March 2014

Vol. 79, No. 3

Cover

Five habits of highly effective parishes

By Kristen Hannum
When it comes to solving parish problems, the best-kept secrets are found in the stories of other parishes. U.S. Catholic consults the experts for their advice on creating and supporting a lively, healthy parish.

Web-only sidebar:

Best practices for parish communications

Parish best practices: A case study in welcoming

Special issue on best practices for parishes

Best practices for worship

By Karen Baker

Best practices for charity and justice

By Jack Jezreel

Best practices for engaging youth

By Jennifer Ledonne

Best practices for multicultural parishes

By Brett C. Hoover

Expert Witness

Let the Spirit move you

An interview with Msgr. Ray East
A parish where all are welcome is often one that is overflowing with enthusiasm, says this veteran pastor. And when the community gets fired up about their faith, how can they keep from singing?

Web-only sidebar:

Ray East on African American Catholic spirituality

Reader Survey

The pews are alive

By Kira Dault

Whether they want to crank up the volume or pull the plug, U.S. Catholic readers see sharp differences in the quality of music at Mass. In Feedback, readers discuss which songs and musical styles strike the right chord.

Essays

(Essays, short stories, and poems may not be available online.)

In Person: Ground breaker

By Brian Baker
When Jim Ziolkowski ditched a corporate career to help others out of poverty, some scoffed at his grand plans. Now they’re some of his biggest supporters.

Departments

Editors’ Note

You May Be Right (Letters to the Editor)

Signs of the Times (News)

Catholic Tastes (Humor)

Culture in Context: Music, film, and book reviews

At Home with Our Faith (Family spirituality)

Eye of the Beholder (Art meditation)

Glad You Asked: Should we hold hands during the Lord’s prayer?

Columns

The Examined Life: Breaking ranks
By Bryan Cones

Margin Notes: Danger zone
By Kevin Clarke

Culture in Context: Jesus Christ: Movie star
By Sister Rose Pacatte, F.S.P.

Testaments: The scenic route 
By Alice Camille