I am not Catholic but a new follower of Jesus. Baptized almost 6 years ago at the age of 62, grew up in an atheist house of Jewish heritage where no customs or religious observations were practiced. My voluntary journey was a result of a fully blessed life but looking for happiness and purpose in career, volunteer activities, hobbies and everything else but God since I had no knowledge of God. But finally realized that was the only thing that would fill the hole in my heart. And I have dedicated most of my life since then reading scripture, Bible studies, church activities and good works. Now I know all of those blessings were from God, the tough times were His invitation to follow Jesus and to build my character. I love your letters and the Pope. And I know if I did not have the faith I have been developing, the community of true followers, the wisdom to discern Christian Nationalism cult, I would have no hope or joy right now given the horrors surrounding us in this country. My faith gives me the courage to speak out, knowing many of my friends and family are MAGA and our relationships are strained or broken. But I look up to my God who knows what is happening, has a plan I can't comprehend and will win over evil.
I will say as a convert to Catholicism who is long-lapsed, the current direction of everything has me looking at parishes again. Global direction and local messages from the pews can be pretty disjoint. We'll see.
I would still encourage you to go to a parish. Online community is great for formation, but a parish is lifelong mission and active participation of our faith.
I have waited for years to hear what I am hearing now. I was 94 yesterday and so you will know how long I have waited. Thank you so much. It is becoming the church I have waited for. It has always been the one I followed.
Yes, there is also a non-Catholic religious left and we are with you! (Presbyterian here and with others of many denominations!) There is much that unites us and very little about which we disagree - theologically or politically!
POPE LEO is truly a godsend to our country at this time. Not only to our country but to our world! We are drowning in the muck of arrogance and lies and manipulation by a powerful and corrupt administration, and a president with no moral core. Here is a pastoral care person who believes in what the Gospel says, and who follows it with saying and doing what Jesus would do. I am so grateful for him, and I pray for him every day. I am especially glad that he sees the role of shepherd of the flock of bishops and cardinals as a serious job of reining in behaviors that are not in harmony with the goals of loving God and loving our neighbors, as Jesus taught. After Pope Francis cleaned up the Vatican bank, and made sure that the accounts all had a mission which is consonant with the Gospel, we now are getting a team approach that will stand the church in good stead, as the cardinals and bishops also say what the Gospel says, and act like they are trying to DO what Jesus would do-- walking the walk, not just talking the talk. Pastoral care will always have times of friction in how we exercise our conscience, but the great disparity that used to exist with "princes" of the church, instead of humble sinners and saints, is finally being brought under the rubric of doing what Jesus would do. This is a time of great healing and reform of the church, and all the bells in heaven should be ringing as the angels sing! Good will to all who love the Lord!
Christopher, your writing inspires me and gives me hope. Here is some reflection: Left and Right, Conservative and Liberal are meaningless labels to me regarding my faith tradition. Jesus sought to teach us how we should treat each other as children of God. Denying dignity to our siblings is denying the oneness of humanity itself. The “roots” of Catholic theology seems simple to me… Love God, Love Each Other. Pope Leo and Pope Francis were both clear on this theological foundation that provided moral clarity. At this point in history we seem to be repeating the refrains of tyrants and colonizers of the past and the oligarchs and authoritarians of the present …. “If we want something, we are entitled to take it.”
Our faith tradition demands that we recognize injustice and have empathy for others, especially those who are “poor in spirit” and have little or no voice in the oppression that they suffer. The survival of humanity relies upon consideration of our common welfare by both church and government leaders. Such leadership requires empathy as a guiding tool for morality. Those leaders relying on “prosperity gospels” or claiming that empathy is sinful is an evil force moving through the USA today. Pope Leo, just like Jesus, asks all of us, as disciples, to call out evildoers and to love one another. Peace…
Karen, your words are like reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
I would only add one thing. On your some reflection I would add Democrat and Republican to the Left and Right, Conservative and Liberal.
Each of these parties have certain position that a candidate is expected to support for party funding. If those positions are against a Church Teaching you may be selling out your faith.
My reflections are as a cradle Catholic who continues to practice because I haven’t figured out how to do it right yet. 🤣🤣 I don’t ascribe to any political party. I am an equal opportunity critic of folks who claim to be leaders of “we the people” yet seem to serve the interests of the Almighty Dollar, or seek a Meritocracy Crown.
I’m not sure if I understand your point about “selling out” my faith. For me, Church Doctrine or Teachings can change over time. My faith is a gift from God that seems somehow different from the Faith Tradition that I embrace.
I also believe that the laity has the duty to challenge church leaders to closely follow Jesus’ example. Although we need to be respectful, attempts to silence any prophetic voice would be succumbing to evil influences. Going along with any ideology to get along is not my style. I need leadership to have moral principles rooted in compassion and equality of all. The Catholic Church has been a home for me, but the leadership has not always shown themselves to be good shepherds. They have fallen down on uplifting women in the church. They have fallen down in allowing sexual abuse. They have fallen down in mismanaging finances. Fortunately, due to my faith, I do not expect perfection because I believe that nothing denies God more than demanding perfection from human beings!
God bless you Christopher Hale! Your words are calming, inspiring,honest and true. We are truly blessed with Pope Leo at the helm and you here supporting us. Thank you so very much
In today’s world religion can be applied to many things in life. There are a lot who don’t understand that religion is ! They decided to be agnostic. That is their belief. Thank you for the article Chris, I hope you enjoyed your interview today. I am busy trying to get my dinner on the table. My prayers go to this country, and to Pope Leo. ♌️.
I often feel your articles are well dressed subscription ads. This one in particular left me feeling baited. Just as I got excited about what a large number of Catholics can do, how we can fight authoritarianism by simply living our faith, boom! I’m hit with a pitch. Perhaps writing a separate small piece every week talking about what your Substack has accomplished through its readers and asking for subscribers and/or gifts or even a little subscription form after your article, would take away readers feeling like they are constantly being roped in and hit on for cash. I know writers need to, deserve to be paid. I just think there’s a better way to do it. Meanwhile, God bless your work.
All in on this, Christopher! And to your point about a growing Catholic movement….there is a coalition nationally, with emerging archdiocesan-based/parish-based effort this season of Lent, Easter through Corpus Christi. I hope you can come aboard.
I am not Catholic but a new follower of Jesus. Baptized almost 6 years ago at the age of 62, grew up in an atheist house of Jewish heritage where no customs or religious observations were practiced. My voluntary journey was a result of a fully blessed life but looking for happiness and purpose in career, volunteer activities, hobbies and everything else but God since I had no knowledge of God. But finally realized that was the only thing that would fill the hole in my heart. And I have dedicated most of my life since then reading scripture, Bible studies, church activities and good works. Now I know all of those blessings were from God, the tough times were His invitation to follow Jesus and to build my character. I love your letters and the Pope. And I know if I did not have the faith I have been developing, the community of true followers, the wisdom to discern Christian Nationalism cult, I would have no hope or joy right now given the horrors surrounding us in this country. My faith gives me the courage to speak out, knowing many of my friends and family are MAGA and our relationships are strained or broken. But I look up to my God who knows what is happening, has a plan I can't comprehend and will win over evil.
I will say as a convert to Catholicism who is long-lapsed, the current direction of everything has me looking at parishes again. Global direction and local messages from the pews can be pretty disjoint. We'll see.
I would still encourage you to go to a parish. Online community is great for formation, but a parish is lifelong mission and active participation of our faith.
I have waited for years to hear what I am hearing now. I was 94 yesterday and so you will know how long I have waited. Thank you so much. It is becoming the church I have waited for. It has always been the one I followed.
Yes, there is also a non-Catholic religious left and we are with you! (Presbyterian here and with others of many denominations!) There is much that unites us and very little about which we disagree - theologically or politically!
POPE LEO is truly a godsend to our country at this time. Not only to our country but to our world! We are drowning in the muck of arrogance and lies and manipulation by a powerful and corrupt administration, and a president with no moral core. Here is a pastoral care person who believes in what the Gospel says, and who follows it with saying and doing what Jesus would do. I am so grateful for him, and I pray for him every day. I am especially glad that he sees the role of shepherd of the flock of bishops and cardinals as a serious job of reining in behaviors that are not in harmony with the goals of loving God and loving our neighbors, as Jesus taught. After Pope Francis cleaned up the Vatican bank, and made sure that the accounts all had a mission which is consonant with the Gospel, we now are getting a team approach that will stand the church in good stead, as the cardinals and bishops also say what the Gospel says, and act like they are trying to DO what Jesus would do-- walking the walk, not just talking the talk. Pastoral care will always have times of friction in how we exercise our conscience, but the great disparity that used to exist with "princes" of the church, instead of humble sinners and saints, is finally being brought under the rubric of doing what Jesus would do. This is a time of great healing and reform of the church, and all the bells in heaven should be ringing as the angels sing! Good will to all who love the Lord!
Christopher, your writing inspires me and gives me hope. Here is some reflection: Left and Right, Conservative and Liberal are meaningless labels to me regarding my faith tradition. Jesus sought to teach us how we should treat each other as children of God. Denying dignity to our siblings is denying the oneness of humanity itself. The “roots” of Catholic theology seems simple to me… Love God, Love Each Other. Pope Leo and Pope Francis were both clear on this theological foundation that provided moral clarity. At this point in history we seem to be repeating the refrains of tyrants and colonizers of the past and the oligarchs and authoritarians of the present …. “If we want something, we are entitled to take it.”
Our faith tradition demands that we recognize injustice and have empathy for others, especially those who are “poor in spirit” and have little or no voice in the oppression that they suffer. The survival of humanity relies upon consideration of our common welfare by both church and government leaders. Such leadership requires empathy as a guiding tool for morality. Those leaders relying on “prosperity gospels” or claiming that empathy is sinful is an evil force moving through the USA today. Pope Leo, just like Jesus, asks all of us, as disciples, to call out evildoers and to love one another. Peace…
Karen, your words are like reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
I would only add one thing. On your some reflection I would add Democrat and Republican to the Left and Right, Conservative and Liberal.
Each of these parties have certain position that a candidate is expected to support for party funding. If those positions are against a Church Teaching you may be selling out your faith.
Thank you,
My reflections are as a cradle Catholic who continues to practice because I haven’t figured out how to do it right yet. 🤣🤣 I don’t ascribe to any political party. I am an equal opportunity critic of folks who claim to be leaders of “we the people” yet seem to serve the interests of the Almighty Dollar, or seek a Meritocracy Crown.
I’m not sure if I understand your point about “selling out” my faith. For me, Church Doctrine or Teachings can change over time. My faith is a gift from God that seems somehow different from the Faith Tradition that I embrace.
I also believe that the laity has the duty to challenge church leaders to closely follow Jesus’ example. Although we need to be respectful, attempts to silence any prophetic voice would be succumbing to evil influences. Going along with any ideology to get along is not my style. I need leadership to have moral principles rooted in compassion and equality of all. The Catholic Church has been a home for me, but the leadership has not always shown themselves to be good shepherds. They have fallen down on uplifting women in the church. They have fallen down in allowing sexual abuse. They have fallen down in mismanaging finances. Fortunately, due to my faith, I do not expect perfection because I believe that nothing denies God more than demanding perfection from human beings!
Peace!
God bless you Christopher Hale! Your words are calming, inspiring,honest and true. We are truly blessed with Pope Leo at the helm and you here supporting us. Thank you so very much
Amen!
In today’s world religion can be applied to many things in life. There are a lot who don’t understand that religion is ! They decided to be agnostic. That is their belief. Thank you for the article Chris, I hope you enjoyed your interview today. I am busy trying to get my dinner on the table. My prayers go to this country, and to Pope Leo. ♌️.
I often feel your articles are well dressed subscription ads. This one in particular left me feeling baited. Just as I got excited about what a large number of Catholics can do, how we can fight authoritarianism by simply living our faith, boom! I’m hit with a pitch. Perhaps writing a separate small piece every week talking about what your Substack has accomplished through its readers and asking for subscribers and/or gifts or even a little subscription form after your article, would take away readers feeling like they are constantly being roped in and hit on for cash. I know writers need to, deserve to be paid. I just think there’s a better way to do it. Meanwhile, God bless your work.
All in on this, Christopher! And to your point about a growing Catholic movement….there is a coalition nationally, with emerging archdiocesan-based/parish-based effort this season of Lent, Easter through Corpus Christi. I hope you can come aboard.
https://www.jrsusa.org/season-of-faithful-witness/
https://paxchristiusa.org/2026/02/11/season-of-faithful-witness-hope-and-joy-a-reflection-for-black-history-month/
https://uscatholicmission.org/season-of-faithful-witness-promoting-human-dignity-through-public-action/
The Catholic church will follow where the people lead.