U.S. Catholic
January 2007
Volume 72; Number 1
cover story
Redesigning women: Is the church’s ‘new feminism’ a good fit?
Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, some Catholic women are giving feminism a new look—or, according to some, an extreme makeover. Renée M. LaReau explores the debate about what it means to be a liberated woman of faith.
Expert witness
Women and children first
The needs of the poor often come last on the public policy agenda, but former lobbyist Sharon Daly made them her top priority in her nearly three decades in D.C. In an interview with the editors she explains why—and how—Catholics should make their voices heard in halls of power.
features
There is a balm in Tapologo
An HIV diagnosis in South Africa is often a death sentence, especially for poor women and their children. But Tara K. Dix reveals in this photo story how what began as a last stop for the dying has become a place of hope for those infected with HIV.
Five ways to be one
The divisions among Christians may seem insurmountable, but Bob Smietana has some ideas for bridging what divides the baptized.
Girl power
As the manager of Homegirl Café Patty Zárate has made hangin’ with the homegirls both a business and a ministry. In In Person Santiago Cortés-Sjöberg describes how she helps young women who have suffered hard knocks find work skills, self-esteem, and forgiveness.
sounding board
Good things come in small parishes
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to church life, says pastoral associate Sister Gael Gensler, O.S.F. in Sounding Board. Readers suggest their own plan for small parishes in Feedback.
essays/opinion
A big to-do
A laundry list of resolutions kept Lisa M. Stepanski busy, but it took cutting her commitments to a single task to give her the focus she needed.
Days of our lives
Stephen Pohl uses his calendar for more than keeping appointments. In Practicing Catholic he explains how the days and seasons help him keep the faith.
Guess who’s not coming to dinner
New rules about Communion may keep some away, says Bryan Cones in The Examined Life, but guarding the Eucharist from the “unworthy” will make the communion of the church poorer indeed.
Departments
Editors’ Note
You May Be Right—Letters
Signs of the Times—News
Catholic Tastes
Glad You Asked: "Who picked my bishop?"
Under Review
Spirituality Café
Meditation—Jerry Bleem, O.F.M.
Columns
Odds & Ends—Peter Gilmour
The Pilgrim virgin revisited
Margin Notes—Kevin Clarke
They can do it
Testaments—Alice Camille
Local boy makes good
Culture in Context—Patrick McCormick
Finance ministers