The other founding: The blood of the martyrsDr. R. Jared Staudt
This summer has led me on an unexpected pilgrimage related to the founding of the United States. I wrote previously about traveling some of the paths taken by Spanish explorers in 1776, including the ...
The blessing of having siblingsLucia A. Silecchia
Martha, Martha, Martha. I have always had a fondness in my heart for St. Martha. Alas, because she made one complaint recorded in scripture she has been forever remembered as a whiny sister. Yet, I ...
Why are SSPX confessions invalid?Jenna Marie Cooper
Q: Why is it that when the SSPX says Mass, it's only illicit, but now going to confession with them would be not only illicit but also invalid? A: The short answer is because the Sacrament of Penance ...
Communion Rite -- ConclusionFather Robert M. O'Grady
Once you have received either the Body of Christ or the Blood of Christ, or optimally both, you should return to your place in the assembly, usually the pew or your seat. There is a personal option to ...
When Is a Priest Not a Priest?Maureen Crowley Heil
The real answer to the title question, of course, is never. Once ordained, a priest is marked by the sacrament of Holy Orders forever. He embarks on a life of service to God's people, taking him on ...
A yoke for the childlikeScott Hahn
Jesus is portrayed in today's Gospel as a new and greater Moses. Moses, the meekest man on earth (see Numbers 12:3), was God's friend (see Exodus 34:12, 17). Only he knew God "face to face" ...
Scripture Reflection for July 5, 2026, 14th Sunday in Ordinary TimeDeacon Greg Kandra
Zec 9:9-10 Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 Rom 8:9, 11-13 Mt 11:25-30 In an age when it seems everyone wants to have more, be more, say more, achieve more, we're introduced this week to another idea ...
The new face of mass deportationBishop Nicholas DiMarzio
In his confirmation hearing, former Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said, "My goal in six months is that we are not in the lead story every single day." Mullin made a strategic choice of words. The ...
Should a priest do a Mass intention 'for the people of the parish' when there are more specific intentions waiting?Jenna Marie Cooper
Q: I try to have a Mass said for my deceased grandparents every year around the anniversary of their deaths. But this year, my parish said their Mass intention calendar is very full, and people are requesting ...
The fate of Haitian migrants lies with the SenateArchbishop Thomas G. Wenski
The House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would extend TPS (Temporary Protected Status) protections for Haitians for three more years -- a critical lifeline for those desperate to avoid ...
