Thirty-two states have voted for constitutional amendments banning gay marriage. Unprecedented efforts by Catholic bishops and other religious leaders have sparked a national conversation on the importance of marriage and why it's worth saving. The indefatigable National Organization for Marriage has done amazing work as well.

But after all this effort, I'm wondering if the Supreme Court might just "Roe" us on gay marriage? With two recent court rulings going against the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, it's growing increasingly likely that the Supreme Court will take this issue on. It's hard to know which case...READ MORE

Wonder if the media fact-checkers will get this one out there. Uhm. Something tells me there's as much chance of that as margaritas in Hell. So let's break it down.

During the debate last night, President Obama defended Planned Parenthood. As usual. But why? Did a woman ask about the HHS mandate? No. Did a young woman ask about her right to tear apart her baby limb from limb if "it" might interfere with her active night life? Nope. Was Sandra Fluke there? No. Obama brought up Planned Parenthood because a woman asked about pay equity, of course.

Seriously, what is it with this guy? He's like a wind-up toy with pre-set responses. If "women's issues" come up, Obama immediately starts...READ MORE

I knew Senator Arlen Specter a little bit and I was sorry yesterday to hear of his passing. He was a fighter. I think on that we can all agree.

Back in my political campaign days it was impossible not to run into him, to hear of him, to worry about what he thought of this person or that person. He was a huge presence that both frustrated and inspired Republicans in Pennsylvania (and I'm sure nationally.) He was frustrating obviously because of his inconsistent voting record and inspiring because he was proof that Republicans could win in Pennsylvania's suburbs.

His endorsement was a huge deal for candidates in the Philly suburbs. I dealt often with his beleaguered staff and...READ MORE

I've been attending Mass with children for 13 years now. I'm not saying I'm an expert. In fact, I've learned most of these lessons the most embarrassing way possible. So I share them with you.

12) Sing at Mass. It'll inspire your kids to sing. And there's few things in this world better for people to hear in Church than the sound of children singing.

11) When entering the pew, separate the problem children. You know which ones they are.

10) Sit near families with badly behaved children. The spectacle of the children will keep your children quiet because they'll be in shock and wondering why they can't get away with that. And your children will look great in comparison.

9) Don't...READ MORE

While the HHS contraceptive mandate was front and center during the Democratic National convention, the focus of considerable media attention, the cause of a nationwide protest movement including The Fortnight for Freedom, and the subject of dozens of lawsuits filed by Catholic colleges and other institutions, the issue of religious liberty was essentially ignored during the first presidential debate between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney.

Moderator Jim Lehrer of PBS, who did a good job in many ways, failed to ask a question about this important issue despite the focus of the debate being domestic issues. But more surprisingly, President Obama, who couldn't talk...READ MORE

I brought my godson, a four month old baby, to my daughter's volleyball game.

Bringing a baby anywhere is like being a bodyguard/spokesperson for a moody celebrity. You have to clean up their messes. People want to come up to them, touch them, and just look at them. But the celebrity doesn't talk to riff raff. All questions are handled by the spokesperson/bodyguard.

The baby has done nothing to gain celebrity status and he drools. So in many ways he's exactly like an actual celebrity.

I wheeled the stroller to the foot of the bleachers and picked the baby out and climbed up into the bleachers with my children.to watch the game. Now, there's soemthing very nice about the beginnings...READ MORE

My wife and I recently celebrated our fiteenth anniversary. So I thought I'd share the sum total of my marital wisdom with you. Being a husband means...

...Shamelessly holding her pocketbook in public places while she tries something on.

...Redecorating your living room. For no apparent reason.

...Being told that your favorite outfit doesn't actually match. Not even close.

...Surprise footrubs. And by surprise footrubs I mean, all of a sudden like she plops her dogs on your lap and complains how much they hurt. You get the subtle hint.

...Not being surprised when she asks, "Wait, haven't you seen this John Wayne movie before?"

...Finding out "love, honor and obey" doesn't mean...READ MORE

I write for the National Catholic Register so sometimes I'll get an email or a call from public relations people to interview a writer or a celebrity. It's kinda' cool. I know some writers and reporters get it all the time so it's kinda' boring for them but for me it's still pretty cool.

Last year, I interviewed Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez and another time I interviewed Teresa Tomeo over the phone. She's the easiest interview ever because you ask her one question and she's so passionate and knowledgeable that she'll talk for the whole interview.

But all in all I think I'm a pretty terrible interviewer because I always do a lot of research and then I completely get thrown off and...READ MORE