Columns

“Grace does not destroy nature but perfects it.” “Grace does not remove nature but fulfills it.” (St. Thomas Aquinas, 13th Century) The words ‘perfects’ and ‘fulfills’ refer to the notions of progress and growth. We often hear people say that…

By Scott SullivanEditorMandatory LifeI read the news today, oh boy: “No mandatory life for 19- and 20-year-olds, court decides.”When I was 19 and 20, I never thought life was optional. At that age, why would I want to? Of course,…

Let’s give the tariffs time to work. If they don’t work I will be the first to admit I was wrong. President Trump seems to be backing off his hardline positions with a 90-day reprieve for most, and taking tariffs…

Sometimes we learn more about ourselves and our fu-ture by looking back in histo-ry.Today, we go back about a century to the Roaring ‘20s. Babe Ruth is slamming home runs, the Four Horse-men are playing for Knute Rockne at Notre…

To the editor: I am writing to correct the misinformation in the April 17 edition of the paper that mischaracterizes the April 14 meeting of the Allegan City Council. If you just read the headline, you’d be left with an…

“The flower that smells the sweetest is shy and lowly” -William WordsworthWe are approaching the festival season here in Three Rivers. From May through November, you’ll find many events to attend that will interest every member of the family. I…

In the ten years between 2000 and 2010 the Diocese of Saginaw lost about a third of its mass goers. Also, during this time many Catholic Schools were permanently closed. Sacred Heart in Gladwin, St, Athanasius in Harrison, St. Cecilia…

By Scott SullivanEditorBug AcreYum, yum … maggots? A Washington Post story stops shy of saying maggo-roni and cheese will soon be a diet staple for humans. But it already is for pets.Grubs are beetle, not fly, larvae, but no doubt…

I keep receiving emails from public health officials about the threat of measles. Just like a week ago, I read a release that announced two cases of measles had been diagnosed in Michigan. I had thought measles were a thing…

I keep hearing rumors about the Administration selling off the U.S. Post Of-fice as another cost-cutting measure. Maybe it is true; maybe not; maybe the idea is being floated to see what our reaction will be.I think it is goofy…

I have finally completed my first week of Cardio Rehab. I was a bit anxious about this experience, because I wasn’t sure what to expect. For those who have spent time in Cardio Rehab, I hope you don’t get bored…

When it comes do doing great and wonderful things for God, we often think of becoming a minister or priest or going to a foreign land. How wonderful it would be to travel to a distant land bringing the Good…

By Scott SullivanEditorActing OutIn spring a young man’s fancy turns to why Gavin Love, 25, of Grand Haven went on a rampage March 20 at the Holland Walmart store.Love knocked flat-screen TVs to the floor, smashed glass display cases and…

With all the talk about solar and windmill energy and how they will power our country in the future, we hear very little about nuclear plants that are being recommissioned.Nuclear power is considered by many to be the most efficient,…

President Trump has announced he plans to somehow annex or take over Canada and make it into our 51st state.I am not certain of the finer details of his aspiration and question if he has any real plans. Besides, we…

While I sometimes have a hard time figuring out what I want, I sometimes have an even harder time figuring out what God wants. Of course I want peace and love, who doesn’t? I would also want a cure for…

By Scott SullivanEditorGod’s HammerI repent many things: getting married, tearing labels off pillows, writing this column … And I’m better for it.Doesn’t mean I stop doing those things. But the guilt I harbor allays my fear I’ve become another mild-mannered…

Maybe someone can explain to me why firebombing a Tesla dealership or a Tesla car makes sense.Over the past week Tesla vehicles have been front and center in the resistance directed at President Trump and his DOGE leader. Elon Musk.…

    I sometimes glance at the marquee outside a church.  Some give the worship hours and their cleric’s name; others have a pithy little maxim to amuse the motorists.  A good example was one about wishing Noah had swatted the…

My wife has suggested that I clean up my office. It seems she came in there yesterday and couldn’t find her way out. This prompted me to clear out a couple file folders filled with useless information. I thought you…