Understanding Our Church

A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith

Understanding Our Church

Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Jesus transforms our desires during Mass
Jeff Hines
“I didn’t get anything out of it.” A person who has stopped coming to Mass might say. But what can we expect to get out of Mass?
In blessing and suffering, stay focused on promise of heaven
Father Andrew Hart, JCL
A basic truth of the Christian life is that we are to raise our eyes from present circumstances to future realities. This lesson is often cited in times of suffering. By recalling God’s promises and past consolations, we can more easily endure passing hardships.
Love of Christ impels us to share good news of Gospel with others
Jeff Hines
St. Paul said, “The love of Christ impels us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14) A gas pump has an impeller. It’s something inside that spins and forces the gasoline out. It is a force from inside. We are not compelled or propelled, but rather, impelled.
Used right, time, talent and treasure can help Church
Kelli Nugent
Our God is the awesome and generous God who created us out of love and gives us everything we have, commencing with the gift of life itself.
Invitation to Communion inspired by a Roman soldier’s faith
Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
Have you ever wondered in the Mass where our response to the “Invitation to Communion” in the Roman Missal comes from? Would you be surprised to find out a Roman military officer called a centurion spoke the words?
Traveling narrow path means acknowledging mystery of the Eucharist
Brother Roch McClellan, OSB
David Lynch’s “The Straight Story” is a quiet little 1999 film based on the true story of an elderly man, Alvin Straight, who sets out to ride his John Deere lawn mower across Iowa and Wisconsin to visit his estranged, ailing brother Lyle.
Out of the mouth of babes: Faith questions from children can teach us
Kelli Nugent
The questions that children ask can be quite intriguing and insightful. They have deep questions that need substantive answers to help them understand the truths of the faith, as well as their other inquisitive queries.
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary based on Battle of Lepanto
Paula Standridge
One of the many advantages of listening to Catholic radio is learning more about our Catholic history. There is always so much to learn, even for those of us who have always been Catholic.
On meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church: A mystery to ...
Edward C. Dodge
The Second Vatican Council defined the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of the Christian faith. Christians, taught by the council, should hunger for the Eucharist, and from it, they should receive energy to evangelize themselves and the world.
Focusing on invisible realities at Mass can instill wonder in faithful
Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB
Before entering religious life, I attended a Catholic conference for young adults. I remember little about it, save the testimony of a woman who was telling her vocation story in a large auditorium.

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