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Faith
St. Isidore of Seville: Ancient scholar, patron saint of the internet for many
The internet is ubiquitous in our day to day lives, a tool without which our contemporary world would not be able to function. It is an indispensable part of our modern lifestyle, something we engage with every day. It is a diverse…
Five Ways to Observe Holy Week
1. Attend the Chrism Mass At Mass on the morning of Holy Thursday or another day near Easter, each diocese’s bishop consecrates the Holy Chrism that will be used throughout the year. Two other oils are also blessed on this occasion; the…
30 ways to spiritually grow this Lent — that aren’t fasting from food
Last year was the first year in my entire life that I took the time to understand that Lent is a time to change your life for God, not sacrifice things you like such as coffee or candy. It’s that simple. It’s about using your time and…
What St. Joseph meant to Jesus
We interrupt this Eastern Rite calendar to bring you St. Joseph. Why? Because St. Joseph (feast day March 19 on the Western calendar, patron of the universal Church) does not have a separate feast day on the Eastern calendar. This may lead…
We Are God’s Cats. Let’s Be His Dogs.
I have a theory: God gave us cats to show us the stupid ways we act toward him, and God gave us dogs to demonstrate how he really wants us to treat him. My whole life long, I have been a cat person. I was heavily influenced by my…
Five Individual Lenten Practices
1. Read the Bible daily. Make time every day to read a passage from Scripture. By daily immersing yourself in the stories and lessons of Scripture, you will better prepare yourself for Easter. If you go to the United States Conference of…
Who do you say that I am?
by Fr. Dwight Longenecker Jesus never says he is God, so why do Christians insist that he is divine?” So argued the young man on the internet. The fact that Jesus is God incarnate is the cornerstone of our faith. It is the bedrock of the…
The Bible: Mystery or History?
by Fr. Dwight Longenecker After my talk at a parish mission, one of the women came up looking a bit flustered. “Father, can I ask you a question?” “Sure.” “I was at Mass yesterday and the priest said in his homily that the story of Jonah…
Marriage matters!
February is the perfect month to write about the importance of Christian marriage. After 20 years of marriage and seven children, I have learned through the good times and difficult times that my marriage is not only a blessing but a gift…
Celebrating saints with African heritage
February is Black History Month. Take some time to learn about two prominent black Catholics. One is the patron saint of African-Americans, and the other is an American priest who is being considered for sainthood. St. Benedict the Moor…