January 6, 2022 marked the twentieth anniversary of the Boston Globe’s groundbreaking story about the Archdiocese of Boston’s failure to protect children and attendant cover-up. While the scandal involving Catholic Church leadership and clergy abuse began in Boston, it quickly spread throughout the country like a wildfire resulting in numerous stories about failed leadership in … Continue reading 2014 Memo Highlights Fraught Time in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
With a fulltime schedule as a pastor and professor and amidst a fraught political environment, I didn’t have the time or inclination to blog this past fall. Now, in the interregnum between semesters – having submitted my grades yesterday – I thought I would weigh in with a look back and a look ahead to … Continue reading Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Rest in Peace Tom Johnson – The Call to Continue His Work
Last Saturday, on a beautiful June morning, family, friends and colleagues of Tom Johnson celebrated his remarkable life and important work at Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis. Although attendance for Tom’s funeral was significantly limited due to COVID, Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan and Senator Klobuchar were all in attendance. After the funeral, which … Continue reading Rest in Peace Tom Johnson – The Call to Continue His Work
Harm, Trauma and Transformation: Confronting the National Sin of Racism
A week ago, George Floyd was killed in broad daylight in Minneapolis as Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck and back for nearly nine minutes, while the other officers stood at the scene looking on. The casualness of Derek Chauvin’s look on his face as he was snuffing the life out of Floyd, as Floyd … Continue reading Harm, Trauma and Transformation: Confronting the National Sin of Racism
We Finally Have Hope
Hope is a powerful force. In the midst of darkness, adversity, and the challenging circumstances of life, hope can provide the impetus for resilience and endurance - the breaking light of better days ahead. I think of the hope that must be in the souls and hearts of our Ukrainian sisters and brothers as they … Continue reading We Finally Have Hope
Pandemics Can Be Clarifying
Earlier this year, members of the St. Thomas community in Minnesota learned that Dr. Julie Sullivan, president of the university for the past nine years, was stepping down and had accepted the presidency of Santa Clara University in northern California – a five-minute drive from most of her grandchildren. In conversations with colleagues, some opined … Continue reading Pandemics Can Be Clarifying
Attending to Spiritual Realities – Principles for a Healthier and Happier 2021
When looking at the state of our country and the struggles that abound, the fact that so many individuals and our society seek to journey apart from the light of God's grace and truth should not be minimized for its effect. Scripture often presents the two paths that are open before us - with God … Continue reading Attending to Spiritual Realities – Principles for a Healthier and Happier 2021
The Framers Prescient Fears Come to Fruition in this Season of Discontent
Last Wednesday as the U.S. Capitol was under siege in a violent attack, which left 5 dead, several injured, scores arrested and a country on the brink, I was in the midst of an Ignatian retreat. After my requisite and fruitful prayer periods on January 6th, I tuned into the evening news and was stunned … Continue reading The Framers Prescient Fears Come to Fruition in this Season of Discontent
Reflections on a Year as Liaison for Restorative Justice and Healing
July 1, 2020 marked the one-year anniversary of my appointment as Liaison for Restorative Justice and Healing in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This date also marked 15 years that I have served as a pastor in the archdiocese. I see so many bridges between the work of restorative justice and the ministry … Continue reading Reflections on a Year as Liaison for Restorative Justice and Healing
Culture Change Regarding Racial Justice is Possible in Minnesota and Nationally
DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT June 5, 2020 marked the fifth anniversary of the groundbreaking charges brought by the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (RCAO) against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis (ASPM). In bringing criminal charges and a civil suit, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi stated that he was seeking a change of … Continue reading Culture Change Regarding Racial Justice is Possible in Minnesota and Nationally
Faith, Justice & Flourishing 