Spirituality
A Christmas faith reflection of compassion and beauty
Through the arts and timely topics today, these resources will help you reflect on, and set your table, with gifts of the season. Don't miss a Christmas-themed video with each article.
On sacred art: ‘Adoration of the Child’
Dutch artist Gerrit Van Honthorst depicts the familiar scene of the Nativity with striking intimacy, using the effect of contrasting light and shadow. The style and the scene have much to teach us today.
Italy’s Christmas specialty bread made at home — Panettone
Every culture around the world has developed its preferred holiday baked goods, including this slightly sweet bread filled with dried or candied fruit. See its history, and a recipe.
Handel’s ‘Messiah’: Much more than ‘Hallelujah’ chorus
A Dominican priest explains that whether you watch it on YouTube or see it performed live, you'll witness the overarching story of the whole Bible: the foretelling, the coming, and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How parishes can engage those Christmastime visitors
Two parishes share how they share the spirit of welcome and outreach -- both in word and deed -- in Advent and especially at Christmas liturgies to those who may be new or infrequent worshipers.
No room at the border: A timely new Christmas tradition
A couple hundred yards from the border between Mexico and the United States, a dramatization of the Holy Family seeking shelter in Bethlehem coincides with some 600 migrants daily seeking a meal and rest.
Readings of the Holy Mass: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
In quiet and stillness, God is acting in our lives
Msgr. Joseph Prior reflects on this Sunday's Gospel about how God guided St. Joseph, and how he is with us in our problems and busyness to heal and renew us -- even when we are unaware.
Why King Herod ‘got’ Christmas, almost
The ancient monarch knew that the newborn Jesus threatened his power, writes Gina Christian. We're often just as afraid of surrendering to a God who love us too much to leave us as we are.
Catholic or not, Armenian friend is faithful Christian
Father Ken Doyle answers a reader's question about a person who received his sacraments in the Armenian Church but attends Catholic liturgies faithfully and supports the church.