As Catholics, we like anonymity. We like to blend into the crowd. We don’t wear yarmulkes like Orthodox Jews, or plain clothes like the Amish. We can generally go unnoticed. Until Ash Wednesday. With that big, ashen cross on our foreheads, everyone knows who we are. It’s a sign that …

With Lent upon us, perhaps it is time to do a personal inventory and discern your involvement in parish life. The value of a new parishioner introducing him or herself to the parish and just asking the priest, “How can I help?” is priceless.

Aaaargh! Here comes Lent again. There is no denying it. We must face the music once again. There is something deep within us that resists dealing with our own sinfulness. The Spirit calls us to come back again with all our hearts. This requires painful candor and courage to face …

It’s February. That means we’re all a month into our New Year’s resolutions. How’s it going so far? Don’t worry, I get it. It’s tough to quit a bad habit and start a good one. What’s helpful for me is to be more aware of the steps from temptation to …

Although we are still focused on the season of Lent, Easter will be here soon. You know what that means: it’s “open season” on the Resurrection. The History Channel will reveal a “secret Gospel” that contradicts Jesus’ rising from the dead. Atheists on Facebook will start posting memes about “Zombie …

We’re halfway through Lent this Sunday, which is known as Laetare Sunday or Rejoice! The THREE things about this Sunday is in this video

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr’s letter for March: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” You may have heard this directive of Jesus pronounced as blessed ashes were placed on your forehead on Ash Wednesday. These few words, which were also part of the Gospel for the Second Week of Lent (Mark 1:15), …

Mercer County couple’s Catholic coloring books promote prayer By Walt Schaefer Tim and Mandy Hill have combined the beauty of Catholic art and a popular hobby to create an opportunity for reflection, meditation, evangelization, and enjoyment. Presently living in suburban Denver as Tim Hill completes a Masters of Arts degree …

Q: My understanding is that Catholics are to observe some form of penance every Friday during the year, even during Ordinary Time. So even though we’re allowed to eat meat on Fridays outside of Lent, there is an obligation for Catholics to do (or not do) something on these Fridays. …