U.S. Catholic
December 2006
Volume 71; Number 12
cover story
Trading spaces: The moving experience of converts
Tens of thousands of new members are making themselves at home in Catholicism every year, each with their own reasons for relocating. Leslie Scanlon describes what inspired them to make the move and how they are getting along with their cradle Catholic roomies.
expert witness
Racist like me
Theologian Jon Nilson saw the black-and-white reality of his own silent racism when challenged by a friend. In an interview with the editors, he acknowledges the unearned benefits that come with being white.
feature
Following yonder star
You don’t need to go to a Christmas pageant to experience Jesus’ birth in a more intense way, says Timothy Matovina. The stories of today’s migrants incarnate the Nativity gospel every day of the year.
French connection
For nearly 50 years the ecumenical monastery at Taiz? has welcomed pilgrims seeking God in silence, song, and simplicity. In a photo story Heidi Schlumpf shares some of the spiritual vintage in the heart of wine country.
Even unto death
Jean Donovan was a prophet of peace who in December 1980 shared the fate of martyrs before her. In Wise Guides Father John Dear, S.J. reflects on her witness to nonviolence.
reader survey
What do you get from giving?
A lot more than a tax deduction, say U.S. Catholic readers. In this month’s Reader Survey, Megan Sweas reports that readers are trying to make a difference with their donations.
essays/opinion
Cramming for Christmas
Jay Cormier finds that teaching college students is a little like being John the Baptist, with his Advent message of “Prepare!” often falling on deaf ears.
Gimme shelter
Las Posadas is far more than a Christmas reenactment, says Lupe Ruiz-Flores in Practicing Catholic. Like any good devotion, it prepares us to practice what we pray.
Al-Salamu ‘alaykum
If we are to overcome the gulf between Islam and Catholicism, argues Bryan Cones in The Examined Life, our interfaith dialogue is going to have to get more interpersonal.
departments
Editors’ Note
You May Be Right: Letters
Signs of the Time: News
Catholic Tastes
Glad You Asked: Does God cause natural disasters?
Under Review
Spirituality Café
Meditation: Jim Forest
columns
Odds & Ends by Peter Gilmour
Naughty and nice
Margin Notes by Kevin Clarke
Go ask Agamennon
Testaments by Alice Camille
Have a very moral Christmas
Culture in Context by Patrick McCormick
Stay tuned?