Spirituality
Readings of the holy Mass – Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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.
Dad is old and sick; is dialysis morally required?
Father Ken Doyle answers a reader's question about the Catholic ethical teaching on extraordinary medical treatments near the end of life. He also writes on welcome, and caution, when a "scruffy fellow" attends Mass.
Why Catholics relate to Mary, our Mother
Father John Catoir recalls the perfect answer to the question of why Catholics believe so strongly in praying to Mary as the way to her Son, Jesus: "If you want to get to the Man, you get to the Mother."
On this Sunday in the Year of Mercy, 3 ways that God ‘welcomes sinners’
Jesus tells parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost -- or prodigal -- son to explain God's invitation to his divine mercy and offer of life, as Msgr. Joseph Prior explains this Sunday's readings for Mass.
Readings of the holy Mass – Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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.
It’s still warm, and people still wear shorts — even at the altar
Father Ken Doyle responds to a reader's disgust at people's clothing of choice at Mass, especially extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, so he reviews the guidelines on appropriate apparel.
Jesus makes clear what it takes to follow him
Family ties, a construction project and military operations are three examples Jesus uses to show the cost -- and eternal reward -- of discipleship, explains Msgr. Joseph Prior in his reflection on this Sunday’s Scripture readings.
Readings of the holy Mass: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
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.
Love one another ‘as is,’ not as we’d prefer
A homeless veteran killed recently by a drunk driver shows writer Gina Christian, who attended the woman's memorial, how we must take the risk to love all people without condition, as they are.
Jesus’ mercy extends to even the greatest of sinners, pope says
While many often feel "cast aside" because of their sins, Jesus offers encouragement and "tells us, 'Courage, come to me,'" the pope said Aug. 31 at his weekly general audience.