Spirituality

Hope wanes in church wounded by sin, pope says

Pope Francis warned that the troubles in the church can lead to a "weariness of hope" and a "gray pragmatism" that "calls into question the viability of our mission in this world." The remedy: return to the deep well of our first love, Jesus.

The Lord’s Prayer and the sign of peace at Mass

Part five of a seven-part series of articles and videos on the Mass from our partner Catholic News Service explores two key moments in the liturgy: the Lord's Prayer and the sign of peace.

A circle of praise and petition

The words in which Christ instructed his disciples to pray are an important part of the liturgy, reminding us of our dependence on God and each other.

Beyond a handshake: The profound nature of the sign of peace

The familiar exchange at Mass is not only steeped in contemporary meaning, but profoundly reflective of the whole purpose of Jesus’ ministry and message.

Praying for a newly engaged couple, and a retired pope

Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q&A answers one reader curious about an old and updated Catholic rite of betrothal, and whether a priest can include prayers for retired Pope Benedict at Mass. He can.

Readings of the Holy Mass – Third 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.

The Spirit moving through Scripture also moves in us today

Commenting on this Sunday's readings for Mass, Msgr. Joseph Prior reflects on the account of Jesus reading from Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me." We respond in joy from our heart, where the Spirit lives.

In the Eucharist, we reach the peak of worship

Part four of a seven-part series of articles and videos on the Mass from our partner Catholic News Service delves into the what Catholics say they believe -- the Nicene Creed -- and the deep mystery of the eucharistic prayer. 

The eucharistic prayer: Culmination of mystery made manifest

Instead of succumbing to the bewilderment of bread becoming Christ's body, one should be drawn into a deeper relationship with God by understanding the words and parts that comprise the eucharistic prayer.

Ancient creed makes impact on contemporary world

The Nicene Creed recited at every Sunday Mass reminds believers of our core beliefs and, with its repeated "I believe" affirmations, challenges us to zero in today on faith’s foundations.