Spirituality
Coming for the papal visit? Think of the refugees’ hardships
Michelle Francl-Donnay is well aware of the discomforts ahead as she prepares to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia. Her disruptions are united to migrants in Europe and the displaced in California.
Church a tender mother, not a rigid association, pope says
If the church loses touch with its maternal side, the only thing that remains is "rigidity and discipline," Pope Francis told his top cardinal advisers at Mass today.
Parishioners ponder plastic vs. real flowers for altar
There is a preference for real plants as "a reminder of the gift of life God has given," writes Father Ken Doyle, but not a prohibition on plastic for the sanctuary.
Why a Catholic couple should not marry in a garden
A reader can't understand the rule prohibiting her daughter's intended outdoor wedding, so Father Ken Doyle explains. He also weighs in on the "disruption" of announcements at Mass.
Shortcut to sainthood: Never speaking ill of another, pope says
The Catholic Church's sainthood process is long, complicated and usually requires the recognition of a miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession, Pope Francis said Sept. 11 at his early morning Mass. "But if you find a person who never, never, never spoke ill of another, you could canonize him or her immediately."
Working hard for the pope, but choosing the better part
If it’s hard preparing for a papal visit, imagine Martha's workload when Jesus came to visit. Columnist Michelle Francl-Donnay suggests how her sister Mary, and we, can choose the “one thing.”
Is Marco Rubio’s ‘dual worship’ allowed?
Father Ken Doyle responds to a reader that Sen. Rubio, a presidential candidate, has confessed he is primarily Catholic although he also worships at a Protestant church. Polls show many Catholics do something similar.
Why do some take Communion from priest only?
Father Ken Doyle responds to one reader who sees an uncommon practice at Mass, and to another who wonders about associations of black Catholics.
Come, Holy Spirit, and cool us
Michelle Francl-Donnay catches a cool breeze in a 100-degree day, and wonders what the Spirit of Pentecost has been offering now, long after spring.
The disabled should share in all sacraments
Father Ken Doyle applauds a wife's care, including spiritual, for her disabled husband. Also, Father Doyle addresses why Jesus became incarnate not in the Twitter age.