Spirituality
Praying for a newly engaged couple, and a retired pope
Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q&A answers one reader curious about an old and updated Catholic rite of betrothal, and whether a priest can include prayers for retired Pope Benedict at Mass. He can.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
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 Spirit moving through Scripture also moves in us today
Commenting on this Sunday's readings for Mass, Msgr. Joseph Prior reflects on the account of Jesus reading from Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me." We respond in joy from our heart, where the Spirit lives.
In the Eucharist, we reach the peak of worship
Part four of a seven-part series of articles and videos on the Mass from our partner Catholic News Service delves into the what Catholics say they believe -- the Nicene Creed -- and the deep mystery of the eucharistic prayer.
The eucharistic prayer: Culmination of mystery made manifest
Instead of succumbing to the bewilderment of bread becoming Christ's body, one should be drawn into a deeper relationship with God by understanding the words and parts that comprise the eucharistic prayer.
Ancient creed makes impact on contemporary world
The Nicene Creed recited at every Sunday Mass reminds believers of our core beliefs and, with its repeated "I believe" affirmations, challenges us to zero in today on faith’s foundations.
In Mass, Word of God comes through clergy and people
In the third of a seven-part series of resources on the Catholic liturgy, learn what goes into the proclamation of the Scriptures by laypeople, and the preparation of the homily by priests and deacons.
How lay people can make the Word of God come alive
For more than 50 years Daniel Mulhall has been proclaiming the Scriptures at Mass, ever since the Second Vatican Council. He studies the words, their context and his delivery, all to help listeners.
Week-long work goes into homily prep for, and with, parishioners
A Catholic pastor tells of his daily steps every day to write the homily he gives to his congregation on Sundays. Along the way, he listens to people's thoughts on the Gospel's message for today.
Transformation of our lives better than the best wine
"Do whatever (Jesus) tells you," Mary advises, before Jesus changes water into wine. Our response is to listen to the Word, an invitation to let God change our lives and become the persons he has called us to be, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.