8-20-10 THE BISHOP'S VOICE: The greatest challenge to church and society Often I am asked what I believe to be the greatest challenge to the church and society in general as we move into the second decade of the 21st century. I’ve thought about that question enough that I don’t even hesitate in my answer. I am convinced that we are in a battle to preserve the meaning of marriage and family life, and that battle must be won if society itself is to continue to exist.

8-6-10 THE BISHOP'S VOICE: Stay vigilant with health care reform Four months ago, Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Some opponents of this law predicted that it would immediately lead to widespread federal funding for abortions.

7-16-10 THE BISHOP'S VOICE: NFP Awareness Week July 25-31 marks National Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week. NFP is a morally acceptable way of avoiding pregnancies as well as achieving pregnancies. NFP methods are based on observation of the naturally recurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s cycle. There is no reason for a married couple to make use of contraception, which is contrary to Catholic teaching.

7-2-10 THE BISHOP'S VOICE: (No column this issue) Bishop Sheridan was on vacation and did not write a column for the July 2 Herald.

6-18-10 THE BISHOP'S VOICE: Challenging the culture Last week, on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 11), I gathered at the cathedral with a large number of our priests and deacons and with lay people from almost every parish in the diocese. We celebrated Mass and marked an end and a beginning.

6-4-10 THE BISHOP'S VOICE: Reflections on the Sacrament of Marriage Spring is a time when the sacramental life of the church is particularly evident. These are the days when we celebrate First Holy Communions, confirmations, ordinations and marriages. It is to the last of these sacraments that I devote my thoughts today.