Catholic Church

By uCatholic - It’s that time of year when all Catholics start to think about what they will give up for Lent. Many will choose chocolate or social media or alcohol. For those who really desire to grow in holiness over the forty days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, it is beneficial to look to the saints for inspiration… Here’s what some of the most beloved saints did during Lent.

By Rev. Jerry J. Pokorsky, The Catholic Thing - Parishioners notice many uncomfortable details about priests, ranging from personal hygiene to personality quirks. Depending upon circumstances, a pastor may have a duty to affirm or deny rumors for the sake of tranquility, and transparency. These acknowledgments can be painful but necessary. So here is one of my many secrets: I am a conservative…. I prefer the term “Catholic.” But since I have an obligation before God to conserve and preach what I have received, after careful consideration, I have come to accept the conservative characterization.

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture - With Ash Wednesday just one short week away, I have been thinking about the need for repentance: not just my own need (which is great), but the need of the whole universal Church. For all of us, acutely conscious of the scandals within the Church, Lent is a good time to recall the words of St. Peter to religious leaders who had betrayed the Messiah: “Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

By Stephen Beale, EWTN News - Although the recent sex-abuse scandals in the Church have shaken the faithful and have caused many to question its authority and teachings on celibacy in the priesthood, there are men who see the crisis as an opportunity to strengthen their commitments to their faith and future vocations… Several seminarians who spoke with the Register said they grew in their love for the priesthood, thanks to the support and example they received within their seminaries.