Spirituality
Heaven: The life of the world to come
Heaven is hard to imagine, but since we hope to be there with God for all eternity, it's worth thinking about. Our package of stories describes heaven as a state of complete happiness, being in full communion with God.
What Scripture reveals about heaven
God has prepared a place for us in his home, and nothing should keep us from our place in his house, says writer Paul Senz. He recalls the insight of St. Paul, who wrote heaven is perfect fulfillment of our deepest desire: to be in union with God.
Do we look forward to ‘the life of the world to come’?
For some, entering heaven might be boring. But Pope Benedict said such a "supreme moment of satisfaction" represents "life in the full sense, a plunging ever anew into the vastness of being, in which we are simply overwhelmed with joy."
Imagine a closer relationship with God when picturing heaven
Two theologians suggest focusing less on the idea of skyward real estate and instead looking forward to a closer relationship with God. "If we want to be happy about heaven, we have to practice the joy of being with Jesus."
Readings of the holy Mass – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with the resources below from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Should Catholic parents attend their child’s non-church wedding?
Father Ken Doyle counsels a heartbroken mother whose daughter does not wish to be married in the Catholic Church. He also explains to another reader why Mary is typically portrayed as Caucasian, despite her Jewish ancestry.
Schedule God into busy summer family plans
There's never an easy time to raise Catholic kids. During the school year, you're competing with after-school activities and homework and playdates and snow days. In the summer, you're wrestling with a different kind of busy.
Welcoming parishes help vacationers keep the faith
"Probably 80 percent of our seats are filled by visitors during vacation season," says Deacon DeWolfe. "They are well-grounded in their faith, and in fact many long-term visitors participate in other parish ministries."
How parishes can support faith growth in summer months
Parishes have to help families find ways to not only maintain faith during the summer but also to support faith growth.
Keeping the faith during summer break
Summer is a time to rest, to play, and to take a break from our routines. It's also an ideal time to grow closer to God in fun, creative ways.