Author Archives: Schutz

Here is a startling idea. Contrary to the judgement of many conservative Christians today, the Enlightenment was a “Good Thing”. In whose estimation? No one less than Pope Benedict XVI himself. He praised Vatican II precisely for facing up to … Continue reading →

No, I’m not being silly or sarcastic. I really mean it this time. Here is a snatch or two from Crittenden’s interview with American evangelical-atheist Sam Harris on ABC Radio National’s “Religion Report” before Christmas: Harris: I mean either the … Continue reading →

From letters to The Age in the last few days: “Is part of the Centacare employment contract that only hypocrites be engaged?” – Patricia Watkinson, Hawthorn East “A Catholic friend of mine desirous of joining the Citizens Advice Bureau…was subsequently … Continue reading →

For readers of my irregular serial conversion story retro-blog, “Year of Grace”, I have posted two more entries: Tuesday, September 5th, 2000 – In which I mail my annulment application, converse with my Seminary mentor, and hear about Dominus Iesus … Continue reading →

I’ve been meaning to blog about the current row over the Government’s pregnancy counselling plans, something rational, insightful and convincing, as is my usual practice. But in the meantime, I came across this piece by Louise at Purcell’s Chicken Voluntary. … Continue reading →

I have, from time to time, gone across to look at the “Mild Colonial Boy’s” blog. We share some things in common–eg. a love for the Monarchy–but not much. In the past, I have wondered about his religious affiliation, but … Continue reading →

Two events recently led me to wonder. First: Christmas eve fell on the 4th Sunday of Advent. It is obligatory to attend mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Christmas is one of the latter. So you have to … Continue reading →

You may have noticed that there is an entry on my “blog links” list in the side bar to “John Mark Ministries“, run by the Rev. Dr Rowland Croucher. In his Christmas email, John sent out a number of reflections … Continue reading →

Many people are aware that the tribunals of the Catholic Church regularly make judgements regarding the validity of marriages according to Canon (ecclesiastical) law, often reaching a judgement of nullility. This is commonly known as an annulment. It is a … Continue reading →

Happy New Year to you,dear Reader of Sentire Cum Ecclesia! (Photo credit: Giancarlo Giuliani, Famiglia Cristiana).