Spirituality

Sowing in tears leads to reaping in joy

A dying garden and wasted sunflower seeds remind Gina Christian that a difficult summer has quickly faded into winter's coming gloom. But in Christ, we can trust that our tears will ultimately water a bountiful, and beautiful, harvest.

Respect for life starts with individuals, extends to parish communities

October is Respect Life Month in the United States, and this package of resources helps Catholics and all people understand how they can work together to build a culture of life.

How parishes can support families with pregnancy and infant loss

Parish communities can support families before, during and after a family's crisis pregnancy and the death of an infant, writes a mother experienced with both. Parishes can memorialize, offer sacraments and accompany families in their most difficult hour.

Small, local efforts to build a culture that respects life

From helping at pregnancy resource centers or in nursing homes and hospice centers and at every point in between, we help one another to bear the burdens of life and to welcome every human life, writes Elizabeth Kirk.

Beware of those who want God to live up to their standards, pope says

Too many Christians today are "as long as" Christians, obeying God "as long as" God and the church meet their conditions and criteria for what is acceptable, just and righteous, Pope Francis said.

Readings of the Holy Mass: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.

Addiction recovery is a journey for the soul as well as the body

True and lasting healing from substance abuse ultimately comes from a profound knowledge of the love of Christ. In this set of articles from Catholic News Service, we explore how the Catholic faith can set those suffering from addiction on a path that leads through recovery to sanctity.

Spiritual support on the road to recovery from addiction

The soul, as well as the body, is wounded by substance abuse. Retreats, which draw participants more closely to God through word and sacrament, are an essential and ongoing part of the healing process.

Matt Talbot: An old friend on the modern journey to recovery

The Irish laborer, declared "venerable" by Pope Paul VI, has become a beloved patron for those struggling with substance abuse. Almost destroyed by severe alcoholism, Talbot found healing and hope through a profound love of Christ and devotion to the Catholic faith.

The Spirit of God is beating on the doors of our hearts

The "massive, joyous love" of Jesus extends to all, inviting us to relinquish fear and regret so that we can pray, forgive and build a community like we never have before,