Spirituality
‘Holy Mary’: Pray the Rosary for Peace
First offered by the USCCB after the 9/11 attacks, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary for Peace are presented here in union with Pope Francis' urging for everyone to pray for peace in Ukraine.
Christians to mark Ash Wednesday in Philadelphia
Lent for Christians throughout the world begins today, and Archbishop Pérez will be the main celebrant for Mass at the cathedral. March 2 also is a day of fasting for peace in Ukraine.
As Lent begins, we fast for peace and renew our lives
Father Christopher Moriconi suggests that we dedicate not only fasting on this Ash Wednesday for peace in Ukraine, but for prayer and almsgiving as well this Lent so that the season does not pass us by unchanged.
Rules for fasting and abstinence
See the Lenten guides prescribed by the Catholic bishops of the United States, as a minimal obligation, for eating meals on Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent.
Ash Wednesday: Return to me
Philadelphia writer Emma Dickinson's encounter with a homeless man is a Lenten lesson: We should remember our poverty, ask God for what we need and be ready to receive it, humbly.
Ash Wednesday: Leave the ‘Egypt’ of our hearts and return to God
Like the Israelites' temptations during their 40-year excursion in the desert, we too during Lent might be lured to the path of sin. But God offers a new covenant of mercy.
On welcoming or refusing to give Communion
In his Q&A, Father Ken Doyle advises a reader wondering about the consequences for people who have left the church receiving the Eucharist.
Jesus teaches us to weave love and mercy into our lives
Our teacher, Jesus, invites us into a relationship of friendship and family. He invites us to be his students and part of the Father’s family, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on this Sunday's Gospel.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read, listen to or watch videos of the Mass readings with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Called to unity, we’re tearing ourselves apart from within
Catholics are spending a lot of time arguing with each other, despite our Gospel call to unity and service amid a world in need, writes Gina Christian.