Spirituality
How to craft a Jesse tree with your family
There's great value in knowing your roots. And that's exactly what a Jesse tree offers kids at Advent -- the chance to learn about Jesus' own family history as well as our connection to stories from the Old Testament.
Roots, stems and other natural images are central to Advent
Images such as new shoots from dead stumps and lions laying with calves foretell the universal peace that will reign when the Messiah comes, for all peoples will seek out the root of Jesse.
On Communion and anointing of the sick
Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q&A column explains the sacrament of anointing and when a person may receive Communion. Also, a reader wonders if Americans who voted for Hillary Clinton will go to hell.
Advent Week One: Expectation and preparation
CatholicPhilly.com presents a four-week series on Advent which begins Sunday, Nov. 27. Catholics look toward the season of promise and hope as we prepare for the Messiah's first coming, and his second.
Start a new family tradition this Advent
In an age where we can get almost everything we want in an instant, Advent is wonderfully old-school. It's a four-week pause amid the chaos of the Christmas season to think about the true Light of the World.
Work hard to prepare the way — it is worth it
The human race had been waiting even longer for the Messiah's first coming than his second. His mission to immerse us in the power and wisdom of God, to make us new people, is worth preparing for.
Advent has changed with the centuries but its focus remains on Christ
Since its fourth-century origins in Western Europe, the season of Advent has undergone various configurations. Yet it still directs our hearts and minds to the return of the risen Christ into our world.
Christ, our king, shows us how to love
Jesus emptied himself in love on the cross. We are called to do the same, for our king is not a ceremonial figure as kings are today. He is a king to be followed in every aspect of our lives, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Readings of the holy Mass – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
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.
When referring to God, his and hers has no meaning
Clear Catholic teaching states that in no way is God in man's image. Yet the Roman Missal appropriately uses masculine pronouns to refer to God. Father Ken Doyle explains the language conundrum to a reader.