In the debate over IVF (in vitro fertilization), we hear the remark “Contraception and IVF are two sides of the same coin.”   What does this mean? It means that both contraception and IVF separate procreation from the marriage act. The marriage act has two essential qualities: the unitive (love giving, bonding), and the procreative (life giving). Contraception --- intercourse while using some physical or chemical means to prevent conception --- separates the unitive from the

What could cinnamon rolls and the Birth of Jesus have in common? I was about to find out. Over the years, I had tried my hand at making cinnamon rolls, but was never satisfied with the result. Then, in 2016, I was told that a woman who had won many ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair for her baking had come out with a cookbook that cost $30.00. I looked at her recipe for cinnamon rolls, but didn’t know if it was quite what I wanted, so I decided to contact Elaine Janas. I kne

In November, we celebrate the public holiday of Thanksgiving. This day was set aside by our nation’s founders that we might give thanks to God for all the blessings He has bestowed on our country, and on us personally. These blessings are both spiritual and material. Unfortunately, it’s easy to take these blessings for granted, so it behooves us to recall them and appreciate them, and express our gratitude to almighty God. A few years ago, in the southeastern Minnesota town o

What is in vitro fertilization? IVF (In vitro fertilization) is artificial conception: eggs are aspirated from the woman, and sperm is...

In the book of Genesis (3:15), we read that Adam and Eve lived in paradise--- a garden of delight created by God. There was no sickness,...

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Diocese of St. Paul. We might benefit by knowing a bit of its early history. In 1680,...

In the Gospel of Matthew (22:36-40), Jesus says that the “ greatest and first commandment ,” is to “ love the Lord your God ” with one’s...