DePorres Pages Feature Stories

I set down my Rosary beads after my Confirmation in 1960. They symbolized an old faith I wanted to leave behind. That faith, though beautiful, seemed to be a roadblock to a new and deeper pathway to God. more

Looking for Trust in All the Right Places

Betrayal, so common in today’s world, has caused a crisis of trust. However, a suspicious view of everyone can paralyze us. Although trusting others always involves risk, faith cannot be lived without trust. more

15 Ways to Make Religion Class More Catholic

Among the tools that CSI (Crime Scene Investigators) have at their disposal is DNA testing. The “information” in DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is stored like a code which, when studied by forensic scientists, can establish a person’s identity. When it comes to Catholic identity, DNA may not quite be the answer. more

A Love Stronger than Death

In his farewell discourse, Jesus announced his imminent death and resurrection to his disciples with these mysterious words: “I go away, and I will come to you,” he said (John 14:28). more

My Desert Experience: A Spiritual Journey in Afghanistan

Even if you’ve never set foot in a desert, you’ve probably had what could be described as desert experiences. I’m talking about those times of trial or testing, when you discover that God is very near. more

Dream on

The election of an African American president has stirred excitement, but a leading black theologian says visions of a “postracial” America are premature and misguided. more

Tough love

Having a child with special needs can test one’s faith in God and in the parish community. more

Not your mother’s rhythm method

Natural Family Planning has come a long a way, baby. Not only does it meet the church’s moral standard for spacing births, it keeps a marriage going. more

Church-Shopping: Why Do Americans Change Faiths?

Forty-three years ago, this magazine published a stark cover with the words "Is God Dead?". The accompanying article predicted that secularization, science and urbanization would eliminate the need for religious belief and institutions before long; in modern society, only the weak and uneducated would persist in their faith. Yet rumors of religion\'s demise turned out to be premature. more

Time Article about the Vatican

Setting aside all its intrigue, the worldwide headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church—the Vatican—might best be understood as a person, a place and a thing. more