Spirituality
Invoke the Holy Spirit, fountain of the Father’s mercy
Mercy, which is manifested in Jesus Christ, lies at the heart of the Christian faith, writes Redemptorist Father Dennis Billy, who explains the Holy Spirit's works of mercy through the church's sacraments.
Should extraordinary ministers serve instead of a priest?
Father Ken Doyle explains the difference between ordinary and extraordinary ministers of Communion, and if an elderly widowed couple must wait to take marriage prep courses.
In Holy Week’s triduum, place yourself in passion
In the manner of St. Ignatius, Michelle Francl-Donnay suggests we imagine ourselves among the characters of the passion of Christ, and our role in his Kingdom. What is he saying to us, and what will we do?
When the world’s tears meet Veronica’s veil
In praying the Stations of the Cross with her parish, Gina Christian realizes St. Veronica's tender gesture of wiping the face of Jesus can be a model of our response to the suffering of people near and far.
The hardest love is forgiveness of the one who hurt you most
Chris Stefanick sees in Jesus' act of love on the cross, and the early Christians' forgiveness of their persecutors, the way that love can not only change our world, but ourselves too.
Funeral Mass isn’t required, but why not celebrate it?
Father Ken Doyle replies to two readers that a funeral Mass is preferred because among other reasons, it reminds those in attendance that God conquers all things, including death.
Salvation comes through the cross, not a magic wand, pope says
"The crucifix is not a decoration," Pope Francis said at morning Mass March 15. "If we want to know the love of God, let us look to the crucifix."
Preach the truth of your goodness to yourself
Don't listen to the lies you hear about your unworthiness and the names you're called, writes Chris Stefanick. Believe in the person redeemed and loved by God, then preach that truth to others.
Can one pray at Mass with open hands, or not?
Questions by readers including whether to hold hands or raise them as does a priest, especially during the Our Father, show continued angst over bodily gestures. So Father Ken Doyle answers them again.
Pray with Pope Francis in March
Watch two videos of the pope's March prayer intentions, for families and persecuted Christians, and see our prayer resources.