Spirituality
Salvation comes from Jesus, not DIY rules, earthly gurus, pope says
Jesus, with his gift of mercy, is the source of salvation, not surefire, clear-cut rules and commandments made by people, Pope Francis said.
Can a Catholic witness a friend’s civil marriage? It’s complicated
Father Ken Doyle gives credit to a couple who do not practice the Catholic faith who married in a civil ceremony, and to their Catholic friend who witnessed the wedding. He also explains the mingling of water with wine.
Pope: Use gifts to benefit church, not create division, envy, annoyance
Everyone has a special gift to offer the whole church, just make sure it is used to serve everyone and not to puff up one's own pride or to create division, Pope Francis said.
Lying is (almost) always wrong
Father Ken Doyle answers a CCD teacher's question about lying -- yes it is wrong, but there is wiggle room in the church's teaching on the topic.
Padre Pio was a saint for our time
St. Padre Pio’s feast was celebrated this week, and Father Gus Puleo retraces the mystic’s remarkable ministry in the 20th century – one with roots in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, where devotion to the saint remains strong.
A time to talk, a time to listen — in church
Father Ken Doyle answers the plea of a Catholic who finds people's conversations in church disrespectful, and at times downright rude. He describes striking a balance where people can "catch up a bit" and maintain an atmosphere of prayerful silence.
With Holy Spirit’s inspiration, go out to the world, pope says
Tuck the Gospel in your pocket and put on your walking shoes to share Christ's love, peace and joy with the world, Pope Francis said. The faithful, he said, must "not be indifferent to or removed from the fate of our brothers and sisters."
Why the church does not ordain women
Father Ken Doyle explains the church's teaching for a reader wanting to respond to a friend. Ordaining women, he writes, is not the church's call to make. It's our Founder's decision.
Pope: Just as God freely offers salvation, don’t give hoping to benefit
Christians are called to help those who have nothing to give and love those who don't love back, Pope Francis said.
Fall brings with it a spiritual renewal
"Every face turned to him grows brighter," wrote the psalmist, probably on a fall afternoon. For columnist Effie Caldarola, the autumn is a beautiful time for volunteering, learning and praying together.