Spirituality
Church is ‘mother’ when it offers mercy and tenderness, pope says
"The joy of going out to search for our brothers and sisters who are far off, this is the joy of the church," the pope said at morning Mass today. "That is when the church becomes a mother, becomes fruitful."
Disposing of cremains and that old wedding ring
Father Ken Doyle finds ample church teaching on how respectfully to bury or entomb a loved one's cremated remains, but less so on what to do with the wedding ring from one's first, annulled, marriage.
God reveals himself to humble hearts, says pope
God reveals himself to humble and meek hearts, said Pope Francis at morning Mass.
Paying attention ahead of the Christmas season
In a world full of distractions, family and friends often become a blur in a busy day, especially during Christmas. Father Eugene Hemrick advises us to attend to our relationships, including with our Father.
The world will end with peace, not annihilation, Pope Francis says
Believing in eternity and in the final establishment of the kingdom of God, Christians throughout history -- starting with the disciples -- were filled with questions such as when the end will come and what will happen to the created world, Pope Francis said.
Cultivate a ‘spirituality of encounter’ this Advent
This Advent, Sister Constance Veit invites everyone to begin the season by skipping a trip to the mall in order to visit a sick family member or an elderly neighbor. Follow Mary’s way to an Advent of joyful, loving encounters, she advises.
Do beliefs matter? Yes, they do
Father Ken Doyle offers an answer to a reader seeking a retort when people say, "It doesn't matter what your beliefs are." He also offer pastoral advice to a divorced and remarried Catholic.
Jesus weeps when people do not open their hearts to him, says pope
Conversion to Christ is a process that lasts a lifetime, but the process stalls in the face of fear or self-satisfaction, Pope Francis said.
What deacons do is still news to some
Almost a half-century after the permanent diaconate was restored, some people are surprised to see a deacon preach. Father Ken Doyle explains the roles of these ordained men.
It all adds up: Little acts of love and kindness equal holiness, pope says
All Christians are called to holiness and to take little steps each day to be more loving, Pope Francis said today. Holiness does not mean "closing your eyes and making the face of a plastic statue," he said.