Spirituality
Dispensation from Lenten abstinence is easy, isn’t it?
Whether a priest or bishop may allow parishioners to eat meat on say, St. Patrick's Day, during Lent is a more complicated issue than one might think, writes Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q&A.
On the sacraments: Baptism
A new catechetical series of stories on the Catholic sacraments by our partner Catholic News Service begins with the first sacrament of initiation into the Christian community, baptism.
Why baptism is no mere formality
Baptized Christians celebrate the rewards of life in Christ's living body. But they also must ensure that the faith community actually is "a gathering of friends" and "companions" for others who experience dark times.
Celebrating baptismal days each year affirms life of faith
Baptism is our church birthday, when we were born into the light of Christ. Celebrating it enables us "to pass on to future generations the meaning of life," as Pope Francis says.
Let the children come to me
Jesus said, "Let the children come to me," but he calls us all, whatever our age at baptism, to live a life of faith. Baptism of one's "household" in the Scriptures supports the traditional practice of infant baptism.
Pastors who lead double lives wound the church, pope says
Like the scribes and Pharisees of old, pastors end up leading a double life when they detach themselves from God and his people, the pope said in his homily Jan. 9 during morning Mass at the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Bullying is the devil’s work, pope says at morning Mass
Just as the influence of the Holy Spirit is recognized when one does an act of charity, Christians also must recognize the presence of the devil when bullying occurs, Pope Francis said.
In the visit of the Magi, all nations come to worship the Lord
The ancient kings who honored the newborn Jesus represent the many peoples who share in the divine plan of universal salvation.
Readings of the holy Mass – The Epiphany of the Lord
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.
A breath of hope in 2018
The new year reminds us to face the future with hope, writes Father Eugene Hemrick. More than mere optimism, this theological virtue sustains us in our faith and in our daily lives.