As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution this year, this series will examine the origins of the church and Catholic life in each of the 50 states, following the order in which they ratified the United States Constitution. The journey begins in Delaware, the first state — small in size, but foundational in the nation’s constitutional life.

By showing up late or leaving early, we not only trivialize the real presence of Jesus, not only trivialize the Eucharist, but we also miss the full richness of the Mass.

The desire to “live to see your children’s children,” as Psalm 128 puts it, is wired deep inside the human heart. We want to see the children we worked so hard to parent in turn bring the next generation into being.

Our Catholic faith fundamentally rejects the possessive individualism of both major parties as contrary to the doctrine of solidarity. We do not have a home on the continuum of liberalism.

It’s easier than ever to pull away from people with minimal consequence: ghost someone, block, unfollow. We’ve built technologies that make disconnection frictionless.

Beyond the Gospel accounts, Mary’s perpetual virginity is something that has been continuously affirmed though our sacred tradition.

The God of second chances is always ready to move forward. Not that we aren’t supposed to acknowledge our failings. But we can’t linger in the past, spending time beating ourselves up as God makes plans for us.

I hoped everything would be fine, and that the baby would continue to grow and thrive. But, just a few weeks later, we learned the baby had passed away.

“Wake Up Dead Man” may not share your politics, but it offers a timeless reminder that transcends ideology: The Gospel’s saving message is attractive and compelling, even in a skeptical world. We need only step aside and let false fronts fall away.

A household of persons who are united to God and one another through the sacramental life of the church means that it is grace that makes a household a domestic church.