Spirituality

‘Do not let your heart be troubled,’ Jesus says in troubling time

Jesus encouraged his disciples with his promise of eternal life and his call for the communion of disciples, whom we witness today helping one another, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.

Readings of the Holy Mass: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.

No flowers for Mother’s Day

The coronavirus pandemic prevented Gina Christian from keeping to a cherished holiday tradition, but revealed a deeper meaning about moms.

Pope encourages people to rediscover need for prayer

The coronavirus pandemic is a time to "open the doors of our hearts to the love of God our father, who will listen to us," Pope Francis said May 6 in a new series of talks about prayer, "the breath of faith."

If you can’t go to church, you can still make Sunday special

Father Ken Doyle answers a reader's question about watching Mass on TV. In addition to doing so, one should also set aside time for prayer on the Lord's day. He also explains the sacrament of penance.

Stargazing in a time of plague

A new image from space reminds us that times of crisis, such as the coronavirus pandemic, are the perfect moments to look up to the heavens and beyond our present suffering, writes Gina Christian.

Readings of the Holy Mass: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.

The Good Shepherd knows each of us and leads us home

Msgr. Joseph Prior reflects on the leader/follower dynamic in this Sunday's Gospel reading. Christ knows his flock each by name, offers us abundant life and leads us through life's dark valleys to the Father.

Pope composes prayers for end of pandemic to be recited after rosary

Pope Francis asked Catholics to make a special effort in May to pray the rosary and be united with believers around the world asking for Mary's intercession in stopping the coronavirus pandemic.

Yes, you can pray to Mother Angelica

People may pray for the intercession of deceased persons who have lived an admirable life, even if they haven't been declared a saint, writes Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q & A column.