Most of us know what we believe as Catholics, but often we’re unclear on why we believe it. That experience was true for me as well, having been raised as an infant in the faith and a product of Catholic education into high school. In college, however, when some earnest but misinformed Protestants showed me a few Bible verses about how Catholics were not “saved”, it was confusing.

En algunas denominaciones, los comulgantes toman la Comunión, o “toman el Sacramento”, en lugar de recibirlo; esta última es la expresión que usamos los católicos. Y con esa elección de palabras, surge toda una diferencia de visión del mundo.

I was stricken with horror as Ashley explained to me the logistics of preserving our little girl’s remains for burial, if we could retrieve them. The day before, we thought we were having a healthy baby, and the next day we needed to research how to handle cremation or burial of a miscarried child. We were blindsided. Who expects this?

NEW YORK. In the animated comedy “The Addams Family 2,” (PG, MGM) the beloved characters from the imagination of Charles Addams are as creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky as ever, and the humor remains dark and macabre, but overall good-natured.

In other words, this dreary animated sequel to the 2019 film offers more of the same, despite a team of four new screenwriters and returning directors Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon.

Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, ‘Laudato Si,’ has generated a great buzz.

I have to admit that I haven’t always taken enough interest in ecological issues, assuming that doing so would somehow compromise my dedication to the frail seniors with whom we share our lives as Little Sisters of the Poor.

We have another chance this Advent. After nearly two years of death, sadness, and separation from those we love, we have another chance this Advent. We have the chance to get it right. “Of all the seasons of the year, Advent offers us perhaps the clearest sense of adventure and journey. It is a season for resetting our horizon, reframing our movement toward fullness in Christ. And even though Advent is brief, it is filled with spiritual riches.” So writes Father John Burns, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, both scholar and retreat director, but most of all a priest of Christ in the Catholic Church.

Our garden perennials have been chosen. They were cared for, carefully planted, watered and fed. We have enjoyed their wonderment and colors throughout this season, but alas’ the inevitable “s”- word (S-N-O-W) is on the way. How exciting! Taking a few steps to help protect our valuable greenery investments may provide years of continued life to come.

At this point in the pandemic, nothing should surprise us. Yet the employment numbers that came out earlier this month are head scratching.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The National Association of Diocesan Directors of Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM) named Javier Cervantes as the recipient of its 2021 “Exemplary Award for Hispanic Ministry.” The award is co-sponsored by Loyola Press and is designed to honor someone who reflects the best practices, servant leadership and communion in mission for which the association strives, said NCADDHM president Javier Orozco. Nominees are chosen by peers working in the field of Hispanic ministry.