Spirituality
Can smokers get to heaven?
Father Ken Doyle traces the recent evolution of thought regarding moral responsibility for using tobacco. He also answers a reader who longs for the confession box.
During Easter, a sparkling feast hides in an ordinary day
Now that we have seen the Lord in the light of Easter, writes Michelle Francl-Donnay, how can we not bend down to serve him, among us, in need?
Is general absolution OK to give Father a break?
A well-meaning reader wants her over-worked pastor to give general forgiveness of sins without individual confession. Father Ken Doyle sympathizes but doubts it is permissible.
For Easter, make Jesus’ passion your own, pope says
For a "good Easter," Christians must "enter into the mystery" of the Easter Triduum and make Jesus' feelings and attitudes their own, Pope Francis said.
How mercy renews and welcomes us into a warm church
Michelle Francl-Donnay is ready to sing of God's promise of mercy, no matter how cold it is outside for the Easter Vigil Mass. She'll feel at home in her warm and well lighted parish church.
When cohabiting couple visits, it’s time to take a stand
Father Ken Doyle advises a man who will host his nephew and his girlfriend that moral principles suggest a heart-to-heart discussion before the visit.
In Scriptures, the Spirit moves in us beyond words
Michelle Francl-Donnay examines how ancient prophets and modern poets see the Word of God communicating what words alone cannot capture.
From darkness to light of Christ: An audio reflection for Lent
Listen to our podcast of Permanent Deacon Michael Pascarella offering a reflection on the danger of moving in the darkness and the freedom of living in the light, so we can see where we are going.
Pope criticizes rigid judges, says mercy needed for justice
Those who are corrupt, hypocritical and rigidly follow the letter of the law do not know what mercy is, and there can be no justice without mercy, Pope Francis said at a morning Mass.
Was crucifixion necessary? It’s a matter of debate
Father Ken Doyle weighs in on a reader's question about Christ's death on the cross that has occupied theologians from St. Luke to St. Augustine to St. Anselm and over the entire history of Christianity.