Spirituality
Take a family vacation, or go on a mission trip?
A couple asks if their annual getaway should be spent helping others, rather than trying to escape the world and its problems. Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain invite them to "go beyond the norm" in service.
Reflections on ‘Humanae Vitae’ at 50 years
Written in 1968, Pope Paul VI's landmark encyclical has proven to be an insightful and often controversial assessment of sexuality, procreation and human nature itself. In this set of articles from our partner Catholic News Service, we offer several current reflections on the document.
The legacy of ‘Humanae Vitae’ at 50 years
Pope Paul VI accurately assessed not just sexuality, but human nature itself in his prophetic words on how artificial contraception would impact society.
What does the church teach about ‘responsible parenthood’?
Often overlooked, the Catholic Church's teaching on responsible parenthood requires a well-formed conscience and the prudence to know when to be open to the God-given gift of a child.
How a non-Catholic couple discovered ‘Humanae Vitae’
A couple's journey to the Catholic faith began in a public policy class, where the concept of natural family planning led them to embrace parenthood with love and hope.
We must become weak to be made strong
The world values fleeting sources of strength, such as wealth, celebrity, status and power, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. Yet Christ calls us to empty ourselves completely, and to rely on the Father for true and lasting sustenance.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Fourteenth 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.
Patriotism: A healthy and virtuous love of country
As Americans celebrate the founding of the United States on Independence Day, July 4, we look at patriotism in this package of stories from our partner, Catholic News Service.
Catholics love country like their mother, and countrymen like siblings
The most loving thing Catholics can do for America is what St. John Paul did for his: Bring Christ to it, and bring it to Christ. This Fourth of July, we celebrate our country not apart from or in spite of, but within our Catholic faith.
Young patriot: Eagle Scout creates outdoor prayer space at church
Scouts often join their love of country with their love of the church when choosing their Eagle Scout projects. That includes Wilmington's Alex Gray, who put his scouting skills to the test for his parish project.