The collaboration of laity and priests in the life of a parish and in outreach to the surrounding community "is not a strategy," but the result of taking the sacraments of baptism and confirmation seriously rather than allowing it to remain "a
A few key themes emerged in early October as the Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment entered its second week in Vatican City. Listening to young people, taking their concerns seriously and accompanying them on their journeys
Mother Catherine Kasper may have died 120 years ago, but her spirit is still very much present with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. “She’s very close to the Sisters. Though she is in heaven, we can always turn to her there,”
The already roiled landscape of the Catholic Church’s institutional response to clergy sexual abuse through the years ratcheted up again late Aug. 25 when, in a scathing 11-page written statement, the Vatican’s former ambassador to the United States accuses Pope Francis of
CNS photo In a scathing 11-page written statement, the Vatican’s former ambassador to the United States accuses Pope Francis of ignoring concerns about Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and lifting sanctions against the former cardinal years before the public became aware of abuse allegations
Official Catholic teaching now holds that the death penalty is “inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.” The Church also has committed itself to work “with determination” for the worldwide abolition of capital punishment, according
As we make our way through life as Christians, some signposts are clearer than others. Out of love for God and neighbor we will not kill, steal or commit adultery. Other signposts are harder to see. But they can become clearer over
Many sacred beliefs of our Catholic faith can be traced to the 21 ecumenical councils held since the fourth century. Called either an ecumenical (universal) or a general council, these terms are often used interchangeably. Councils consist of Church bishops from around
Pope Francis released the newest contribution to his magisterium April 9: a document on the call to holiness in today’s world. The text, called “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and be glad”), was signed on March 19, the feast of St. Joseph. “Gaudete
The Vatican’s pre-synodal gathering of young people was yet another event in preparation for this fall’s 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will discuss the theme “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.” But the March 19-25 meeting
On April 1, Pope Francis delivered his “urbi et orbi” (to the city of Rome and the world) Easter message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The full English translation