Spirituality
If itemizing donations on a tax form, do we contradict Jesus?
As long as one doesn't put one's holiness on display, it is OK to donate to a church, and wise to claim credit for tax purposes, writes Father Ken Doyle. He also explains the "Protestant" ending to the Our Father.
Need for power and money is path of clericalism, pope says
Clericalism is a path taken by those who, unlike the good shepherd, concern themselves with money and power and not with people who are suffering and neglected, Pope Francis said.
Love of God and love of neighbor are the heart of Christian life
Jesus transformed the ancient command to serve the Lord wholeheartedly into a new call to love others in the same way, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Readings of the holy Mass – Thirtieth 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.
On vocations: Finding them, encouraging them, living them
In our special package leading up to Vocations Awareness Week Nov. 5-11, see perspectives on heeding God's call through the words of a young priest, a young religious sister and permanent deacons and their wives.
My vocation story starts with prayer at home
The young woman on a career path was unhappy until she turned all her desires over to Jesus. Now as a Sister of Life for eight years, she loses herself in his love every day and is a vessel for it to everyone.
Four things everyone can do to build a culture of vocations
Society already makes it hard enough for a young person to hear their call today; shouldn't we as a church be doing all we can to make it easier? We can, explains a young priest only two years ordained.
Deacons and their wives share field notes on parish ministry
For permanent deacons, the joys of ministry accompany the challenges of their vocation, which can be hard on their wives. But they too find opportunities for pastoral service with their husbands.
Making room for Spirit entails daily battle against devil, pope says
Conversion isn't about superficial change, like applying makeup, the pope said; it requires a change within that has been brought about by the Holy Spirit.
To the contrary, Father: Readers differ over leaving Mass early
After Father Ken Doyle wrote that there is seldom a good reason for people to leave Mass after Communion, he heard from many people who knew of perfectly good reasons. He stands corrected, but unmoved.