Graham was not a Catholic, I learned many things from his powerful Christian witness and preaching. As a Christian and a pastor, I learned at least 10 simple truths about him which have inspired me.
Five not-so-easy steps to curb mass killings

A column reprinted by permission of the Times Union. Comments by diocesan Peace and Justice Commission.

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