February 18 – Ash Wednesday Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17; 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Invitation to Prayer: “We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) Reflection: I …

Shine On | by Dominick Albano It’s February, and for some people, this month symbolizes love. It makes them think of Valentine’s Day or maybe, the coming of Lent… or just taking time away to someplace warmer. For me, when the calendar turns to February, I can only think of …

As the Church marks the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM, reflects on the theme: “The Surety of the Resurrection.” By Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM* In an age marked by uncertainty and grief, the promise of Resurrection stands as a beacon of hope for many. The narrative found …

A Closer Look | Kenneth Craycraft Every year, we are reminded that Lent should not merely be about giving up habits or pleasures but also adding some positive spiritual discipline. We might give up caffeine or alcohol, for example. Or we might add a spiritual or corporal work of mercy, …

As the Church marks the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Fr Edmund Power, OSB, offers this reflection on “From darkness to light” By Father Edmund Power, OSB Between the Samaritan woman of last Sunday and Lazarus of next, we contemplate today the second of the three symbolic figures of the Lenten …

A parish in Little Rock, Arkansas, has instituted a program to encourage children to bring a “passport booklet” to Mass each weekend to receive a sticker from priests and deacons. Associate pastor Father Joji Reddy Allam puts a sticker on the Massport of first grader Brettie Danforth after Mass on …

by Dominick Albano I’d rather have one pair of hands put to work than a million pairs of hands clasped in prayer. Driving to school over twenty years ago, I read that bumper sticker on the car in front of me, and I’ve never forgotten it. The message felt more …

It’s Saturday, and I don’t know about you, but there’s a lot of chores to get done today. I haven’t figured out when I’m going to Mass. Looking at the calendar, it’s already the third Sunday of Lent, and I haven’t started. I can’t remember what I gave up. My …

As the Church observes the Third Sunday of Lent, Abbot Marion Nguyen offers this reflection on “Lent at the well of truth” By Abbot Marion Nguyen In the Gospel of the Samaritan woman, the movement of the conversation itself reveals the patience of Christ in drawing a soul back to …

Each year we can celebrate the way the liturgical year is divided. We have two regular seasons (Ordinary Time), two playoffs (Advent and Lent) and the championship games (Christmas and Easter). So, while the nation is waiting March Madness and filling out their brackets, we are in the teeth of …