Current Issue

'Mr. Mom'

When Peter Eldredge’s adult daughter — who has cerebral palsy — first saw him decked out in his bold Stars and Stripes jacket, she saluted.

The memory of her wide-eyed wonder still brings a smile to Pete’s face, evident only by the sparkle and squint of his eyes above the face mask that he wears during the pandemic.

The U.S. Air Force veteran sits in the children’s room of his church, Holy Trinity in Somersworth, talking about what matters most to him: faith, patriotism and his beloved Samantha.

Want to read more about Peter Eldredge and his daughter Samantha? Please click here to learn how you and your parish can receive Parable.

Dear Father Kerper

Dear Father Kerper: For many years, I turned to the popes for guidance about matters of faith and morals. All of them, from Pius XII through Benedict XVI, taught clearly. Pope Francis, however, seems uninterested in doctrine and more concerned with secular issues like global warming, immigration and other such things. Doctrine and spiritual matters are the most important things in the Church. Why has the pope neglected to teach doctrine?

Like you, many good Catholics find Pope Francis very different from other popes they’ve known. As you note, he rarely speaks directly about Catholic doctrines such as classical explanations of the Eucharist, various types of grace and distinctions among sins.

This should not surprise us. After all, the reign of each pope coincides with a unique set of events, some very troublesome and unexpected. Moreover, each pope has a distinctive personality and biography. These shape his ways of communicating, governing and even worshipping. 

Want to read more of Father Kerper's response?  Please click here to learn how you and your parish can receive Parable.

Pictured above: Helen Heiner and Philip Turner at home. Framed photos of Ruth Turner and Dr. Jay R. Heiner, their first spouses who have died, are prominently displayed in the bookcase at left.

Love, Again

By Paul McAvoy | Photography by Tom Roy

It’s not unusual that people will share with us the good feedback they get when they have been featured in a Parable article – but it is unusual to hear that one of our articles sparked a romance and ultimately a marriage! This Valentine’s Day, Parable is very happy to share with you a New Hampshire Catholic love story – the story of Helen Heiner and Philip Turner, a couple brought together, in part, by this very magazine. 

Like what you see? Want to learn more about how Helen and Philip met? Please click here to learn how you and your parish can receive Parable.

Getting Through Life's Highs and Lows

A wonderful thing happened the other day: I realized I had bronchitis. Only bronchitis, just like I get every year. It was wonderful because I realized, like I do every year, that I hadn't suddenly become lazy and useless, but was legitimately sick, just like every year. And, like every other year, I would probably feel better soon.

Want to read more about coping with life's highs and lows? Please click here to learn how you and your parish can receive Parable.

Other Columns in the Current Issue

Bishop's Message - Peace on Earth. Good Will to All!
Catholic Quiz
Dear Father Kerper - Pope Francis' Encyclical Fratelli Tutti
Faith on Fire: Profiles of NH Youth - Gloria Caraballo: Young Latina is a Witness to Her Faith
Journeying With the Saints - St. Ignatius' Guide to Living
Marriage and Family Life: Getting Through Life's Highs and Lows
On Call With Dr. Pepe - Obesity Brings Many Risks
Feature: Love, Again
Cover Story - 'Mr. Mom'
Catholic Charities Report: Plan, Prepare, Repeat
Your Faith - Develop an Attitude of Gratitude
Catholic Life - Christmas Isn't Over: Celebrate Epiphany
Local News
Special Report - Fratelli Tutti, On Fraternity and Social Friendship
Calendar of Events
Feature: Knights of Columbus Founder Father McGivney Beatified
7 Days a Pastor: Reflections From Father Andrew Nelson - The Gift of the Magi
Mission Moment - St. Joseph's Grey Nuns Thrift Shop Collaborates with Community Resources to Support Those in Need