Spring heralds a season of renewal, growth and the blossoming of new life, not only in the natural world but also in the realm of the spirit and the mind. As we witness earth's reawakening, it's a perfect time to delve into
For many, a novena is thought of as something magical that people do when they want something from God. Many pray novenas when they are in need, but they don’t always get what they want — at least, they don’t always get
Some call them the iGeneration. Others prefer Generation Z, Pluralists or post-Millennials. Sociologists and marketing experts have yet to reach a consensus on what to call the children of Generation X — today’s teens, tweens and tots. But they have picked a
To the American media, Pope Francis is an enigma wrapped inside a conundrum. When the present Holy Father condemns unfettered capitalism, the political left cheers, while the political right looks on askance. But when Francis condemns abortion, the left falls silent and
Some fear it. Others hope for it. Some see it as proof of God’s mercy; others as testimony to God’s wrath. Many don’t know anything about it, while many more have forgotten what they once knew. The “it” is purgatory, and when
It doesn’t require much imagination or study to recognize that Pope Francis’ definition of modern society as a “throwaway culture” is spot on. We live in a world where everything is seen as disposable, replaceable or temporary, and overflowing landfills aren’t the
Ready for some Catholic sightseeing? Based on culture, history, physical landscape and spirituality, the following list of Top 10 U.S. Catholic Cities — listed in no particular order — highlights American hubs with a Catholic pulse. Each location, whether it be large
Chicago history buffs will tell you that their city was founded in 1790 by a successful trapper and fur trader named Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. Less well known is du Sable’s background — he was black and Catholic. Traditionally, most African
Part I: The Liturgy of the Word Introductory rites The Mass begins with a procession of, at minimum, the priest into the sanctuary. The priest and anyone who accompanies him represents the congregation, and their journey symbolizes the Christian journey through life
It is one of the most important events a Catholic community celebrates in a person’s life, but one so often misunderstood and increasingly ignored. The funeral Mass. The funeral liturgy in a church setting is a final opportunity to commend the deceased
The word “theology” has something of a bad rap in our postmodern world. For many a soul, it conjures up images of dusty books, dry speculation and generously proportioned friars debating the number of angels who can dance upon the head of