Spirituality
Only by loving, serving others can people come to know God, pope says
Only people who love, and love in concrete ways -- not just with words -- can know God because God is love, Pope Francis said.
Pray and make peace through small daily efforts, pope says
Peace is not just an absence of war, Pope Francis said, but the condition of a person who is in harmony with him- or herself, with nature and with others. "You don't get along with that person? Make peace. In your home? Make peace. In the community? Make peace. At work? Make peace."
The pope said what? It could be a Facebook mash-up
Father Ken Doyle finds the source of a reader's confusion: Words from two speeches by Pope Francis, pulled together into one unlikely statement on social media.
Is abusing prescription drugs a mortal sin?
Father Ken Doyle advises a faithful Catholic, and addict, to get the help physical and spiritual help he needs. Father Doyle also addresses the question of whether it's OK to pray the Hail Mary during Mass.
When to mark holy days of obligation still leads to confusion
The rules for whether a holy day is obligatory vary greatly, and whether it's an obligation on a Saturday or Monday confuses many people. Father Ken Doyle tries to clear up the dilemma.
Pope: Self-righteous rebels are doomed, repentant sinners are saved
"The people who are humble, lowly and trust in the Lord, they are the ones who are saved, and this is the way of the church, right?" Pope Francis said during morning Mass today at the Vatican.
Count down to Christmas by counting your blessings, pope says
A Christian's Christmas joy has nothing to do with "the consumerism that leads to everyone being anxious Dec. 24 because, 'Oh, I don't have this, I need that,'" Pope Francis told parishioners on Sunday. Christian joy "comes from prayer and from giving thanks to God."
No prize, not for sale: God’s grace is free, loving embrace, pope says
God's grace isn't "merchandise" that people can hoard or exploit for themselves; it is a free and loving embrace from God, Pope Francis said.
All Father wants for Christmas is…
Like everyone, Father Joseph Corley is waiting during Advent for Jesus, the hope of the world. But the Delaware County pastor knows the spiritual gifts he wants for Christmas, and here's hoping he gets them.
Enjoy the music at Mass? Hold your applause
Breaking the flow of the liturgy and spirit of prayer by clapping for a choir during Mass seems inappropriate to Father Ken Doyle, who answers questions in his weekly column.