Spirituality
Saints are regular people humbly living the Gospel, papal preacher says
Of the many tasks and challenges before the Catholic Church, the most important thing is to help people be holy, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa said.
Even if you don’t go on a retreat, use the Examen during Lent
Kim Griffin realizes that despite this holy time, our obligations have remained the same, and we are just as busy as usual. She suggests a prayerful way to cultivate our relationship with God in our busyness.
Drive-by ashes? Catholics should slow down, go to Mass
Someone saw a sidewalk Ash Wednesday service on the news, but Father Ken Doyle doubts this was a Catholic service. The preference is that Catholics go to church as they begin to observe Lent.
The sacrament of holy orders sets men apart to serve
Priesthood, which models the selfless sacrifice of Christ for his church, is rooted in Scripture and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. See the latest in our continuing series on the sacraments.
Holy orders reflect the faithful’s call to universal priesthood
Working side-by-side with the laity, one priest is reminded that he shares his vocation with all the baptized on the journey of faith.
From baptism to burial, the priest’s ministry is not his own
A young priest tells how on a single, typical day he is surrounded by life and death, and how priests continue the work of bringing Jesus to his people in every moment.
Holy orders is one sacrament with three unique degrees
Through ordination, the Holy Spirit sets apart men as bishops, priests and deacons, each serving the church in a way that helps reflect the full, perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Lenten preparation and penance lead to a life of joy
The 40 days before Easter are a time to pray, fast and give alms, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior. These practices deepen our relationship with the Lord, and enable us to enter more fully into the mystery of his love.
Readings of the Holy Mass – First 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.
Lent is time to notice God’s work, receive God’s mercy, pope says
Everyone experiences temptation, the pope said. Lent is a time to pause and step back from situations that lead to sin, a time to see how God is at work in others and in the world and, especially, a time to return to the Lord, knowing that his mercy is boundless.