Spirituality
Readings of the Holy Mass – Fourth Sunday of Lent
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Don’t hold grudges; forgiveness comes from forgiving others, pope says
"We carry with us a list of things that have been done to us" and then "grudges make a nest in our heart," Pope Francis said at Mass March 6. "God's forgiveness is felt strongly within us as long as we forgive others."
Sacrifice: A Lenten reflection
Fasting and other sacrifices can aid us in our Lenten journey from self-denial to transformation in Jesus. See our package of stories on sacrifice, which literally means to "make the world a holy place."
This Lent try a new sacrifice — adopt an attitude of gratitude
Reframing our approach to life through gratitude can help us better appreciate family and parishioners. Lenten activities that draw us together can bring profound blessings beyond the finite days of Lent.
Know the history and the reasons for Lenten fasting
In the early church, Christians treated Wednesday and Saturday as fast days, as well as before major feast days like Easter. Giving to the poor during Lent developed as an effective sacrifice and form of self-denial.
Embrace sacrifice, but don’t forget service and surrender
There are three ways we can embrace sacrifice this Lent: ask how much do we need to be happy; look to the needs of those less fortunate; and practice the faith we profess by reconciling with Christ.
Victory of love: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has power for our lives
Commenting on the readings for Mass this Sunday, Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how the Ten Commandments codify in the law our relationship with God and each other, and how Christ's self-offering fulfills that law.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Third Sunday of Lent
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Protestants can receive ashes, but draw a line at the Eucharist
The reception of ashes is a praiseworthy attitude common to all Christians during Lent, explains Father Ken Doyle. But only Catholics may receive Communion, which is a sign of unity that does not fully exist among all Christian faithful.
Confessional is a place of forgiveness, not threats, pope says
God "does not want to beat us and condemn us," but rather "he always looks for a way to enter the hearts" of those who are repentant, the pope said.