worth noting . . .
worth noting . . .

THE ETERNAL SALVATION OF SOULS . . . When was the last time you heard a priest talk about the salvation of souls? I hope it was recently, but I doubt it. Phrases like that and words like “supernatural” and “sanctifying grace” are generally avoided by many modern theologians. In this issue you will find an article on what the Church thinks about the “salvation of souls”; it was written by Msgr. Clarence J. Hettinger who has contributed several articles on marriage and annulments in the past. Msgr. Hettinger spells out for us what the Code of Canon Law, the new Catechism and various statements of Pope John Paul II say about the importance of salvation. It is impressive (p. 6).

THE INFLUENCE OF PRIESTS . . . We can all remember priests who made an impression on us in the course of our lives, perhaps especially as children and students. In this issue, Dr. Jude P. Dougherty, Dean Emeritus of the School of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America, offers us his reflections on worthy priests he has known. What stands out in this article is the impression priests make on others, often without the priest even knowing it. Virtue, kindness and fidelity to the obligations of the priesthood influence others. There is a good lesson in this for all priests (p. 19).

STUDY AND GROWTH IN HOLINESS . . . Priests and religious spend many years studying—literature, science, philosophy and theology. It is therefore very important that study be incorporated into the spiritual life of each individual. This goes not only for priests and religious, but also for lay people. For there is an intimate connection between the search for truth and the growth in holiness. In this issue Fr. Basil Cole, O.P., who is a regular contributor to HPR, examines this matter in the light of the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas. He shows how the right approach to study can help in striving to be a saint (p. 23).

LISTENING AND PREACHING . . . In January 1999 we printed an article by Fr. Kurt Stasiak, O.S.B., called “Ten Pleas from the Pews.” The author received comments on his article, one of which suggested that he write about some guidelines for those who listen to homilies in church on Sunday. In response Fr. Stasiak came up with “Five Pleas from the Pulpit” in which he offers five suggestions for the faithful so that they can get more out of the homily. A practical suggestion is that the faithful should read and reflect on the Sunday readings before they come to Mass. If they are familiar with the readings they will profit more from the homily—and the preacher will be motivated to offer them solid material for spiritual growth (p. 31).—K.B.

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