Spirituality
The Christian’s mission: to point to Christ, source of life
Msgr. Joseph Prior sees in the readings for this Sunday's Mass words of encouragement to keep the mission of evangelization in focus, as did St. John the Baptist and St. Paul, and not lose sight of it.
Readings of the holy Mass — Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Can a woman preach the homily at Mass?
Father Ken Doyle explains the church's rules for priests and deacons only to preach, but that in some cases a bishop may allow laypersons to offer a reflection. Also, Father Doyle explains a Catholic-Jewish wedding.
Cremation, burial at sea and the resurrection
Father Ken Doyle, in answering two questions about burial practices, clears up misconceptions about the church's policies and theology concerning a deceased person's remains, and the raising of the dead.
Look for Jesus today, and when you see him, rejoice
Just as the magi and other characters of the Christmas story sought Jesus and gave him homage, so we also must do every day in thanks for his great love, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the feast of the Epiphany.
Readings of the holy Mass – Epiphany of the Lord
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
The magi read the writing in a star
Gazing at the stars on the cusp of the Epiphany of the Lord, Gina Christian reflects on how we lay aside our own magic and our own kingdoms for the lasting treasure of Christ.
Another writer goes on defense for his ‘football priest’
Father Ken Doyle gets a letter by a deacon who takes issue with a recent letter writer objecting to a priest's comments on the local football team. It's an example of how words can be taken differently in a congregation.
After Christmas, take the time to ponder and rest in God, as Mary did
St. Luke's portrait of Mary pondering the things of Jesus' birth in her heart remind us that God is within us calling us to sit quietly in contemplation with him, writes Michelle Francl-Donnay before the solemnity of the Mother of God.
Amidst Christmas parties, don’t miss big news of the Nativity
Msgr. Joseph Prior reviews all the Gospel readings for the Christmas Masses, which tell how God lowers himself to take on our humanity so that we might become divine, so great is his love for us.