Spirituality
How should you hold your hands at the ‘Our Father’?
A reader wonders why some people hold out their hands in the prayer and others don't. Father Ken Doyle explains only the priest is required to; it's an option for everyone else. He doubts that it matters to God.
Advent Week Four: Grow closer to Mary this Advent
As a lesson before the final Sunday of Advent, Mary's humility and obedience to the call of God is the model for us all, whether or not angels appear before us proclaiming good news of great joy.
Mary experienced God’s game-changing ways
We might be afraid of what God asks of us. Mary shows us how to be unafraid and to let ourselves be surprised by God, to come out of our safety zone and be transformed by love.
Mary pondered good news in her heart, not publicly
Mary’s example of humility contrasts with our self-absorption on social media and an all-too-competitive world. Her steadfastness inspires us to pursue quiet time for reflection, even at this most hectic of times.
Receiving the good news: Are we listening servants?
Like Samuel, Zechariah and Mary, we are called to listen and to do the will of God. Doing so with humility can help us accept the promise of Advent: that the risen Lord is present in our lives today and will return in glory.
What is the cause for rejoicing? Liturgy reveals the answer
Msgr. Joseph Prior looks to the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent to see how the prophecy of Isaiah, fulfilled in Jesus, can help us focus on the Lord's coming and not be overwhelmed by the season.
Readings of the holy Mass – Third Sunday of Advent
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.
The light changes us
Michelle Francl-Donnay helps her chemistry students, and us, understand the quantum lessons of the Light that transforms the darkness of the world, and the heart. See our multimedia resources.
At Christmas, recognize your sin and let God caress you, pope says
Christmas, he said, is a celebration of the fact that "the Lord comes with his power -- which are his caresses -- to find us, to save us like lost sheep and bring us back to the flock of his church."
Pope: Can’t whitewash sin away; Jesus truly transforms penitent hearts
Jesus truly transforms and heals hearts when people let him, which means recognizing and being ashamed of one's sins, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass.