By Maureen Pratt
A recent experience at a Catholic hospital made me realize how we cannot just assume our faith practices will be understood within an increasingly secular health care environment. The situation was fairly straightforward: I wanted to see how a patient on a special diet might receive holy Communion. I spoke with the hospital’s speech therapist. […]
9/29/22
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By Hosffman Ospino
Catechetical programs have resumed activities or will soon start in most Catholic parishes in the United States. Children, youth, young adults and adults prepare to return to sessions where they will learn and reflect about their faith. Just as we speak of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, as essential to nurturing our spiritual life, catechesis […]
9/28/22
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By Fr. Kenneth Doyle
Changing a child’s godparents Q. I was wondering whether you’re allowed to change your child’s godparents and, if so, how to go about it and have it be acceptable to the church. The situation is this: When we chose our daughter’s godparents, seven years ago, they were Catholic and went to church. But over the […]
9/28/22
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By Mary Beth Bonacci
Have you ever prayed and wondered if God actually hears you? Have you ever felt like you aren’t praying “the right way” — that you are missing some “secret formula” with the right number of “Thees” and “Thous” that would make your prayers effective? Have you ever had the distinct impression that in your prayer, […]
9/27/22
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By Elizabeth Foss
I heard that a woman had been kidnapped and murdered while out running at 4:30 in the morning, and then I heard the person reporting such news ask why in the world she’d be out running that early. Admittedly, I thought to myself, “What an absolutely ignorant question.” Without knowing anything at all about the […]
9/26/22
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By Russell Shaw
In mid-November the American bishops, gathered in general assembly, will choose a successor to Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles to serve a three-year term as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. A new vice president and chairmen of several conference committees also will be elected during the meeting. Except by the bishops […]
9/25/22
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By David Hickson
As a FOCUS missionary with my wife and children here in Germany, witnessing the confusion in the church and the intensifying attack on faith and morals, I have found strength and steadiness in the fundamental truth that I learned as a young man growing up in the Arlington diocese. I have learned to rest my […]
9/24/22
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By Fr. Richard Miserendino
GOSPEL COMMENTARY Sept. 25, Lk 16:19-31 During a recent training at our parish, we were shown a video illustrating “the bystander effect.” It’s a common phenomenon where people will notice another person in need, but then choose to ignore them and pass them by instead of helping. The video documented a person lying hurt in […]
9/23/22
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By Sarah Hoyoung Ku
Reading the stories of the Korean saints to me is like sparks flying when meeting a new mom at the park. There’s the thrill of each shared connection and an eagerness for more. When I learn about the Korean saints, I find threads connecting me to them in our shared Korean heritage. As a mother, […]
9/16/22
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3
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Unprofitable servants