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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…

When I was 12, I came upon a funeral prayer card in a used book. For years —and occasionally still — I prayed for Rudy Larson’s soul. I never met him, but I felt called to pray for him. It was my mom who instilled in me the importance of…

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…

Prisoners — especially those in maximum-security for committing terrible crimes — are the most forgotten members of society. We mistakenly assume that they have nothing to offer. Twelve Catholic inmates in Missouri showed that prisoners…

Every December and in every country on the planet, people celebrate Christmas. There may be caroling, candles, decorated trees, Nativity scenes, candy canes, Advent wreaths, mistletoe, wrapped gifts, social gatherings, gift giving,…

During my high school years, I believed the Immaculate Conception was the conception of Jesus. I was taking instruction in religion from a teacher who had a master’s degree in Catholic theology. On Dec. 8, he stood up in front of the class…

There is just too much to tell about this month’s saint so let’s start with the one thing no Catholic can resist, a gift shop. If you are a fan of St. Bernadette of Lourdes, you probably own a little plastic bottle of miraculous healing…

St. Paul of the Cross (1694–1775) was the founder of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ. In honor of his feast day on Oct. 20, here are five facts about the Passionists. Paul wrote the rules of the Passionists in 1720…

Since May, the Church has observed the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portgual. It is there that Mary called herself “Our Lady of the Rosary,” and since then she has been known with affection as…

Some days, I seriously wish the internet didn’t exist and that we weren’t so darn connected … in so many ways … in such a remote kind of way. And despite the fact that I can’t imagine not being able to “Google” my way to any answer or…