And Today's Pinch Hitter Is....

It's about 5 AM and I am packing up to hit the road for a day-long presentation on moral theology for catechists in my diocese. I spent yesterday preparing, which is why I had no post for Friday. As I will be away all day today, I am bringing in another pinch hitter from the right side of the plate.

Last Sunday the New York Times religion editor Ross Douthat created quite a stir with his essay, "The Plot to Hijack the Catholic Church." As luck would have it, Ross was scheduled to speak last Tuesday for a lecture series sponsored by the conservative Catholic blog site/journal "First Things." His presentation was "The Crisis of Conservative Catholicism." First Things is somewhat more conservative than I am, but many of its ventures are intriguing and enlightening. Ross's 30-minute presentation is fascinating and his recommendations I found highly useful for the entire Church, touching as they do the heart of theological adult education.

So, if you have time today, pour a cup of coffee and kick back to enjoy Mr. Douthat's thoughtful and focused presentation. I will see you tomorrow unless my cable is down.