Spirituality
Don’t let meatless Fridays be just a seafood splurge
Real fasting isn't just restricting food choices, Pope Francis said, it must also include cleansing the heart of all selfishness and crying out "full-throated and unsparingly" against injustice and sin.
Don’t be a successful failure: Choose life over false gods, pope says
Don't use peer pressure, greed or laziness as an excuse to chase after false gods and become a wildly successful failure, Pope Francis said.
On the Eucharist, a question of presence: Is it real or symbolic?
For a definitive answer on the topic, Father Ken Doyle refers a doubtful reader to Jesus' own words in the sixth chapter of St. John's Gospel. Widely varying polling data about Catholics' beliefs indicate the need for better teaching.
A prayer for peace in Ukraine
The Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia released the following prayer in conjunction with the appeal for prayers for Ukraine.
Homily gripe prompts call for delicate words at funeral
Father Ken Doyle admits a homilist should exercise more tact when speaking of the dead, especially among friends. But it's not the same as telling tales from the confessional.
Baptism: Opening the door to the Kingdom of God
Columnist Effie Caldarola recalls personal moving stories of baptism that remind her of the sacrament's importance now and for eternity with God.
Christian ID: You have to leave comforts of home to find it, pope says
People will not find the face of God by relaxing at home on the couch, surfing online or reading encyclopedias, Pope Francis said.
Still prefer Latin Mass? It’s no reason to stay home on Sunday
Father Ken Doyle is sad to hear that a letter-writer doesn't go to church because she prefers the traditional Latin Mass. He strongly suggests an alternative. He also counts the reasons why churches should publish a financial report.
‘Theology of prosperity’ is bankrupt, pope says
The Gospel "must be proclaimed in poverty," the pope said today at morning Mass, because "salvation is not a theology of prosperity," but the "good news" of liberation for all who are oppressed.
Take 10 minutes and say something to Jesus, pope says
Pope Francis today advised people to turn off the television, read a Gospel passage and imagine Jesus. Then, the pope said, "I tell Jesus whatever comes into my mind to tell him."