Posted inThe Good Word

Heaven is relationship—not real estate

by Terrance Klein April 29, 2026

Credit: Mihai Moisa on Unsplash

A Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 6:1-7 1  Peter 2:4-9  John 14:1-12

Her 1975 debut album, “Horses,” positioned Patti Smith at the top of punk rock, and her 1978 hit “Because the Night,” written alongside Bruce Springsteen, subsequently reached the heights of the Billboard Hot 100.

That and her 2007 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame could be enough for anyone’s resume. But in addition to being a wife and the mother of two children, Patti Smith has also become a poet, painter, writer and photographer. 

Her 2010 memoir, Just Kids, sets her long relationship with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe amid the “young love and free wheeling artistic expression of New York City” in the ’60s and ’70s. In it, she confesses an extraordinary artistic desire: 

 

Faith in Focus

What I learned from a season of loss—on the court and off

by Joe Betz May 1, 2026

Credit: iStock/slobo

This, then, is our desert: To love facing despair, but not to consent. To trample it down under hope in the Cross. – Thomas Merton, from Thoughts in Solitude

I coach C.Y.O. basketball. Or rather, I coached. Our season is over, and it was a losing one. The details of it need not complicate the reality of our record.

We had a great group of fifth-grade boys: intelligent, diverse, caring. Some were playing organized sports for the first time. Some battled with low confidence. Some simply needed time to settle in with skills and repetition. We practiced hard when everyone showed up. We played well in stretches. We lost some games because we were outmatched and others because of the mental game.

An American pope was unthinkable — until it wasn't. What's it mean?

 

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An American pope was unthinkable — until it wasn't. What's it mean?

Michael J. O'Loughlin  ncr

Church revival? New numbers don't show whole picture, experts say

 

Church revival? New numbers don't show whole picture, experts say

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• ncr

  Brian Fraga

Augustinian charisms of truth, unity, love revealed in Pope Leo's pastoral style, say panelists

 

Augustinian charisms of truth, unity, love revealed in Pope Leo's pastoral style, say panelists

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• ncr

  Simone Orendain

HOW WILL THE US CHURCH RESPOND TO POPE LEO'S CALL TO PEACEMAKING?

HOW WILL THE US CHURCH RESPOND TO POPE LEO'S CALL TO PEACEMAKING?

The US Church has come to a turning point, a seismic shift in its understanding and practice of peacemaking. Will it respond with the courage of Gospel nonviolence or settle for the Pax Americana? Clearly, this question cannot be answered by accepting the status quo. READ MORE...

IN SEARCH OF ROBERT PREVOST

 

IN SEARCH OF ROBERT PREVOST

His unwavering stand for peace makes me wonder how God has used Pope Leo’s personal history to shape his present faithfulness. Who is this man who has been elected to lead the Church? Where did he come from? READ MORE...

 

Four Essential Spiritual Tasks for All Leaders

Can we approach our work with clarity and humility, a willingness to listen and learn from those who disagree, while remaining true to the vision entrusted to us? 

MARIANN BUDDE MAY 1

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On April 25, lay leaders from congregations across the diocese gathered for a learning day focused on their spiritual well-being. What follows is an edited version of a plenary session I offered.