A forum of Catholic Thought

Entering the mind of protestersFather Eugene Hemrick

As I am writing this, the sound of protesters at the Supreme Court, outside the Senate buildings and in front of Sen. Mitch McConnell's house is filling the air outside my apartment. The loud shouting, ...

The power of questions Father Eugene Hemrick

''A prudent question is one-half wisdom." This insight by English philosopher Francis Bacon possesses a fundamental principle for coping with today's disquiet: to use the power of the question. Let's ...

The myriad sounds we hearFather Eugene Hemrick

The variety of sounds in a city is bewildering. Recently, I identified sounds I heard while standing on the corner of Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C. At the Metro station, a young man belted out ...

An ode in praise of a beloved friend Father Eugene Hemrick

When my barber David Knight who worked in the U.S. Senate building died, it felt like losing a beloved family member. One meaning of family is a group of people in the service of an individual. For years, ...

A peaceful 2019 to youFather Eugene Hemrick

No matter where we look, peace is a rare commodity. How then can the new year be more peaceful? Start the year with avoiding certain behaviors and doubling up on civility. St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians ...

Time for tough love Father Eugene Hemrick

''Get that idea out of your head!" While growing up, my mother was forever shouting out commands like this to keep me on the right track. When I complained, she would reply, "That's tough love. Some ...

A tranquilizing crisisFather Eugene Hemrick

The children's Christmas Mass was packed. In past years, it exuded busyness: children putting on a pageant, proud parents and grandparents watching and music abounding. Not so this year! What changed ...

A new year of hope Father Eugene Hemrick

Some have suggested with the closing of the Year of Mercy, 2017 should be a Year of Hope. Weary, disillusioned and depressed describe best the feelings of many people I know. The cause is not only our ...