The order of the Sacraments in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is actually different than the order of the Sacraments for our baptized
Like the rest of my fellow Catholics in the Diocese of Buffalo, New York, my heart has a continual, aching heaviness. In these terrible but
Pew Research’s recent study revealing that a majority Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence but instead believe that consecrated bread and wine are
I recently went to mass at a Convent of the order of St. Clare in Sintra, Portugal. We talked to one of the nuns briefly
Thomas Merton wrote, “The world is a sacred vessel”. However, the truth is the sacred vessels at the Eucharistic Altar hold our World, our Everything
An oratory should be built as conveniently as possible among the cells, where, if it can be done without difficulty, you are to gather each
An idea keeps coming to my mind and heart of something akin to a “Lay Dry Mass.” This liturgy would be offered for times when
It has been said that perhaps the three most important words that can be uttered in prayer are “Come, Holy Spirit.” Just before Jesus ascended
The greatest stumbling block to following Christ is found in the Gospel of John, Chapter 6. The central matter of this chapter is “The Bread
[Editor’s Note: This article includes suggestions for living Holy Week. Bookmark this article or pin it on Pinterest for future reference!] Easter without Holy
When we are faced with temptation, we often act as though we fall into it through weakness, and indeed many times that is the case.
Reflection is important and even necessary for the spiritual life. “Reflection” comes from a Latin word meaning “to bend back.” The spiritual life calls for
Are you familiar with the concept of general confession? Lent is underway—in due time, you will be able to eat your candies again, have that
Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam. “I will go in unto the Altar of God, to God, Who giveth joy to my
Eucharistic Ministers, a term commonly ascribed to those who participate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist by assisting the priest in the distribution of Holy
“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36) These words,
Catholics rarely say that they are going to church. Typically they say that they are going to Mass. They do go to church because that
In the Old Testament, the People of God brought their sacrifices to the altar of the Lord. The smoke of the offering and the incense
Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary. – attributed to St. Francis of Assisi It seems ironic that a great saint who
Towards the end of John’s Gospel, after the soldier pierces Jesus’ side and blood and water flow out (John 19:34), we find something very strange.
I would like to offer the following reflections and practices that have helped me better participate at Mass. My hope is that reflections might help
One day, a Protestant friend and I were discussing something pertaining to Christianity when my friend made a comment akin to “Jesus said it, and I
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops estimates that some 30,000 people came into the Church at the Easter Vigil Masses this year. That is
If you enjoy controversial topics, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I will take on one of the most contentious, emotional and
