U.S. Catholic
April 2006
Volume 71; Number 4
cover story
Picturing the perfect priest
While they’re not all looking for Bing Crosby-types, U.S. Catholic readers are happy to describe what they want in a candidate for Holy Orders. In this Reader Survey Heather Grennan Gary draws up a list of qualities readers would like to see in those hearing the call.
expert witness
The sky is falling
It may not be easy being green, but it’s definitely Catholic to protect the environment, says the University of Notre Dame’s Kristin Shrader-Frechette in an interview with editors.
features
Suffer the children
When it comes to HIV/AIDS in the Third World, it’s easy to get lost in big numbers while forgetting each tiny tragedy. In a photo story Kevin Clarke profiles Bangkok’s Mercy Center, where HIV-infected women and their children get a chance to live—and sometimes die—in peace. (Find out more about the Mercy Center!)
Magic act
Who knew three pieces of rope and a little hocus pocus could explain the Trinity? St. Don Bosco, that’s who, says Angelo Stagnaro in Wise Guides.
essays/opinion
A moveable feast
There should be more in your Easter basket than chocolate bunnies, says Renée M. LaReau in Practicing Catholic. If you want to celebrate Easter well, add some kielbasa and get it blessed for good measure.
Are we there yet?
We shouldn’t skip out on Holy Saturday, says Bryan Cones in The Examined Life. Even Jesus had to wait a while for Easter joy.
special easter book section
Do-it-yourself forgiveness
When “I’m sorry” just won’t cut it, Father Patrick Hannon suggests a few trips to your local hardware store in this excerpt from his new book, Running into the Arms of God.
Lessons from the Lion
Though many want to claim the creator of Narnia as one of their own, Bob Smietana argues that C.?S. Lewis’ great works for children were acts of faith rather than politics.
Hürtgen
A short story by Brian Doyle.
departments
Editors’ Note
You May Be Right: Letters
Signs of the Times: News
Catholic Tastes
Under Review
Glad You Asked: Why does Easter seem to go on forever?
Spirituality Café
Meditation: Jim Forest
columns
Odds & Ends: Peter Gilmour
Holy day of obligation
Culture in Context: Patrick McCormick
Who do you say that I am?
Margin Notes: Kevin Clarke
Spending like there’s no tomorrow
Testaments: Alice Camille
Come to the water