Why Do We Celebrate Easter for 50 Days?

For Catholics, Easter isn’t just one day, it’s a season. Why do we have 50 days to celebrate?

Why Do Catholics Celebrate the Easter Vigil?

Why is the celebration of the Easter Vigil even more important than Easter Sunday?

What is Sacred Chrism?

During Lent, especially during Holy Week, priests in each diocese come together to celebrate the annual Chrism Mass. What is chrism and how is it used?

What Is the RCIA?

How does an adult convert enter the Catholic Church? Most go through a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Read what this involves.

Why Do Catholics Go To Confession?

Easter’s just around the corner–a good time to think about going to confession. Haven’t been for a while? Don’t worry! Here are some resources that can help.

Finding Meaning in Suffering

Perhaps you’ve heard it before when you faced suffering in your life: “Offer it up.” It’s a hard saying, but what does it mean? How can “offering it up” help us to find meaning–and even joy–in our suffering?

The Stations of the Cross

Does your parish offer Stations of the Cross? Many parishes do, especially during Lent. What is this popular devotion that continues to attract so many people?

Is a Divorced Person Excommunicated?

That’s a recent question from one of our readers. Read the answer here. And if you have a question, e-mail us at: marriage@usccb.org.

Lenten Practices

Lent begins on March 9. Traditionally, the 40 days of Lent are a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving (good works). Read more about these Lenten practices.

Lent: Spring Cleaning for the Soul

Lent begins on Wednesday, March 9. The Church calls this a “joyful season” and invites its members to think about and deepen their relationship with God. Read more about this wonderful opportunity to prepare for Easter–and for eternal life.

Marriage: Unique for a Reason

The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is the permanent, faithful union of one man and one woman. The Catholic Bishops’ website, Marriage: Unique for a Reason, provides resources to assist with catechesis and education for those who want to know more about this teaching.  The initiative includes videos, resource booklets, and an interactive website.

Why Isn’t Scripture Enough For Catholics?

Scripture is not the only way in which God’s revelation has been passed down to humans. Read what the Catholic Church believes about Scripture and Tradition.

Does the Bible still matter today?

Do you have questions about what the Catholic Church teaches or believes? Perhaps you’re puzzled by Catholic devotional practices and rituals. Whether you’re a cradle Catholic or a convert, a person from another faith tradition or a spiritual seeker, we hope this new series will help to answer your questions. First topic: How do we find meaning in the Bible today?

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places?

You might not think of the Bible as a source for inspiring and enduring love stories. Check out these ten and see if you change your mind.

A Wedding Planning Reality Check

If you’re caught up in the stress of wedding planning, step back for a moment and consider what’s really important about your big day.

How Much Does it Cost to Marry in the Church?

How much does it cost to get married in the Catholic Church?

Actually, nothing. Sacraments are not for sale. It’s appropriate, however, for the bride and groom to share their joy and, in generosity, to contribute to the support of the Church and its ministers.

Marriage and Family Life: A Priority of the U.S. Bishops

The U.S. Catholic Bishops have made a serious, extensive commitment to support family life by identifying the strengthening of marriage as one of their pastoral priorities. Here’s an update on their activities.

The Best Wedding Gift? Your Ongoing Support

If you’re planning to attend a wedding, you’ll probably hear a challenge to support the bride and groom during the critical early years of marriage. But, how, practically, can you do this? We offer a few suggestions.

Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Marriage

In November 2009 the U.S. Catholic Bishops approved a pastoral letter entitled “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.” The letter brings together the Church’s key teachings on marriage as both a natural gift and a sacrament.

Responsorial Psalms

1. 33:12 and 18, 20-21, 22 R. (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. But see, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness. [...]

Pastoral Letter

In mid-November, 2009, the U.S. Catholic Bishops are scheduled to vote on a pastoral letter on marriage. Entitled “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” the letter is addressed to a broad audience, including young adults who are thinking about marriage, married couples, and those who work or volunteer in various kinds of marriage ministries.

Pastoral Letter Summary

Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan. A Pastoral Letter by the Catholic Bishops of the United States.

Local Promotion

The Committee on Marriage and Family asked a cross section of diocesan family life and communications staff for practical ideas to promote locally the For Your Marriage website and Public Service Announcements.

Pastoral Initiative for Marriage

In November, 2004 the U.S. Bishops voted overwhelmingly to make marriage a priority. They launched the National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage (NPIM), a multi-year effort to communicate the meaning and value of married life for the Church and for society.

Church Documents

This annotated bibliography includes major church documents on marriage beginning with the Second Vatican Council. Many of these statements are concerned primarily with marriage, while others address it indirectly.