Author

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD, is the president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. A 1981 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a Rhodes scholar, he also serves as professor of Christian ethics and leadership at Donnelly College.

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When should parents have ‘the talk’ with their children?

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD Jun 18, 2019 0

Dear Father: I grew up in a family where my parents never talked about sex or other sensitive topics. I was left to figure things out on my own and learned about sex from kids at school. It was not the best moral education! I am now married…

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Do I need to confess the abuse I endured?

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD Jun 18, 2018 0

DEAR FATHER: Father, I have a question for you. A few years ago, my sister went to my 85-year-old mother and revealed a period of incestuous molestation that one of my brothers perpetuated against her, myself, and another sister. I have…

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Why Does God Permit Innocent Children to Suffer?

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD Jul 7, 2017 0

DEAR FATHER: My 4-year-old niece was just diagnosed with cancer, and I am devastated by this news. I find it hard to pray. I feel angry, and I don’t understand why God would allow this to happen. People say God has a plan and he is looking…

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Praying as ‘One Flesh’

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD Sep 13, 2016 0

Dear Father, I know praying together as a couple is important to do, but my husband feels awkward about it, and honestly, I do too. How can we overcome our hesitation, and how should we start? — Anonymous, Missouri First, thank you for…

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Prayer to the Saints

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD May 2, 2016 0

Q: Dear Father, I am a “cradle Catholic” who is dating an evangelical Christian from a “mega church” background (although I believe his extended family includes both Baptists and Methodists). He attends Mass with me often and seems…