Spirituality
Pope: Self-righteous rebels are doomed, repentant sinners are saved
"The people who are humble, lowly and trust in the Lord, they are the ones who are saved, and this is the way of the church, right?" Pope Francis said during morning Mass today at the Vatican.
Count down to Christmas by counting your blessings, pope says
A Christian's Christmas joy has nothing to do with "the consumerism that leads to everyone being anxious Dec. 24 because, 'Oh, I don't have this, I need that,'" Pope Francis told parishioners on Sunday. Christian joy "comes from prayer and from giving thanks to God."
No prize, not for sale: God’s grace is free, loving embrace, pope says
God's grace isn't "merchandise" that people can hoard or exploit for themselves; it is a free and loving embrace from God, Pope Francis said.
All Father wants for Christmas is…
Like everyone, Father Joseph Corley is waiting during Advent for Jesus, the hope of the world. But the Delaware County pastor knows the spiritual gifts he wants for Christmas, and here's hoping he gets them.
Enjoy the music at Mass? Hold your applause
Breaking the flow of the liturgy and spirit of prayer by clapping for a choir during Mass seems inappropriate to Father Ken Doyle, who answers questions in his weekly column.
Church is ‘mother’ when it offers mercy and tenderness, pope says
"The joy of going out to search for our brothers and sisters who are far off, this is the joy of the church," the pope said at morning Mass today. "That is when the church becomes a mother, becomes fruitful."
Disposing of cremains and that old wedding ring
Father Ken Doyle finds ample church teaching on how respectfully to bury or entomb a loved one's cremated remains, but less so on what to do with the wedding ring from one's first, annulled, marriage.
God reveals himself to humble hearts, says pope
God reveals himself to humble and meek hearts, said Pope Francis at morning Mass.
Paying attention ahead of the Christmas season
In a world full of distractions, family and friends often become a blur in a busy day, especially during Christmas. Father Eugene Hemrick advises us to attend to our relationships, including with our Father.
The world will end with peace, not annihilation, Pope Francis says
Believing in eternity and in the final establishment of the kingdom of God, Christians throughout history -- starting with the disciples -- were filled with questions such as when the end will come and what will happen to the created world, Pope Francis said.