U.S. Catholic
August 2006
Volume 71; Number 8
cover story
These American lives: Undocumented stories
Between demonstrations gathering hundreds of thousands and immigration statistics counting millions, it can be easy to forget the actual people behind the debate. Kevin Clarke focuses on a few faces in the crowd as he chronicles the stories of America’s undocumented families.
expert witness
Humanity professor
Our greatest teachers are not necessarily those we judge the most “successful,” says L’Arche community founder Jean Vanier. In Expert Witness he explains what he has learned from his community members with developmental disabilities.
features
New Orleans rising
Though the Big Easy has only barely begun to recover from the destruction brought by last summer’s hurricanes, the city’s Catholic community has been prominent in the effort to return and rebuild. Jason Berry reports on their church in progress.
Continuing ed
New high school grads aren’t the only ones who have something to learn at college this fall, says Mary Deeley. Parish ministers, too, could benefit from a campus visit.
Going public
Just because your kids go to public school doesn’t mean their faith has to suffer. Elizabeth Wells provides parents with five ways to keep their “publics” praying.
Good shepherd
When the wolves were loose among his flock, Father Stan Rother chose to risk death rather than flee for safety. In Wise Guides John Rosengren profiles this pastor who laid down his life for his people.
essays/opinion
For extra credit
Brian Doyle has scoured the universe to offer you this existential quiz. Good luck!
Stick ’em up
Sometimes even God needs a good talking to, writes Bryan Cones in Practicing Catholic, and raising your hands in prayer offers more than just dramatic effect.
Use only as directed
Hurling the word heresy at your opponents may seem like a good rhetorical tactic, says theologican Luke Timothy Johnson in The Examined Life, but it’s best to save it for the real thing.
departments
Editors’ Note
You May Be Right: Letters
Signs of the Time: News
Catholic Tastes
Glad You Asked: Who was St. Augustine, and why should I care?
Under Review
Spirituality Café
Meditation: Jerry Bleem, O.F.M.
columns
Odds & Ends by Peter Gilmour
War without end
Margin Notes by Kevin Clarke
Sold out?
Testaments by Alice Camille
Happy are they
Culture in Context by Patrick McCormick
Running on empty