Q: How did Catholics in the colonies respond to the Revolutionary War? Did they back the revolution or the British crown? Before the U.S. Revolution, Catholics were a small minority in the Thirteen Colonies (perhaps only one to two percent of their population). They suffered under both anti-Catholic measures and …

The title “father” as applied to priests in the Catholic Church has both historical and theological significance. It reflects the role of priests as spiritual leaders and caretakers of their communities, analogous to a biological father’s role in a family. The use of this title, however, also raises questions about …

By Fr. David Endres Holy water is a common sacramental used by Catholics—to sign themselves before entering church, to sanctify the home, and to call forth divine protection. Ordinary water becomes holy water when it is blessed by a priest or deacon, who calls down the Holy Spirit to sanctify …