Father Peter Ascik: Pope calls for ‘firm commitment’ to life – what’s yours?

The birth of Jesus shows us that God’s love is not an abstract idea. It is a relationship with a real person.

This was Pope Francis’ message as he reflected on the motherhood of Mary in a homily kicking off the New Year.

Colleen Arnold: Our prayer posture affects our mindset at Mass

Recently, a non-Catholic friend accompanied me to Mass. “I was so confused!” she exclaimed afterward. “How do you know when to sit or stand or kneel? And all those secret gestures!”

Father Benjamin A. Roberts: Our Lady, Pilgrim of Hope

In my confessional, the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help hangs on the wall across from my chair. This image has always been one of my favorites, and my seminary class chose this title and image of Our Lady as our class patroness.

Laura Kelly Fanucci: Every day’s a New Year, so which door will you choose?

Imagine two doors before you. One wide.

One narrow. You stand on the threshold. A moment of decision.

The wide door hints at busy brightness behind. You can hear music, laughter and many voices. You catch a hint of delicious smells and colorful lights. The pull is almost irresistible.

Jackie Sandoval: The power of prayer

The morning of Hurricane Helene, I opened my eyes to the sound of wind and rain outside. What time is it? I looked at the clock. 7:30. I looked outside the window and almost began to panic. The wind was gushing and the trees were rocking violently. I instantly felt fear at the idea that this was my first hurricane and that I could be killed. I sat there, feeling more and more scared at the noises outside.

Michael R. Heinlein: Eucharist opens a portal to the true meaning of Christmas

There’s no question that much of what the world does to celebrate Christmas resembles very little of the holiday’s etymological roots. Christmas, of course, comes from combining Christ and Mass – a throwback to when the Mass was the central part of any celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Bishop Michael T. Martin: Are you waiting, or anticipating?

The difference between waiting and anticipating is huge. So in this season of Advent, the question is: Are we waiting for something, or are we anticipating something?

Andrew Tolkmith: Don’t let disasters be the only way to remember how to live

Natural disasters bring with them a certain mysterious power to recalibrate a person’s understanding of what humans are and what they are for. Values seem to get tossed in a whirlwind like the trees and powerlines in a hurricane – and in the aftermath, inexplicably, they just fall back into right order within the soul. Parents, brothers and sisters matter like never before. Neighbors matter like never before. The parish matters like never before. Giving thanks matters like never before.