Posts Tagged ‘faith’
What Are Holy Days of Obligation?
On Monday, August 15, Catholics celebrate the Assumption of Mary into heaven. It’s one of six Holy Days of Obligation in the Catholic Church. Do you know the others?
The Unity Candle
The “Unity Candle” has become part of many wedding ceremonies. Does it have a place in a Catholic wedding?
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
Will the real Mary Magdalene please stand up? We don’t know much about this saint, whose feast we celebrate on July 22. She probably wasn’t as portrayed in “The Da Vinci Code,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” or “The Passion of the Christ.” What we do know is that she was a woman of faith who stood by Jesus to the end.
What Do Catholics Read?
It’s summer, and perhaps you have time for a little extra reading–maybe even some spiritual reading. But where to start? Here are a few suggestions.
Ordinary Time?
On July 3, the celebrant at Sunday Mass will wear green vestments for the first time in four months. The change of color reflects the return to “Ordinary Time.” It’s the longest of the Church’s liturgical seasons and, says Fr. Larry Rice, the most challenging.
What Do Catholics Believe About the End Times?
Is the end of the world near? How can we know? Catholics believe that we are already living in the End Times. Father Larry Rice explains why.
Heaven: Is That All There Is?
All Christians hope to get to heaven. But our traditional images of heaven–clouds, harps and white-robed angels–can make it seem somewhat boring. What’s the problem with our language about heaven?
Pentecost: The Church’s Birthday
On Sunday, June 12, the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost, when Jesus’ disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Read more about Pentecost and why it’s considered the Church’s birthday.
What is the Ascension?
On Sunday, June 5, most dioceses will celebrate the feast of the Ascension, when Jesus returned to the Father. Why couldn’t the risen Christ simply have stayed on earth, guiding the Church for all time?
What is a Patron Saint?
The Catholic Church loves saints–so much, in fact, that it has designated particular saints as special advocates for individuals, countries and occupations. There is even a patron saint of the Internet: St. Isidore of Seville. How can patron saints help us?
How Saints Are Made
What does it take to be declared a saint in the Catholic Church? How many saints does the Church recognize? Can anyone become a saint? Here’s a short, step by step guide to the process.
Why the Words of the Wedding Vows Matter
The words of the wedding vows matter, says Fr. Stephen Wang, a British theologian. He believes that young people are “longing to give themselves to something of lasting value.” The wedding vows express their sense that love demands a definitive, public promise.
What Does the Church Believe About Mary?
Do Catholics “worship” Mary? What are some of the Church’s key beliefs about Mary? Read more about the first and greatest disciple of Jesus.
What is the Acts of the Apostles?
If you attend a Catholic Mass during the Easter season, you’ll hear a reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Why is this New Testament book unique and how does it speak to Christians today?
Wedding Commitments–Royal and Otherwise
The religious celebration of the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton highlighted important truths about all marriages. Among others: A couple’s “great act of generous commitment” reminds us that commitment remains desireable and possible.
Creating New Life, Nurturing Families: A Woman’s Perspective
Motherhood, says the author, is clearly a spiritual pursuit. It enlarges the ability to love so that one can spend eternity with a boundlessly loving God. Among other topics, Callahan looks at Christian perspectives on sexuality, including theology of the body; maternal dangers such as depression; balancing family and work; and joy and suffering.
Apostles and Disciples
During the Easter Season, many liturgical readings focus on the activities of the Apostles and Disciples. Who are they and is there a difference?
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?
Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!
Easter is an exciting time as the Catholic Church welcomes tens of thousands of new members. Each has a story of conversion. Read about some of these new Catholics and their journeys of faith.
Why Do Catholics Celebrate the Easter Vigil?
Why is the celebration of the Easter Vigil even more important than Easter Sunday?
Happiness, Suffering and the Meaning of Easter
Many people think happiness and suffering are mutually exclusive. Easter reminds us, however, that there is no resurrection without the cross. In marriage, deeper intimacy comes only through struggle.
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?
