by Susan Bergman When Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (CSSMV) launched the Lenten Love in Action campaign in 2023, their goal was simple: celebrate the good already happening in our neighborhoods and inspire even more of it. Seeing countless small acts of kindness quietly unfolding in schools, parishes, …

March 5 – 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: At Christ’s invitation, We come together, Gathered in his name, Drawn close to his voice. Reflection: “Rend your hearts, not your garments.” Between this verse from …

By Daniel Payne CNA Staff, Mar 21, 2025 / 06:00 am Few people associate McDonald’s with the season of Lent, but the fast-food chain has played a small but iconic role in Lenten history — at least in the United States. Known primarily for its burgers and chicken nuggets, the restaurant’s …

Q: What are common fears about going to Confession?  A: People fear revealing things about themselves that may look them look bad or appear less than “nice.” They want to keep the mask on without ever having to reveal the dark things in their heart. They also fear the stigma that …

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is about an encounter with God’s mercy and forgiveness. It’s not something to be scared of… no matter how long it’s been or how big your sins.

By Diego López Marina ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 19, 2025 / 07:00 am Lent is not only a time of self denial but also of transformation. Six saints and blesseds have offered the following profound reflections on how to live this time authentically through fasting and conversion of heart. St. Augustine …

In this Jubilee 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 to be enthralled in March Madness, we are in the teeth of our …

By Sister Constance Veit, lsp Five years ago this month, life as we knew it came to a standstill. COVID-19 cast a pall over the entire world, forcing us to face our radical vulnerability and our powerlessness in the face of death. About a week after we had gone into …

Anchorage, Alaska, Mar 16, 2009 / 06:24 am On Mar. 17, the Catholic Church especially honors St. Patrick – Catholic bishop, “Apostle of Ireland” and one of the most well-loved and celebrated saints of all time. From special Masses to parades, the world rejoices on St. Patrick’s day. In an …

Why do Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent? What is the history behind the practice? The Church’s penitential traditions date back to the first Christians. Jesus provided a model for fasting and abstinence during His 40 days in the desert and taught that fasting would be part of …