The Church is going through a terrible trial now, with further revelations of sexual abuse and failure to respond appropriately. But this this is not the time to lose faith or leave the Church. Being in a trial also means that we are in a time for purification under the hand of the Holy Spirit.

A week or so ago, we priests, deacons, religious women and men—and a growing number of lay faithful—who daily pray what the Church calls The Divine Office meditated on St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. There St. Paul is asking for money! Yes, a collection! It goes back that far!

Like most of you, I enjoy it when I hear or read an observation that I’ve held for a long time. That’s why I nodded in agreement as I read an enlightening article by Erika Andersen in the Wall Street Journal of July 12, entitled “Is God the Answer to the Suicide Epidemic?”

The decision by the U.S. government to resume executing prisoners challenges us to uphold the fundamental principle of the Culture of Life -- the inviolable and inherent dignity of every human person, no matter what they have done, how old they are, or what their condition may be.

THE SHEEN CENTER FOR THOUGHT & CULTURE announces its fall season with a diverse roster of programming that highlights the human spirit’s ascent to greatness in times of adversity. Speaking directly to the crisis of uncertainty in these polarized times, the season spotlights stories in film, theater, talks, and visual art designed to elevate and educate audiences.