We could say that the first word of the New Testament is “be joyful,” “be happy,” in other words, “joy.” This is the true meaning of Christmas: God is near us, so near that he became a child. — Pope Benedict XVI  That quote, printed in red…

This Thanksgiving, may we be more intentionally grateful for the many excellent clergy and religious that God has given the Church.  Particularly this year, we need to be thinking of those who answered God’s call and are serving with…

In a rural area of Wisconsin Mary appeared to a 28-year-old woman named Adele Brise 159 years ago this month.  Today the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wisconsin, occupies the location of the apparition. It’s the only…

Certain saints have extra special meaning for Catholics, especially ones that were alive during our lifetimes or close to it. We even have affectionate nicknames for them. Mother Teresa will always be Mother Teresa to many of us instead of…

When I think about the biggest influences in my faith life, they include my maternal grandparents and a cherished children’s Bible they gave me. I remember thumbing through The Catholic Children’s Bible (The Regina Press) as a child and…

Responding publicly for the first time since last week's Pennsylvania grand jury report about widespread clergy abuse, Pope Francis on Monday called on the Church to pray and fast. "This can awaken our conscience and arouse our solidarity…

The Vatican announced on Thursday that Pope Francis has revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church's teaching about capital punishment. Paragraph 2267 used to say:  Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been…

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Bayard, Inc. won 10 awards last week at the Catholic Press Association’s annual Catholic Media Conference, including seven book awards. "Bayard, Inc. sees the work of its teams rewarded by these numerous awards. The…

In our divided and polarized times, Jesus' message in this Sunday's Gospel comes out a perfect moment. He reminds us that "if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that…

Two celebrity suicides. News this week that it's a growing problem in the United States. What does the Church say about the salvation of those who take their own lives? What resources are available for prevention and awareness? What can we…