Perspectives
Articles, essays, and reflections from progressive Catholic voices.
To contribute to Perspectives or submit an article, contact cta@cta-usa.org.
When I walk into the clinic, I see God.
In this Advent reflection, Call To Action Vision Council member Emily Harrison connects her experience as an abortion doula to the journey of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and illustrates how her fellow abortion doulas create community and room for spiritual comfort.
Promises in the Dark
For the Fourth Sunday of Advent, L.F. Ranner reflects on the stillness of winter and the power found in this darkness as we wait for Christ to emerge. This reflection is a collaboration with DignityUSA’s Breath of the Spirit series.
From Acorn to Oak
For the Third Sunday of Advent, Cait Gardiner reflects on their journey of coming out as a non-binary Catholic and how fellow non-binary and Queer Catholics provided them with the strength and righteousness of the “oak.” This reflection is a collaboration with DignityUSA’s Breath of the Spirit series.
Vocal Training
For the Second Sunday of Advent, Richard Young reflects on how the wilderness provides us with “vocal training”—the skills needed to be the voice for change and inclusion. How do we fine-tune this training in the wilderness? This reflection is a collaboration with DignityUSA’s Breath of the Spirit series.
First Sunday of Advent: Queer Reassurance and Diligent Waiting
For the first Sunday of Advent, Sam Barnes reflects on God’s invitation to invite all to the table. How do we prepare for Advent as members of the LGBTQIA+ community? What does it mean to share the table with those who say we aren’t holy enough to be Catholic? This reflection is a collaboration with DignityUSA’s Breath of the Spirit series.
Longing for the Light: Merry Christmas!
Tess Thompson wraps up the 2022 Advent season with a message of Christmas hope and call for us to continue to combat the marginalization of Indigenous peoples.
Third Sunday of Advent: Are We to be the Light?
For the Third Sunday of Advent, 2022, Anti-Racism Team and Indigenous Solidarity Collective member Mary Ann Reed reflects on healthcare inequity.
Second Sunday of Advent: How Do We Anticipate With Joy?
For the Second Sunday of Advent, 2022, CTA’s new Executive Director Donna Tarney reflects on the complexity of brokenness and joy.
First Sunday of Advent: Stay Awake!
For the First Sunday of Advent, 2022, Interim Executive Director Lauren Barbato reflects on what it means to “stay awake” as North American Catholics grappling with our ugly personal and collective pasts.
Advent 2021: Regenerating and Renewing
Spurred on by the example of my Re/Generation Cohorts, I am more prepared to become “the voice crying out in the wilderness.” I am more ready to light the candles of expectation and joy, and these light a path for justice and hope for all who have been hurt or marginalized.