From Season to Season

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commands… Open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm forever.    —Psalm 112:1, 9 As the citizens of the United States are already gearing up for the 2016 elections, we’re going to be hearing more about workers’ rights, labor unions, and the rights that immigrants have (or don’t have) to work or receive an education. This will all be in conjunction with the ongoing debates over raising the minimum wage that are currently taking place in many states. Added to the already tense political situation is the upcoming visit of Pope Francis, which is sure to be a watershed moment for the American Church, even as it ruffles the feathers of political conservatives and progressives alike. In its history, the Church hasn’t shied away from important social justice issues. In fact, it was Catholic leaders in the 19 th century that worked tirelessly in support of trade unions and fair wages and work...

On August 25, we celebrate the memory of Saint Joseph Calasanz , an Italian priest who founded a teaching order that is now known as the Piarists. St. Joseph believed that education was a basic human right and he was one of the first to insist that education should be free and available to everyone, especially the poor. Today, Saint Joseph Calasanz is honored as one of the patron saints of teachers. Today, the Piarist Fathers and Brothers minister around the world, including here in the United States. One of their missions is the Piarist School in Floyd Co unty (Southeast Kentucky). This school serves as a tuition-free high school that makes a college-prep education available to youth from one of the poorest parts of the United States, regardless of their faith tradition. The Piarist Fathers and their associates are trying to buy and renovate new property for the growing school. To learn about the school, the mission of the Piarists, and the Piarist School Outreach, click here ...