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.

Who is God? He is not just a loving being, but the source of love itself
Edward C. Dodge
One of my favorite texts to revisit each year with my students is the medieval morality play “Everyman,” and each year, it seems I learn something new from it.
Who is God? He is not just a loving being, but the source of love itself
Father Erik Pohlmeier
If we want to understand our faith, one question that deserves regular attention is the most basic of all questions — who is God? We should come back to this question regularly for two reasons. First is that we can never answer it completely, but we can discover more every time we ponder it.
Shocking news makes headlines, but good things happen each day
Father Jerome Kodell, OSB
News reporting wants to capture attention, so we are constantly alerted to “breaking news” and warned to stay tuned lest we miss something. Unfortunately, the news that gets our attention, shocking or surprising news, is often bad news: a tragedy, a betrayal, a scandal.
Be an example of God’s love this Advent
Lou Ann Gieringer
My favorite time for morning prayer is on my way to work.
Spiritual waiting important in Advent to prepare for Jesus’ coming
Father Jason Tyler
Can you believe it’s already December? What happened to fall? It seems like just yesterday, leaves started changing colors, and now we can look around and see almost no leaves on most of our trees. Hunters have enjoyed deer season for a while and now prepare for modern gun season to wrap up.
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.
Catholic education is worth sacrifices parents make
Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB
One of my favorite childhood pastimes was looking at our old family photo albums.
Feeling overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic? Turn to Scripture
Judy Hoelzeman
Years ago, I saved a quote from the novel “Green Dolphin Street.” The main character, Marguerite, enters the convent after several heartaches in her life. She pours out her woes to the mother superior, hoping for sympathy. But Mother gives none.
St. Lawrence of Brindisi known for his devotion to salvation of souls
Kelli Nugent
The devout parents of St. Lawrence of Brindisi had him baptized Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar). One may wonder what plans Guglielmo Rossi and Elizabetta Musella had for their son with such a name. But young Julius’ parents died when he was young.
Our Lady of Sorrows inspires compassionate companion on journeys
Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
Have you ever felt sorrow? That deep, body-wracking pain that can numb the mind, body and spirit? The circumstances from which we can feel this sorrow vary, but it is real and a part of life. Sorrow is not just being unhappy. It is a more profound, colossal sadness. It is almost unbearable.

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