Among the more puzzling scenes in Sacred Scripture are the Caesar’s coin passages in the synoptic Gospels. Read in isolation, Jesus’ somewhat cryptic interaction with his inquisitors is difficult to understand. But when read in the context of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans and through the lens of the …

In our archdiocesan “Prayer for Vocations,” we acknowledge that God has created each of us for some definite purpose. At the same time, we ask Him to bless the Church with women and men who faithfully live out their respective vocations with holiness, whether they be single, married, religious or …

I did not grow up Catholic, and living in the Bible Belt meant Catholicism was a bit of an anomaly. I’ll never forget the words of my former bishop, Most Rev. Michael Duca: “You’re not Catholic by accident in Shreveport, Louisiana!” My only early-life memory of Catholicism was of once …

For anyone who has lost a child We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Immigration refers to people entering a country to become permanent residents, and emigration refers to people leaving their current country to become permanent residents in another. Genealogists benefit because ship passenger lists usually record these movements, and naturalization, the legal process by which an immigrant becomes a country’s citizen, also …

Gracious and loving God, let your Spirit be with me today. Hear my  prayers, and increase in me the will to follow your Son Jesus. Help me to draw on the resources of my faith as I use the opportunities of our democracy to shape a society more respectful of …

In our current political climate, it is nearly impossible to avoid the vitriol and negativity that constantly bombard us. It’s also extremely difficult (if not impossible) to identify candidates who fully adhere to our values: Gospel values that respect all life and care, especially for the forgotten and marginalized. It …

Giving back is more than “just” an act of charity—it’s a reflection of our faith in action. Catholics support parishes, schools and ministries not only to sustain vital missions but also to strengthen the spiritual foundation for future generations. Multiple avenues offer financial contributions, including the Catholic Community Foundation, several …

Saints throughout the ages are known to have contemplated the mysteries of the faith while spending time in God’s creation. Two recent additions to St. Joseph Gardens, north of St. Joseph Catholic Church in North Bend, enhance this special place for such spiritual reflection. Effectively a private park, the seven-acre …

“Behind each priest, there is a demon fighting for his fall. If we have the language to criticize them, we must have twice as much to pray for them.” – St. Teresa of Avila I was the new kid in fifth grade. My family had just moved to a small …