Spirituality
Divisions among Christians are ‘a scandal,’ pope says at audience
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The divisions that exist among Christians are a source of pain and scandal, and damage the credibility and work of spreading the Gospel, Pope Francis said.
After Christmas, now the Ordinary – and the sacred
Michelle Donnay notices that beneath the house dusting and winter vegetables of Ordinary Time, there lies the poetic mysticism of everyday life.
On Christ’s sufferings and the shake of peace
Father Ken Doyle explains how our own sufferings, like St. Paul, join with Christ's sufferings and his mission of redemption. The columnist also answers a question about withholding a handshake at Mass.
Authority in preaching comes from loving like Jesus did, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The authority of Jesus' teaching seemed "new" to the people of his day, not because of its content, but because of the love and respect with which Jesus spoke, Pope Francis said.
Guilt-ridden grandmom wants to baptize grandson herself
Father Ken Doyle sets a well-intentioned woman straight on Catholic education, church law, and the concept of limbo, all over her non-baptized grandson.
Pope Francis: Discern good from bad in ‘flea market’ of desires
"Our heart is always filled with desires, wishes, thoughts," he said, suggesting a simple test to reveal whether a feeling brings one closer to God or drives one further away.
Today’s impractical gift for mother and babe points to a wondrous light
Columnist Michelle Francl-Donnay has an epiphany of how to put the incarnation into practice after the 12th day of Christmas.
Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for January
The pope offers his universal and evangelization prayer intentions for the month.
Rules for religion — why are there so many?
Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q& A column writes there are good reasons for the 2,865 sections, or "explanations," of the Catholic Catechism. Jesus reminded us of two rules, but not only two. Also, Father Doyle says it's OK to listen to Joel Osteen and other Protestant preachers.
What to do when a woman falls for a priest?
Father Ken Doyle advises a cooling off period for a woman who says she is in love with a priest. Also, he tips his cap to a question about wearing hats in church.