Pope Benedict's announcement at New Year's that he will travel to Assisi, Italy, in October to mark the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's meeting there with leaders of other faiths has not so far drawn much comment. more . . .

FR. RON ROLHEISER, omi

Margaret Laurence's novel, A Jest of God, tells the story of two sisters: One of them, Rachel, single still and childless at mid-life, is a gifted, elementary school teacher. The other is a stay-at-home-mother, dedicating herself to full-time caring for her children. more . . .

KATHLEEN GIFFIN

This is a difficult time of year for many people. It is often hard to return to the realities of "normal life" after the holiday season with all its celebrations and hopes. more . . .

MARK PICKUP

It all began with a silly argument in a field over water that resulted in a woman being sentenced to die by hanging. more . . .

SR. LOUISE ZDUNICH, NDC

My question is this: In our current economic recession resulting in many job losses, most economists suggest that unless we spend more to keep the market going, it is difficult for the economy to recover.

On the other hand, frugal living with spiritual poverty is a virtue in Catholic Church teaching. more . . .

FR. RAYMOND DE SOUZA

An annual highlight arrives in the last days of the year. That's when Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) holds its annual conference for university students. They call it RiseUp, and it begins each year on Dec. 28 and runs through New Year's Day.more . . .

JOE GUNN

Last month, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney "lashed out" at the Catholic Bishops' critique of his anti-human smuggling bill (WCR, Dec. 3). Kenney used demeaning language that tracked closer to an ad hominen scolding than a principled disagreement on the issues involved. more . . .

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict has denounced recent attacks on Christians around the world and singled out the government of Pakistan, asking that it repeal its anti-blasphemy law. more . . .

Studying theology helps Christians “to appreciate ever anew the wonder of the faith,” says Archbishop Richard Smith. more . . .

EDMONTON – In solidarity with Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches around the world, Edmonton’s Christians are celebrating the ecumenical movement’s efforts to overcome divisions in the Church. more . . .