Spirituality

Readings of the Holy Mass – Second Sunday of Advent

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.

Pondering life’s end, whenever it comes

Appreciating the simple pleasures of life and paying attention to the people in our lives are two ways that Msgr. Joseph Corley ponders his mortality and stays centered on Christ, who is coming.

A life built on trust in God is built on solid ground, pope says

Christians are not people of faith in name only, Pope Francis said; they trust in God, base their lives on his truth and seek to act on the teachings of Jesus.

Church must catch up and serve needs of single parents

Throughout the country a number of parishes and dioceses are offering support programs to single parents, even if such support has been slow in coming, writes Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q&A.

Wait for the Lord — and on him, in service to others at Advent

Advent is about waiting in an impatient culture, writes Gina Christian. Our acts of kindness and patience, listening to our brothers and sisters, and our prayers, help us to recognize the time of Jesus' visitation.

Advent is time of vigilance and prayer, pope says

Christians can turn Christmas into a "pagan" or "mundane" holiday by focusing on the gifts and the tree rather than on the birth of Jesus and his promise to come again, Pope Francis said.

During Advent, spend time each day getting ready for Christ’s coming

Vigilance and hope are central to this season of preparation, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. A few minutes of daily prayer and reflection will add up to great results in Advent, and in our lives.

Readings of the Holy Mass – First Sunday of Advent

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.

Advent, a season to ready the way of the Lord

In this set of articles from our partner Catholic News Service, we examine this time of preparation and new beginnings, which hails the birth of Christ in history and hearts.

Advent marks a new beginning in countless ways

As a new liturgical year opens, we start all over again, but as different persons who continuously grow closer to Christ and to the fulfillment of his kingdom.