Sacraments

BY PAT GOHN The seven sacraments — Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony — have five important elements in common. They are the sacraments of Christ. All are instituted and based on the…

In these weeks when spring gives way to summer, many celebrate the ordinations of new priests — new shepherds who, in these difficult days, commit the rest of their lives to the sacred service of God and the people of God. It is also the…

For many, our sacraments are being held hostage by the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, by the grace of God, we'll soon see more and more restrictions lifted. Looking to the future, many Catholics will be entering the…

There are two ways to look at what is happening in the United States and across the world with the coronavirus pandemic. You can see it as a massive panic bordering on overreaction as people cut each other off out of fear. Or you can see it…

During the current health crisis caused by COVID-19, Bayard, Inc., Catholic Digest's parent company, is providing the texts of the Sunday liturgies free of charge as an aid to worship, especially for those who cannot attend Sunday liturgies…

I don’t think anything could have matched the sweet aroma of the steaming hot dog that day, or the tingling warmth on my fingertips as I held the tissue-wrapped bun. I smeared a good-sized gob of yellow mustard on the hot dog, and the…

Saints’ quotes are some of my favorite things about the Catechism of the Catholic Church. They bring the richness of our faith alive. Besides saints being beacons of holiness and wisdom, their genius is often found in their simple and…

Many years ago I edited a book titled Now That You Are Catholic by Fr. John J. Kenny, an introduction to Catholic customs for the newly initiated. While the book offered great advice for Catholic neophytes, it did not touch on the many…

School is out for summer, the kids are home, and my life just got more complicated. I am now balancing their work and sports schedules, my work schedule, their chores and social events. As a busy family with seven children ranging from 3 to…

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) is June 18 this year. Many parishes will host Corpus Christi processions. In Rome, Pope Francis will celebrate a 7 p.m. Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran;…