Spirituality

In the journey to Emmaus, a parallel for the Mass

In his commentary on this Sunday's Mass, Msgr. Joseph Prior shows how the disciples’ walk with Jesus after the resurrection mirrors our liturgy today, and the similar response to which it calls us.

Readings of the holy Mass — Third Sunday of Easter

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.

Don’t get snarky, get back in tune with Liturgy of the Hours

Gina Christian uses a device to keep her guitar in tune. She writes of how a powerful daily prayer, also in digital format, can do the same for our spiritual life before we get too sharp or flat.

To reverence God, take a knee — but which one?

Father Ken Doyle explains the custom of genuflecting in church only with the right knee, while the left was for VIPs. He thinks God might care more about our hearts than our knees.

Even in darkest places, God always shows the way, pope says

"Ours is not an absent God, sequestered in a faraway heaven. Instead he is a God 'impassioned' with mankind," so tenderly in love that he is unable to stay away, the pope said in his weekly audience.

In the mystery of Easter, all are called to encounter risen Lord

Effie Caldarola reflects on how Easter Sunday is only the beginning of a season of wonder, joy and mystery leading Christians to the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost.

Blessed are they who see, and live, through faith in the Resurrection

Msgr. Joseph Prior shows how faith in Christ's resurrection transforms the lives of those who have not seen, but who have believed and have handed on their faith through the generations.

Readings of the holy Mass — Second Sunday of Easter

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.

What’s the difference between a priest and a monsignor?

The honorary title "monsignor" has no effect on a priest's duties. Pope Francis has cautioned against priestly ambition, and in 2014 he declared diocesan priests would no longer be awarded the title before age 65.

Easter: Celebrating the central mystery of the Christian faith

The great feast of the resurrection of Jesus sets the tone for all Christian living. Our package presents reflections plus family Easter crafts and even a sizzling recipe to help your celebration and understanding of Easter.