Spirituality
Judge not, because we are all prodigal children
A permanent deacon tells of how difficult it is to go into the peripheries and minister without judgment to those who are not like us. But at a prison, he learned the power of forgiveness over fear.
Which of the prodigals are you, and how will your story end?
In his story of the forgiving father, Jesus invites us to identify with both sons, who both strayed from the father. Admitting we are sinners, as Pope Francis does, allows us to seek God's mercy.
Mercy remains at heart of our Lenten journey
Lent offers a time to recognize God’s compassionate love and to share it with those we encounter, especially those who need it most, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Fourth Sunday of Lent
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. Reflect on this Sunday's Scriptures with our commentaries and podcasts.
‘Oh, Mom’: How to bring God into your children’s lives
Don't let a kid's initial objection to speaking of prayer or God-related topics dissuade your attempts at teaching the faith, writes April McMurray Aielo, who offers seven tips for families.
Gospel builds one’s immunity against selfishness, pope tells students
Pope Francis made a surprise, early morning stop to offer a Lenten reflection for university students, encouraging them to build up their immunity against individualism with the Gospel.
Mary, Heart of the Mystical Body – Week 3
In the third of a seven-part series, Sister Constance Veit shares how devotion to the seven sorrows of Mary can deepen our understanding of God's love, while nurturing faith in our youth. Follow along with a video.
There’s room for joy even in suffering
Fleeting moments of escape from a troubled world can't compare with the radically new life Christ offers through his death and resurrection, writes Gina Christian.
Convert now, don’t be spiritually lazy, pope says
God is patient and merciful, but people should not put off their conversion because they never know how long they will live, Pope Francis said.
Third week of Lent: Give the spiritual journey more time
Like the gardener of the Gospel story who pleads for one more year to make a tree fruitful, so we are called to try new approaches on our path to holiness. See our latest package of Lenten Resources.