Each of the stories of the saints, as Leo put it, all started when “they said ‘yes’ to God and gave themselves to him completely, keeping nothing for themselves.”

It is possible that excellent marriage preparation could “work against” a couple seeking a declaration of nullity in some circumstances. But most of the time, it probably would not.

A prayerful nature walk, reflecting on the gift of our environment, is a great way to honor the Season of Creation.

Stopping difficult, controversial or “hateful” words before they are uttered may leave some feelings unhurt, but the price of insult-free living will be the destruction of authentic engagement between people. It will mean more social distrust, loneliness and isolation which are already an epidemic.

As we inched forward, I watched him lift each host and place it into people’s hands. I was in awe that our son is so grown up.

If the Church is itself the sacrament of unity and charity, then we need to curb our speech, and more.

Assassination is a tragedy for our country and for humanity. In this case it raises the flame beneath a pot that had already been simmering and is now dangerously close to boiling over. We must pray for peace, and for a reckoning that rids us of senseless violence once and for all.

When in doubt, bring it up in confession anyway. If a person does bear the guilt of a sin committed in their pre-Catholic life, the priest will be happy to grant absolution.

When we crack claws and pluck crab meat over brown paper, we do it patiently and with joy for the process and the time together. Perhaps we can bring that same patient joy to our hopes for God’s work in our life.  

The story behind the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a fascinating mix of history and legend. In 326, 80-year-old St. Helen travels to the Holy Land with a grand and enduring purpose: To find the true cross, the one on which Jesus had been crucified.