I want to thank everyone who has read and/or followed my column in 2023. As we turn the page and start to look at 2024, I thought we could take a look back at some of the topics we covered this past year.
2023 In Review
There were 22 articles published this year covering the following topics:
- Catholic Politicians and Communion – This article focused on the question as to whether we should be denying communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion
- Catholics Under Attack – We focused on the attacks by society and the weaponization of the government against Catholics and our faith
- The Catholic Church and IVF – In this article we discussed some of the moral challenges associated with the IVF process
- The Crisis in the Pews – we discussed some of the challenges within the Catholic Church that is impacting our congregations and attendance at the mass
- Change the Conversation – speaks about how we as Catholics can be kinder to each other and try and change the tone of the conversations that go on in everyday life
- How Does God Respond to Prayer – touches on the many ways that God can “speak” to us in our daily lives.
- We Need a National Ban on Abortion – focuses on the critical topic of abortion and reinforces why this country needs a national ban on abortions
- Crisis at the Border – focuses on the growing humanitarian crisis at the US southern border and how we as Catholics should view it
- How Does a Spiritual Practice Help with Mental Health – this article focuses on building a spiritual practice and the benefits associated with such a practice
- How is Your “Yes” to God Going – As Mary said “Yes” to God we are also asked to turn to God and give our “Yes” to cooperate with God’s plan. How is that “Yes” going for you?
- The War in Israel: Does this Change your Pro-Life Perspective – focuses on the atrocities of October 7th and asks if the hunger for revenge compromises your pro-life views
- Racism: How Do We Live God’s Call of Equality – focuses on one of the most divisive areas in our society today – race and asks how are we living God’s call that we are all one people
- How Does Socialism Fit in God’s World – looks at the socialist system and focuses on whether this meets God’s call to take care of each other
- Time: Do We Ever Have Enough – focuses on how we are using the time that God has given us. Are we using our time to glorify God and take care of each other, or are we focused on tasks that do not help the kingdom of God
- Election Day 2023: The Catholic Vote – highlighted the “non-negotiable” positions that we as Catholics need to consider when selecting a political candidate
- Cancer Awareness Day: A Survivor’s Story – recognizes National Cancer Day and looks at the response of a two-time cancer survivor
- World Adoption Day: Spreading God’s Love – is focused on celebrating adoption and looking out for those that need a family
- Indi Gregory: Why are the Courts Deciding People’s Fate – looks at the tragic situation of Indi Gregory who passed away when the UK courts instructed the hospital to turn off life support after doctors determined there was no hope for recovery
- World Children’s Day: A Day to Celebrate Children – is focused on the basic rights of all children and some of the events that rob them of these rights
- Happy Thanksgiving – looks at the similarities of this day of Thanksgiving and the Eucharist
- Climate Change: How Can We Better Care for God’s Creation – looks at the climate challenge and what we as Catholics can do about it
- Pope Francis: Transgender People can be Baptized and be Godparents – looks at Pope Francis’ recent comments on transgender people and how he is trying to ensure the Church is more inclusive
Looking Back
2023 was a very challenging year for all of us. The division in this country and across the globe widened as a number of very polarizing topics continued to be at the forefront of the news. As we end this year, we have an opportunity to look forward to 2024 with a fresh start. It’s time to put 2023 into the “Lessons Learned” bucket and hit the ground running in 2024. I pray that all have a safe holiday, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
God Bless
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