Spirituality
Readings of the holy Mass – Second Sunday of Advent
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.
Can a Catholic be buried in a national cemetery?
Yes, writes Father Ken Doyle in answer to a reader's question, in which he digs further into Catholic burial practices. He also replies to another reader's question about receiving Communion outside of Mass.
Advent Week Two: Look to the past and future to prepare for the Lord’s coming
CatholicPhilly.com continues the four-week series on Advent in which Catholics prepare to celebrate the first coming of the Lord and the second coming of Christ at the end of time.
Advent: A moment ‘pregnant with Christ’
Advent reminds Michelle Francl-Donnay that, even in these storm-trammeled days, despite imperfections, this moment is ever pregnant with possibilities, this moment is always charged with God's grandeur.
Advent preparation: Are we ready to receive Jesus?
Advent is a time for serious reflection on our lives as disciples of Jesus, and the Scriptures for the second Sunday of Advent give us a wonder-filled look at life for the Christian believer upon the second coming.
How to craft a Jesse tree with your family
There's great value in knowing your roots. And that's exactly what a Jesse tree offers kids at Advent -- the chance to learn about Jesus' own family history as well as our connection to stories from the Old Testament.
Roots, stems and other natural images are central to Advent
Images such as new shoots from dead stumps and lions laying with calves foretell the universal peace that will reign when the Messiah comes, for all peoples will seek out the root of Jesse.
On Communion and anointing of the sick
Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q&A column explains the sacrament of anointing and when a person may receive Communion. Also, a reader wonders if Americans who voted for Hillary Clinton will go to hell.
Advent Week One: Expectation and preparation
CatholicPhilly.com presents a four-week series on Advent which begins Sunday, Nov. 27. Catholics look toward the season of promise and hope as we prepare for the Messiah's first coming, and his second.
Start a new family tradition this Advent
In an age where we can get almost everything we want in an instant, Advent is wonderfully old-school. It's a four-week pause amid the chaos of the Christmas season to think about the true Light of the World.